[MJ1607]

Hey Everybody,

While researching and reading about wood carving, I have come across several lists of recommended tools with which to start carving. I am curious what tools you guys (other members) would recommend as essential to start carving?

Let me clarify three points. First, I would like to do in-the-round (i.e. sculptural or carousel) carving. I think I should start out with a reasonable scale/size. Second, I plan to be carving both soft as well as hard woods. Third, by tools, I mean chisels, gouges, veiners, parting tools, etc.

With the previous three points in mind, what tools (sizes, sweeps, etc.) would you recommend.

Thank you for all your help.

Michael

[xsailer]

Sounds like you indeed have the bug. I, like you, read quite a bit about carving before I actually decided I wanted to get started. The first question that came up was what tools do I need with the money I want to spend. With out repeating what has already been written several times I would strongly suggest using the "Search" catagory in the above menu. Your questions have been asked and answered dozens of times in the past on the forum. You've certainly come to right place to get answers to your questions. Don't mean to put you off but people much more knowledgeable than I have given answers to you question and you will enjoy reading them
as I did and still do.

Always nice to welcome another "victim" to the carving world.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Take a look at Rick's beginners kit (Little Shavers). He has all of the essential items (tools, glove, etc.) and the price is unbelievable. I have a student starting with me on Wed. and had intended to let her use my tools. I was going to have her buy a knife and glove. Then ran across Rick's kit and told her it was so little more in cost to get it and she would be on her way. You can then add to the tools as you find the need.

Now that I think about it, this is the first time I have ever recommended a kit. Generally, in my opinion, there is always something in there that will be seldom used. This is the exception.

[AlArchie]

That is a very good suggestion from Paul. These tools are an excellent beginners selection, and will serve well for carvings of sizes up to 12" or 15".......well even bigger if you so choose. Then as you graduate to larger carvings, you will want to go to the full size tools (those 10" 10 12" long). A simple guideline would be to look at those palm tools in the beginners kit and get the full size ones in the same configurations.

Here's where I went for starters;

1. 30mm #3 sweep.

2. 30mm #5 sweep.

3. 12mm #3 sweep.

4. 1/4" (6mm) 60 degree "V".

5. 1/2" (12mm) 60 degree "V"

6. 1/4" veiner.

7. 1/8" veiner.

8. 1/2" skew.

9. 30mm #3 sweep fishtail for corner clean-up.

10. 10mm or 3/8" flat dog leg chisle for bottoming.

You'll most likely get other lists of "essential" tools because most evryone else has their own starters or tools they use most of the time.

Likewise you will try and discard quite a few as "non-essential". Don't literally discard these tools....put 'em in your box and keep 'em sharp! Never know when one of those will be just what you need and nothing else will do.

By the way, tool buying tends to become an addiction almost as strong as carving itself!

Al

[Kenny_S]

I echo Paul's and ALA's advice. Rick of little shavers has one of the best starter kits for under $50. Inculdes five piece gouge set, a knife, carving glove,strop, compound, edge protectors and comes in a nice wood box that you can decorate.

[Eddy Smiles]

I started out with a "Case" pocket knife and then graduated to a Flexcut detail knife before I finally started collecting gouges and v-tools. But at the time I didn't know about this forum or Rick's kit so I'd also have to echo the above advice! Nothing ventured nothing gained. If you decide that you want to get further into carving you can always add on to your tool collection. If you decide to quit you can always sell it as a set...

[muskysucker]

I just received the starter kit from Rick. I have not used it yet but just looking at everything that came with it, it was well worth it. I spent time talking with Rick’s wife, and what nice people they are. I had it to my door in 2 days!! I will spend my money with them on all of my tools that I need from now on. And if I can’t get them sharp again I can send them back, and Rick will help me out. Now that is money well spent in my eyes. Thanks to this site I know about these things, thanks!! Evan