small gouge set

S-Shamrock · #1 07-13-2005, 10:21 PM

hi
I was wondering if you all could give me some advice, I'm thinking of buying a small and fairly inexpensive set of gouges. I was looking at these two sets. has any one had any experience with any of these:

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/produ...&dept_id=12683

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/produ...&dept_id=12695

http://www.misterart.com/store/view/...arving-Set.htm
thanks
-silas

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 07-13-2005, 10:48 PM

I would not be afraid of the first set, the japanese seem to have very good steel....I have the second set, I bought it thru a sale at Woodcraft for 19.95....really good set, I like it a lot! The third set I have no knowledge of, but my inclination is no...and I don't have a good reason for that LOL

wade clark · #3 07-13-2005, 11:14 PM

Silas,
There are a million $20 sets on the market--just check ebay.
You get what you pay for. The more expensive of the two Japanese sets will definately be the better. To build good tools takes both time and good materials, neither of which is free. They sell the second set for more because it has better material and took more time to make, therefore it's better.
You can spend hundreds on a set of carving gouges and chisels. But a starter set is a very good place to start!
So buy the best you can and have fun! You can always upgrade or add to your set as you're able, and you might find that Japanese set is an excellent set that will last a lifetime!
Good luck!
Wade

Mitchell · #4 07-13-2005, 11:43 PM

S-Shamrock, In my opinion, I suggest that you don't buy any of those - really. You will not be satisfied. As Wade states above- generally it's better to buy the best that you can afford (paraphrased). The first set MAY work ok, but I don't like the steel used in those. I have one tool by that brand and well, I couldn't tell you which drawer or box it may be stored in right now. I didn't like it.

The second set is not "bad", but they are a little hard to keep sharp (for me - and I have adequate practice at sharpening - but not real good skills

). Anyway, the metal portion is too short to really be effective when working in tight spots. The three that I purchased are in the same spot as the first mentioned......

I have not tried the third set....I can't believe that the metal would really be what you need.

Call a supplier and ask for someone that carves.....Rick at Little Shavers or Allen at Smoky Mountain - or others. They can set you up with a few of gouges that you will use and will work for you. The sets (above) contain profiles that you will never need - And that's the biggest reason I don't recommend buying the sets above. You can save money (in the long run) by buying a few of gouges that you will actually use as opposed to a set and only using 2 or three of the group.

Well there's a couple of varying opinions. In actuality, it depends on how serious you want to be. IF you want to continue to carve (you have to be sure), you are really better off spending a little bit more time and money in selecting some tools that you can continue to use as you develop your skills.

Clifford_Parker · #5 07-14-2005, 09:09 AM

I bought the second set you posted last year, along with a couple singles, and I use and like them a lot. I also bought a few Ramelson gouges and they are good quality tools at a reasonable price. Rick at Little Shavers carries Ramelsons and will set you up with what you need if you contact him.

rick-in-seattle · #6 07-14-2005, 10:05 AM

Take a look at this set, they look like nice tools.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...332,43334&ap=1

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 07-14-2005, 10:18 AM

that does look like a good set! I seem to get the impression prices are getting better on carving items? I don't look at Lee Valley too much because they seemed high in the past, but that price doesn't look out of line at all........maybe all us tool fanatics are catching up and they have to entice us with prices? Won't work, nope, not me, can't entice me with prices.....ummmm wattya got? LOL

BobD · #8 07-14-2005, 10:28 AM

Out of curosity--what do you use the bent straight chisel for? Relief carving?

Bob

S-Shamrock · #9 07-14-2005, 11:22 AM

thanks for the advice and links.
the thing that I was worried about with the second set was like mitchell said, with the blade being that short it seemed like the handle would limit the use.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 07-14-2005, 11:30 AM

I like mine a lot and use them all the time....for the price, can't hardly go wrong in my opinion. OOPS.. but like I said, I only paid 19.95 for the lol