[dmr]

I'm just getting started carving. I mostly want to add decorative detailing to my furniture. I've found some used Henry Taylor chisels for what I think is a good price, but I'm not familiar with chisels of any brand. What are your opinions on this brand? These are the chisels sizes being offered-gouges #5 10mm, #7 10mm #8 7mm # 10 6 mm veiner and a #39 v-tool. Would these be suitable for what I have in mind?
Thanks

[sitesby]

dmr,
The tools you listed "gouges #5 10mm, #7 10mm #8 7mm # 10 6 mm veiner and a #39 v-tool." will be a good starting point. As you start working a design you will quickly discover that tool size is dependant upon the design you're are trying to create. For instance you my find that if you had a slightly larger #5 you can make that oakleaf curve in one twist of the wrist instead of two.

Regarding the brand - I have many Henry Taylor tools in my collection and I find them to be of high quality. They hold and edge and feel good in your hand.

Carving and please show some of your work to us.

Jerry

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

What Sitesby said!

[dmr]

Thanks. Easter

[Mitchell]

Moved to "Tools..." forum....

Check the "Similar Threads" below for previous discussion on Henry Taylor tools, or use the search function for more. Some (previous discussions) may not be directly related to the type of carving that you are doing, but you can get an idea.

I like my HT palm tools and use them frequently.

[Toffeeliz]

my kit is mostly Henry Taylor, we live pretty close to the actual factory and thats where they were bought they are magical! (words from this beginner lol)

[Mottles]

I have a set of Henry Taylor mallet tools and they are real work horses. They take a hard knock and hold there edge really well.
Like others have said it depends on what type of carving you want to do. These tools lend themselves well to relief carving (which I do). Yet can be used just as well with large facial busts (mountain man).
I have a set of Palm Gouges by Ramalson that works really great for relief too. It's nice to have a set of Palms in your tool catch too.
Kathy

[dmr]

I don't know enough about carving to tell you what type carving it is that I want to do Ornamental carving. Would that be considered relief carving? Chris Pye has a book or DVD on this subject that I've considered buying, but I would welcome suggestions for reference on carving basics.
I've accumulated several HT chisels. They seem to be good quality tools. All of them need to be sharpened. I plan to be send them to Little Shavers for sharpening. Eventually I want to learn to sharpen them myself, but for now I think that I would be better served having them do it.
Thanks for your interest!
Donna

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

By sending the tools to Rick, you will know what a sharp tool looks like.....look up the "Scary Sharp" method of sharpening....its a cheap, efficient way of sharpening and I think the best way for a newbie to learn...you can always go to power or whatever later. imho

[dmr]

Thanks. I have waterstones that I use for my plane blades and chisels. Will these be suitable for sharpening gouges?