Relief carving on rings

[shanelejts]

Hi!

I'm new to woodcarving and especially new to relief carving. Right now, I'm just going to be practicing with found wood and an Opinel, but in the future I'd like to work my way into relief carving on objects as small as rings. Basically I'm looking for tools (palm tools specifically) that would be efficient in small detailing.

1) I'm looking at v-tools and gouges. Am I looking in the right direction?

2) Do you have any personal recommendations?

3) Do you have any recommendation for water stones to sharpen with? Preferably double-sided water stones.

Thanks so much for your time!
Shanele

[Robson Valley]

Shanele:
Welcome.
What sort of materials? Wood, stone, bone, metals?

The Lee Valley 1000/4000 grit water stone is good, the 1k side is softer than I expected.

[shanelejts]

Wow, thank you for such a quick response! And thanks for the welcome.

As for now I plan on only using wood! As for what kind of wood-- its hard to say, unfortunately, as I plan to use solely found-wood.

I THINK some common trees around me are: maples, cherry blossoms, oaks and tilia trees (I live in Philadelphia.)

Does that help at all?

[Robson Valley]

You're right about going in the direction of palm tools. Seem to be some good brands, the personal preferences are nearly as diverse as the carvers themselves. Almost the same can be said for sharpening styles & systems. Lurk with the carvers of cottonwood bark, they do a lot of very fine detail.
8" tall for me is a model of a "real" carving. Most everything that I want to do is 12 - 30" in western red cedar, most of my tools are Pfeil. Drake is supposed to have a very good reputation for smaller tools. While a 'beginner's kit' of tools is OK for many and for many purposes, my preference is to buy tools from open stock as I really, really, really think I need one.

[shanelejts]

Thanks so much! I think I'm going to go with flexcut's mini palm set! Seems like a good idea in getting those small details!

[Robson Valley]

I tell ya, if your profile is real, I'll leave the fine stuff to you young punks with the good eyes.

[pallin]

The ring carvings you plan to do may be similar to carving Scout neckerchief slides. Many years ago (1965-75) I carved several dozen, mostly of basswood, but some of walnut and hard woods I found on the ground. Manzanita is especially hard. A simple pocket knife, shaped to my use, was all I needed. There's a photo in the Carvers Gallery.

[shanelejts]

Wow, thanks! Thats actually very similar to what I want to do.