Macaroni tools

[Donsexton]

Back when I carved a lot of low and high relief plaques and signs I made use of my long bent macaroni tools. As you can see they are flat on the bottom with a 90 degree side angle. You can clean the background of a relief carving and clean the border as well the tools can be turned sideways and used like a V tool. They work great for lettering raised or carved in letters. Do any of you woodcarvers that carve a lot of relief make use of my favorite tool for that style?

[pallin]

Sorry to see that many forum members read your post, but didn't respond. I do mostly reliefs, and have considered buying a long bent macaroni gouge, but haven't. Like you, I have found each gouge can do more than the obvious cuts. It seems that I can do everything I want with about six tools, so I have about 40 others, including some long bent gouges, that are rarely used.

[tmaddi]

Hi Don,
I do mostly relief carving and you have me thinking about purchasing a couple of macaronis. What sizes did you find most useful? Pfeil has them but they look straight and not bent. I think bent would be more useful for smoothing backgrounds. I may have to go with Henry Taylor.
Thanks, Tom

[Thor]

I pay attention when you make recommendations Don. I use V tools a lot, but haven't tried one of those. I think I would have to see one in person being used, or else watch someone sharpen it to want one.
I did order both of the books you showed to us on another thread, and they are both worth the read.
Christina

[Donsexton]

Originally Posted by tmaddi

Hi Don,
I do mostly relief carving and you have me thinking about purchasing a couple of macaronis. What sizes did you find most useful? Pfeil has them but they look straight and not bent. I think bent would be more useful for smoothing backgrounds. I may have to go with Henry Taylor.
Thanks, Tom

I worked for a antique restorer down in New Orleans everything from furniture to old wood boats and wood signs. I have three of the tools they are Henry Taylor and all are long bent 1/8” ¼” ½”. The good thing about the tools they don’t dig or tear corners of letters and numbers. The other tool I used for that style is short bent skews or what I was taught to call them “dog leg skew”. You know in my opinion nothing looks as good as a hand carved sign.

[carverken]

I have looked at them many times but have not "pulled the trigger". I have used my tool money to get additional gouges and V's. I will look more closely at them. Thanks for the update.

K

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Never used one, I would consider buying one if I did more relief carving.

Dave

[Dougie]

Rick Butz used them on some of his TV projects way back when.
I think I will have to get at least one,
Doug