[RussL.]

Would someone please clearly articulate what the chracteristics of a "grounding tool" are that differentiate it from other gouges?

Thank you,

Russ

[mark yundt]

The fastest grounding tool is a router. As far as chisels go it's a version of dog leg tools or variations of different sweeps in an almost spoon type shape just flatter. This shape allows you to get down to the bottom of a relief carving,,,the "ground" to flatten and smooth it. A regular shaped chisel can't at times get into these areas because of the depth of the ground and it's difficult to reach because of the straight shape of a conventional chisel. I have included a small sample of some of the one's I have.You can see by the shape how handy they can be when trying to get to the bottom of things.
Before I found these I would just take a torch to one of my other chisels and bend it to the shape I wanted ,retemper it ,,sharpen it,,and off I went. These can be handy for that occasional odd situation but they seldom see the light of day as I have discovered other methods that work without searching these out.

[RussL.]

Thanks boss.
So really, there is no difference between, say, a short-bend/spoon #3 and a grounder?

I think it was a catalog that offered Ashley-Iles tools that offered both, and one of the few tool listings I have seen that specifically listed "grounding tool". I have also seen it referred to (though not well explained) in at least one book on basic carving.

Thanks again, in particular for the images.

Now get back to your paying job! ;-)

RussL.

[RussL.]

Mark,

I am sure that you are correct about a router being the fastest grounding tool!
While there is there is no moral high-ground to not using one, woodcarving is my hobby and power tools (at least at this point) are not welcome.
They are too loud, too large & too messy for my tiny little 5' X 6' shop space.

I sort of have come to accept the slow, manual process of this most unrewarding part of carving: the removal of waste wood.

If I get in a hurry with my woodcarving then I am sort of missing the point of one of the things I enjoy most about being in my tiny shop: just being in my tiny shop!

Okay, while I am talking about being in my shop I have decided that as of today I will be referring to it as my "studio" instead of my "shop"...
Just because it sounds sexier, and because I can! ;-)

All the best,

RussL.

[mark yundt]

Tiny studio,,big studio,,doesn't matter,,it's what comes out of it that counts.Yup,,a router is noisy and messy,but fast. As far as the actual grounding goes you still have to clean up the mess it leaves behind. That's where the grounding tools come into play. The power route won't get into every little corner or leave a smooth surface. Routered or by hand,,how you get to the deepest part doesn't much matter.Just like the studio,,,it's only the results that count. Have fun,,glad I could help.

[RussL.]

I do appreciate your help.
Where else could I turn for this type of feedback?

I'm only splashing around on the shore of the ocean you swim in daily.

Thanks again, so much.

RussL.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I could have used those dog legged chisels many times, but unfortunately don't have any....guess its time to start looking at ebay again lol.