Beginner - Sign Carving Tools

[mrmonteith]

I've been into woodworking for quite some time. My father-in-law and I have been using a router to do lettering and signs for friends, etc. However I'm looking to getting into carving signs. I like better and fancier letters available to me as well as making the signs stand out.

However I don't want to spend a fortune getting into it if I find it's not for me. Not likely but still a concern. The biggest has been what tools? I found these:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3000

I found similar sets at different sites for about the same price or a little more I found one with extras:

http://www.littleshavers.com/BegKit.html

I kind of like that set but not sure of the quality or if any of these is what I need.

I like the signs that have the wavy background that look kind of like fish scales. I'm sure they have a proper name so forgive me. I'm still researching. I wonder if those tools sets are large enough etc?

I've got someone's business that I'm sure if I made a sign for them everyone in town would want one made.

Any input on tools possibly would help. Again keeping it hopefully below $100 since I'm just starting.

Thanks again
Michael

[rick-in-seattle]

Michael,
If I were starting out in sign carving, I would choose one of these sets.
http://www.woodcraft.com/depts.aspx?deptid=3078
The longer handles of the full-size or intermediate tools provide necessary (two-handed) control.

The other option would be to purchase individual tools as needed.
In that case, I would start with #14 sweep 10mm V-tool (this profile has a slight radius at the bottom of the V, which saves a lot of cleanup) , a #2 16mm (the slight sweep of this tool is an improvement over a #1 flat chisel) , and a good chip-carving knife (the angle is easier on your wrist, and is great for cleaning up tight corners.)

Here is a helpful chart:
http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=396

The two sets you listed would be insufficient for business sign carving.

Finally, I suggest a router to remove the background; making money at sign carving depends on quickly completing the sign.

[mdallensr]

mrmonteith, if you can find Chris Pye's book on letter carving, or one like it from a couple of other carving authors, you'll get some specifics on the tools. My library had a good video on letter carving, and something like that would give you a really good idea what you need. If you're going to carve big signs, with big letters, you're going to need some big (wide) tools. As always, Rick's advice is on the money. Mike

[mrmonteith]

Awsome!, Thanks to both of you for the quick response and information. I do have a good router and can handle that part.

I assume this is the book you're talking about:
Lettercarving in Wood: A Practical Course
by Chris Pye
Paperback
ISBN: 1565232100
Pub. Date: September 2003

I have to go buy some stuff for my father-in-law. Might have to slip in some tools. lol Sure he won't mind buying those for me.

Thanks again. When I do my first sign I'll have to post it on the board somewhere.

Michael

[mdallensr]

Michael, we're looking forward to seeing some examples of your work. Good luck. Mike

[mrmonteith]

Having a fun time trying to find those individually. Of course everyone seems to be using their own measurements, etc.
http://www.texaswoodcarvers.com/Tool...20Palm%20Tools

I'm trying to figure out which v-tool compares to what was mentioned, and the same for the sweep.

Michael

[mrmonteith]

I was thinking of probably the Wide Format set, which might get me in trouble with the boss. lol That or individually get what I need in Flexcut Palm Tools..



Hey, I found this:
http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/SGS7-12WC

Hey, might not be all that great but for the price is worth it to get started. You think? They're out right now of course.

Or this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ie=UTF8&seller=


Michael

[AlArchie]

I don't think I'd waste my money on either one of those sets. The first does not look like they have been ground for carving......more like turning tools. I've handled those Cummins tools and they are basically junk! If you can get to a Cummins sale point, check them out, as their stock is in a constant flux, and you just might luck out. Some of our club members picked up those Cummins reciprocal carvers, and I think they were Ryobi closeouts. But the carving sets I looked at were not worth what they were asking.

Al

[mrmonteith]

Hey, sharpening I can afford. lol I have time and the tools for that part. I might just have to live with one of these to get me started and invest in better quality when I know exactly what I use the most or need. Thanks for the feedback. Every bit helps.

Michael

[carver6]

Why not invest in quality to begin with? Rick at Little Shavers will steer you right and you only have to buy once. JMHO
Garon