Cost of Carving Tools

[One Thumb Carver]

I keep hearing “Do not buy the cheapest tools” I can understand fly first is cheaper he flying coach However they both arrive at the same time. Now my question someone just starting in relief carving there are so many tools (mallet, skew chisel gouge) now they do not come cheap 30.00 up (more up) for each tool. This is expensive for some people to pay out of pocket. Or on a fix income would it be reasonable to say try a few cheap tools to see if you like it or have the talent needed for carving.

Again this just a question I’m at this cross roads. Especially on fix income

[mpounders]

Use what you have or what you can afford! I signed up for a class with a well-known carver and I was concerned that I did not have tools that she preferred. She said not to worry, that we would just use what I had! She grew up as the youngest carver in her family and learned to carve with whatever tools she had available, left-overs from her siblings. Don't buy a set of tools, or spend a lot of money, at least until you find a need for a particular tool. I still haven't bought a mallet! I have a drawer with several sets of really cheap tools that ranged from $6-$20 per set. Just a reminder to me that a few good tools are more useful than a bunch of bad tools.

[Donsexton]

The things you can do with one good hook skew.

[One Thumb Carver]

Originally Posted by Donsexton

The things you can do with one good hook skew.

Donsexton I really like skews I will have to take a look at thw Hook skew thanks for posting

[One Thumb Carver]

Originally Posted by mpounders

Use what you have or what you can afford! I signed up for a class with a well-known carver and I was concerned that I did not have tools that she preferred. She said not to worry, that we would just use what I had! She grew up as the youngest carver in her family and learned to carve with whatever tools she had available, left-overs from her siblings. Don't buy a set of tools, or spend a lot of money, at least until you find a need for a particular tool. I still haven't bought a mallet! I have a drawer with several sets of really cheap tools that ranged from $6-$20 per set. Just a reminder to me that a few good tools are more useful than a bunch of bad tools.

mpounders your are correct about having one good tool compared to bunch of bad ones. Now I have determine what good ones I should invest in and what not so good untill I can move up to a good tool Thanks for taking the time to responced to my Thread

[carver6]

I started relief carving in the late '70s and have never bought any kind of mallet tool. All the tools I own were purchased as individual tools and purchased as I felt the need. Must have needed a lot because I now have more tools than I can get in my tool box. In sets, you get tools that you will use only occasionally, if at all.
Garon

[One Thumb Carver]

Originally Posted by carver6

I started relief carving in the late '70s and have never bought any kind of mallet tool. All the tools I own were purchased as individual tools and purchased as I felt the need. Must have needed a lot because I now have more tools than I can get in my tool box. In sets, you get tools that you will use only occasionally, if at all.
Garon

Carver6 Thanks for responding to my question. What type of tool do you use? And to help you with needed a lot Get a bigger tool box LOL

[Merle Rice]

I was told to buy the Best that you can afford no matter what it is. Then make the best of it. If it is a set of Cheap Tools, so be it. They may not hold an Edge long, but look at the experience of sharpening that you are getting. Expensive Tools don't make you a Good Carver, it's how you use whatever you have. Except what you have and then have a Ball. Merle

[Stan Curtis]

Most of the relief carving I have done is with Flexcut blades in a interchangeable palm handle. I did break down and buy the bigger handle, but would never use (or need) a mallet.
But of course I'm not doing huge reliefs in oak.

[dogcatcher]

I was once told to buy a cheaper set to see if I really liked carving and to learn how to sharpen the chisels. Besides the learning how to sharpen I also found out which chisels I used and needed. Then I started to purchase the best I could afford, I still have a ways to go, but eventually will have what I think I need. I still have that cheap set, about $40 for 10 chisels, and on occasions still use some of the chisels. As long as they cut wood, I will keep using them.