questions

[NewWVcarver]

I've been on this sight before saying i wanted to buy new tools, not knowing what was recommended. i never was able to get any new tools, but really soon, i should be able to. i am a 26 yr. olf relief carver who is home full time because of having to go on disability with MS. i met a wood carver from maryland, Louise Boles, at a family reunion. She had brought one of her relief carvings and i was amazed and she convinced me how possible it was to carve it. I went home and read and read for 3 months and then got my first set of 5 palm tools. i have done 14 pieces, mostly landscape relief. i have been been carving for 13 months, but just recently more than 8 hours a week. i fell in love and know i will be carving for as long as my hands can do so. i have one usable but weak arm but one fine arm. i want to make sure i get very quality tools,. i want to buy a few lamp brand tools, but cant afford to buy all expensive tools. i have bought some mircro tools and i have some other small gouges, less than 8-10 mm. i would like some full size, wide tools. i want a 20mm #1, a wide #3, #7, 12mm Vtool, at least short bent gouge. i would also like to get a new bench knife and i know by now how important to have a good one, because i dont. anyways, sorry that was so dragged on, but i am so excited when i think about carving . i wander what other brands are a little more affordable than the $45.00 lamp brand that i very desperately want to invest in. any other suggestions of anything, i will appreciate your help.

[rales]

For a great value on high end tools - look at Pfeil Swiss Made. Great tools at better prices and a wider selection than Lamp. Woodcraft is the only US distributor but there are many sources in Canada (at much better prices) - plus prices on their sites are in Canadian dollars - so the USD price is about 77% of that amount.

Here's a few places I have bought from and have always had good experiences...

Wood 'N Wildcraft
Feather Animation: Quality Carving Supplies at Competitive Prices

you might want to look at the intermediate sizes - your hands will be a little closer together than on the full size but still function well with a mallet...

Good luck!

rales

[Ron T]

Hello NewWVcarver,

you might want to look at Ebay, craigslist and yardsales. If you're not in a big hurry, you'd be surprised at what's out there.

Good luck with your carving and don't let the MS stop you.

[Hugh-P]

I might suggest Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply
Very good people to deal with, and if you ask , he will steer you in the right direction !!!