New to relief carving help on choosing tools

[spafa9]

Hi I am just getting started relief carving and was wondering if anyone had any suggestion on what to get for a beginner set or if there were two or three tools I could get to begin. There are so many out there that I am just not sure what to spend the money on at first especially if I am not sure if it will be something I will enjoy or not. I already to intarsia but wanted to try my hand at this.

Thanks,
Spafa9

[pallin]

If you go to the bottom of the page you'll notice a list of similar threads on this topic.
My personal recommendation would be to get one or two quality gouges and perhaps a knife for doing stop cuts. The size of the gouges may be determined by what size of reliefs you plan to do, but I like the Pfeil 5-12mm or the 7-6mm.

[Davidwc]

I am fairly new to this myself, but I would get a good V tool, a medium sized nearly but not quite flat gouge, and a probably a good knife to start. If you can get a 4th tool, perhaps a veiner. It may take longer, but smaller tools can be more versatile than larger ones. I got some palm Swiss gouges that I really like. They really hold their edge. I haven't bought any, but lots of folks recommend the beginner's kit from Smoky Mtn. woodcarver. Have fun.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I don't have alot of experience with relief, I do recomend a good sharp V- tool, dog leg chisels, bent gouge, etc. You might check with www.littleshavers.com for tools and advice.

Dave

[CarverRog]

I'm primarily a chip carver but I do relief also and having said that there is nothing anymore important than the tools being sharp so whatever you choose for gouges you will have to sharpen them.

I know others will disagree with me but as a beginner you will want to produce something right out of the gate to keep feed your interest and it will be a little more difficult to do that with only a couple of $30 gouges. I suggest getting the flexcut 11 pc. set with the removable blades and the sharpening strop. Woodcraft has the set for $89.99 and slipstrop for $13.99. More than likely you will be carving something smaller and this set will give you most of the essentials needed for smaller relief work. I know you will be changing blades often but it isn't all that hard and it will give you a little time to think about making the right cuts.

Good luck on your new voyage into the carving world!

[Donsexton]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Handyman

I don't have alot of experience with relief, I do recomend a good sharp V- tool, dog leg chisels, bent gouge, etc. You might check with www.littleshavers.com for tools and advice.

Dave

I agree with Handyman and I will add macaroni toolsgreat for that style.