Which 10 tools would you buy?

[Johnt63]

Ok so in the next year I want to buy 10 relief Swiss carving tools. Roughly around 35-50 dollars a piece. Obviously if your like me getting them one a month although slow would be a little easier than buying all 10 at once. However, you still have a problem due too so many to choose from. So what tools and what size if you had to pick 10 or 12? E.g. V-tool size 12. gouge tool size 10mm. etc etc.

the reason I ask is I would like to know what to get as I'm a little overwhelmed at the thought.

[ajcoholic]

When I started getting more serious about carving, my father bought me this set in the late 80's:

Lee Valley Tools - Important Announcement

I know they are Henry Taylor, but the same sizes are available in any other brand (I did have some Pfeil tools as well but sold them years ago)

To this "basic" set, I added a few bent gouges back in the mid 90's and along with a few knives these tools have served me very well. I actually just added some smaller palm size gouges and V tools this past year.

But for all of the relief carving I have done, the Sayer set from Lee Valley along with a few additional bent gouges have worked out very well.

AJC

[pallin]

I recommend that you buy only 3 or 4 gouges and knives to start. After you have done relief carving for a while, you will have a better idea of additional profiles you could use. The ones I would start with are: a chip or detail knife, #1S-8mm, #3-12mm, #12-6mm (V). You will get other expert opinions (and there are other threads on this topic). As you consider their ideas, take a look at their "body of work" in the Member Galleries to see if they actually do relief carving. I invite you to look at mine.

[carvingbarn]

Hi Johnt63
Have you checked out the (Idaho Woodcarvers guild ) there in Boise? If not I would suggest You check them out. see if there are some relief carvers there and what tools they use and why. I second Pallin's recommendation. You may want to check out Nora Halls web site. She offers a nice group of packages including tools and instructional DVDs. I have and use her videos. That is how I learned most of the basics of relief carving.

[davidinsarasota]

These:

[Sharon of the Dell]

I know you said Swiss made and one at a time, but for what it's worth, these are great tools or at least I think they are. Can't beat the price. Yes they are made in China, but they are hand forged were carving is a centuries old tradition with these kind of tools.
It's solely up to you and we all have our own preferences. These are mine.

13 TOOL STARTER SET & ROLL-Wood Carvers Supply

[Donsexton]

Originally Posted by Sharon of the Dell

I know you said Swiss made and one at a time, but for what it's worth, these are great tools or at least I think they are. Can't beat the price. Yes they are made in China, but they are hand forged were carving is a centuries old tradition with these kind of tools.
It's solely up to you and we all have our own preferences. These are mine.

13 TOOL STARTER SET & ROLL-Wood Carvers Supply

They are good tools for the money no doubt. Nice set David that would do most any thing a carver could want.

[RUssL.]

Maybe you saw my post earlier:
Woodcraft is going to have Pfeil "Swiss Made" full size and intermediate gouges on sale (not the sets though) from December 26th through January for 15% off.
These tools are very seldom get discounted and if I was in the market for 10 more Swiss made tools ( I have over 120 full size gouges as it is. I am a tool junkie but I have pretty much everything need or want when it comes to gouges) I would move on this sale.

I have no affiliation to either Woodcraft of Pfeil...other than being a customer of both.

Merry Christmas and to all a good night.
Russ

[Trebor56]

PM me. I might have something that would work for you.