relief size gouges

[Dennis Taylor]

I posted prior to this about wanting to get some larger mallet gouges for some relief type work...not done any prior, but peeked my interest, so the reason for the 1st post...now here is my 2nd post on this subject:

is there a benefit to the larger tools, other than rapid stock removal?....could I get away with just a large tool for stock removal, and maybe a large V, and then it seems like most of the remainder of the work could be done with palm tools...

how many relief carvers use mostly palm tools for there work?...tks....Dennis

[pallin]

A lot depends on the size of the reliefs you plan to carve, and the wood chosen. I have only used a mallet for stock removal on large reliefs in harder woods. For basswood and similar woods, a large gouge with arm pressure is sufficient. As for palm tools, you may run into some serious limitations on deeper reliefs. I use only full-sized gouges at present.

[Dennis Taylor]

1" stock, with an 8x10 or same work surface..... I asked and only got one reply, but recommend 3 or 4 gouges to start?.... I have smaller palm tools, but nothing larger than a palm tool, and a few flexcut with the power handle...tks....Dennis

[susieq]

Hi Dennis,
I can't comment on palm handled tools..... I like long handled tools. I put both hands on the gouge when working and the carving is fastened on the table to keep it from moving. Personally, I think long handled tools used like this, give you far more control than palm handled tools could. I have also known carvers who used palm handled tools exclusively who developed serious problems with their hand......

As for size of tools, a large V is always handy. You can carve small areas with a large V, but it's difficult to carve a large area with a small one. You probably need a mix of small, medium and large gouges for what you will be doing. A small or medium deep U gouge, say a #9 or #11, will be good for removing a lot of wood and also getting into tight places. It's hard, though, to tell someone else what they will need, other than basics. Several different sized good flat chisels are very handy also.

What it boils down to, is that as you carve, you will realize you need a certain tool, here and there. We accumulate a large variety of tools over time, as we work...avoid sets. You always end up with several tools you will never use.... and Murphy's law says that no matter how many tools you have, once in a while, you will not have "just the right tool" for what you want to do. You learn to work with what ever you have...LOL. No easy answers here since everyone's preferences are a little different. Buy them as you go along. Then you will be sure to get what works for you.

ps. I prefer the narrow profile V tools....but that's a personal preference.

[Donsexton]

You can do anything with a full size tool that you can with a palm tool. You should not strike a palm tool with a mallet and unless you have tiny hands a full grip with both hands not possable. I know folks love the palm tools but I would recommend full size tools you can do more with them.

[Dennis Taylor]

#1 x 3/4
#3 x 1
#3 x 1/2
#9 x 3/4
60 v x 1/2

how would this work for a starter set, please add or subtract with your thoughts, trying to get santa a list!.....tks to all who reply.....these are flexcut mallet tools and they have power handles that might work also...any thoughts......Dennis

[Donsexton]

I bet they will do you well

[susieq]

I would suggest a #5 gouge....it is a good middle ground tool for removing a lot of wood without making the deep troughs that the deep U will make. You still need the #9 but when you work down to where you want to get rid of the ridges in between the cuts you made with the 9, (closer to finishing) the #5 & #3 are good choices. My carving teacher always uses a 25mm #5. He says it's his favorite tool and he wants to be buried with it...LOL. I have one also and they are a good workhorse of a gouge. I would suggest maybe a 22mm for you as the 25mm is a big tool and for now, you might not need something quite that large.

You might only get one #3 and make it a 3/4 inch tool...good middle ground there also.

So substituting a #5 for one of those #3 tools, and picking a size #3 in between the 2 sizes you had picked, are the only changes I would suggest.

This will get you going and from there it will be you finding out what you need while you're actually working. That is always the best way to pick what you need. Happy carving.

[RUssL.]

To keep the budget down maybe go with the middle size of each sweep? From Chris Pye's website:

This is the Basic Tool Set for beginners and following the practical exercises in my Relief Carving Book. Some firms use a different nomenclature, but:
This is the SHEFFIELD LIST (HENRY TAYLOR, ASHLEY ILES for example) BASIC TOOL SET:

2. Sweep no. 3 x 1/4 " (5mm) - flat gouges
3. Sweep no. 3 x 1/2 " (12mm)
4. Sweep no. 3 x 3/4 " (18mm)
5. Sweep no. 6 x 1/4 " (5mm) - medium gouges
6. Sweep no. 6 x 1/2 " (12mm)
7. Sweep no. 6 x 3/4 " (18mm)
8. Sweep no. 9 x 1/4 " (5mm) - deep gouges
9. Sweep no. 9 x 1/2 " (12mm)
10. Sweep no. 9 x 3/4 " (18mm)
11. Sweep no. 2 x 3/8 " (10mm) - skew chisel
12. Sweep no. 39 x 3/8 "(10mm) - 60° Vtool

[RUssL.]

The numbering is off on this quote from Chris Pye's web site.
There are only 11 tools listed on his site.

Russ