Palm or Straight Handle?

[ptofimpact]

Hi again, another question, I am planning my first low relief carving, and am unsure of which type of tools to buy. In your valued opinions, am I best starting with Palm, or Straight handled?
I don't see myself using a Mallet this stage of trying so kinda' unsure which to go with, leaning towards the Palm. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Pete

[Claude]

I would suggest the straight handle and a mallet. When you use a palm gouge, it is difficult to not put your shoulder and elbow muscles into use, which means you have little control over how far the blade cuts. With a mallet, you can range anywhere from a gentle tap that maybe cuts 1/64 inch deep, to a major whack. The mallet gives you very fine control of the gouge. The same gouge can also be used with both hands for finishing cuts without needing the mallet.

Claude

[ptofimpact]

Claude, thank you for your time and expertise. I am anxious to start my carving, but didn't want to jump the gun. What you say makes perfect sense, and perhaps then, if I progress to mallet use, will not have to re-buy.
Pete in NC

[Donsexton]

You can carve any style with full size gouges and do things that palm tools can't. But if you only work with hand size carvings and want compact tools palm tools will do just fine. The top brands are equal in costs for full size to palm. I say go with full size tools you will have more options of projects.

[Robson Valley]

My introduction to wood carving was relief carving. A selection of straight handled Pfeil tools was recommended. So was a a 12-14oz mallet. Those tools lasted for years before I decided that I needed anything different (even bigger). Claude and Don have just explained why.

The guy that sat beside me in that first weekend workshop had a few large pieces of driftwood and maybe a dozen? palm tools. I can still remember how different the subjects and methods were, between the 2 of us.

[carvingbarn]

Like others I would chose the straight handle tools. Like Don said they can be use for many types of carving. Generally I think of my palm tools as tools for small hand held projects and clean up on larger carvings. But in the long run it will be what you find work best for you.

[ptofimpact]

Thank you all, much excellent direction, hope I don't ask too many questions, but it is quite nice to have a group of good folks willing to share their expertise and opinion. I shall look to straight handles.

Pete in NC

[Lazy Carver]

To me Pete, it depends on the kind of wood your using for low relief carving. If maple, or very dry walnut then extended handle and mallet. If Pine, Basswood, or poplar i would suggest palm... Start with a few of each first. Then try them out... Carving is more of a feel than a science...