[Bill]

I think that you should check out Cape Forge they will make anything
you want but also have a neat travel set in the mini gouges.
Bill

[redbird46]

Mischief, I can sure help you stay "budget" minded and this is a real tip and not a joke. If you can find an old umbrella, the ribs are made of good spring steel. Cut the ribs into pieces about 3 inches long and use a little propane cylinder torch to heat just one end back about 1/2" until it is just begining to show a color change and quench it quickly in transmission/powersteering fluid. Drill a hole and epoxy the rib into a 1/2" or 5/8" dowel rod with the heat treated end out. Sharpen the cutting edge and you should have a great mini-veiner. Also different umbrellas used different size ribs and you can make several sizes. Only other recommendation is to only use worn out and discarded umbrellas to keep outta trouble!!!
Norb

[Mischief]

Norb,

Do you think heating and flatten some big needles and the sharpening them would work too? Not that I am going to. Pregnant and handling fire and hammering away....my husband would straight jacket me to a chair..but it does sound like you have some experience and oneday I might do it. I was thinking like canvas/leather needles. Am I to assume the radiator fluid is to prevent rusting?

[ChrisS]

One of the sets you listed that is going for $58 is a Harbor Freight line. They are sold by eveyone and you can get the set for under $20 every day of the week. They are pure junk. I have a set. Anyone who will pay shipping can have my set. None of the tools you listed have any value. You are looking at new cheap carving tools. Ebay does get some very good old carving tools listed. Old tools are great. I have some new carving tools but 95% are old. You can save a lot of money buying good old tools. I would pass on everything you listed. Everyone is right.