confused on which gouges to use

[jstive]

I have only been carving for 3-4 years so I know that I still am a novice. I would like to sharpen up my skills on the use of different tools for different challenges. My problem right now is with a relief carving I am doing it is a horse portrait that is in issue36 fall of 2006. Anyway when I get to the part that is underneath the horses head (which is on a wooden arrow head that is part of the carving, I get into a small area to carve around a rope and feathers it's alright to carve it with a reg. gouge till you get deeper. What I want to know is what kind of a gouge do I use to get into these tight areas. I know I need some sort of bent gouge but from handle to tip of gouge its length must be short. If anyone can understand my problem please help! As always it will be appreaceated. Jim

[Irish]

Jim, there are back bent chisels and gouges. Often though they are made for large carving work and may have a handle length that is too long for you.

I would suggest a micro dog leg chisel. I have two - one has a shaft length of about 1 - 1 1/2" which includes the bend and the chisel.

I have also used a chip carving stab knife in extremely tight relief areas. The angle of the cutting edge of the stab knife is tight so it gives a longer cutting edge than a skew chisel.

Susan

[pallin]

There are also spoon type gouges which work well in tight spaces. What part of the tool bumps into the work when you are trying to undercut the horsehead?

[jstive]

No, its below the jaw of the horse running down the horses lower nose and then runs into the bit and rope and feathers below the horses nose. I can get it cleared out most of the way down. But directions tell me to take it down to 1inch. I am close to that now but I just can't seem to get it smooth and nice like the other parts of the carving. All my gouges are either to long and will not get in there or the bent gouges that I have are not flat enough. I do think the dog leg gouge might help or I was thinking maybe a number 3 bent gouge in a couple of different sizes might help. I sure appreceiate the advise I guess if I am gonna get into relief carving I better learn about the tools it takes to finish the Job? Anyone know of a good book on different tools and how they are suppose work in different types of carvings? Thanks Jim