[squbrigg]

Took the opportunity to pick up some new tools to help me with the sign I'm carving. They are the ones in the center right, Japanese hand forged tools, interesting tools to work with. Anyone had any experience with them? I figured that since they work in Cedar a lot, they may help.

The others are Pfeil's and lots of small hand made knives and a few store bought ones.

Bob

[Thor]

The sign is bigger than I imagined. Apparently it was a good excuse to buy the new tools. I have no experience with those, but look forward to hearing your impressions of how they contribute.
The sign looks really good so far.
Thor

[tnartist05]

Does the Japanese tools hold a edge?? Plus how long are they from the tip to the handle?? Thks TnArtsit

[pallin]

Hi, I did most of the large redwood carving (See "Symmetry") with a Pfiel 3-12 gouge. The piece is 7.5 ft by 4 ft. The ultimate test of your tools is how well they hold a sharp edge.

[squbrigg]

I am making progress on the sign, though not as quickly as I'd like to. I must say, the Japanese tools didn't help as much as I'd have liked. A couple are great, the spear point for cleaning out corners and the planing tool for leveling areas. But the bent gouges were a dissapointment. They are shapr enough, but the bevel is much too high ... 35 degrees....... where I prefer 25 degrees. They are long tools, 8 1/2" - 9" from tip to handle end.

I did invest in some new Pfiels and they make a big difference in the whole process!!! They are gorgeous to work with. The smaller fishtails ....# 3, #5, #7 x 6mm.... are perfect for detailing the Celtic knots and letters and the #3, #5, #7 x 14mm fishtails are great for getting around the corners and in the center of the shield. I have a couple more ordered and should be here today.(#1 x 6mm and 14mm)

This is the second side of the sign, and you will note the bubble wrap I'm carving on so as not to damage the first side. It's coming, but I'm running out of time, so better get busy!

Bob

[Ron Davidson]

I had the same problem with a set I have being too steep of an angle. I sent them to Rick and he reground them and now they work great.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I always liked the looks of those Japanese tools....never tried any tho. Too bad you aren't happy with them...maybe like Ron said....."send to Rick"!

[EdO]

The Japanese do a lot of carving is some pretty hard woods. The favorites when I lived there were camphor, beech and chestnut. They are excellent tools, but not meant for hand work in softer wood. Being socketed, they will also be heavier in the hand than unsocket tools. I have half a dozen or so, but seldom use them now that I carve mostly basswood, pine and cedar.

[rick-in-seattle]

Bob,
If you don't want those Japanese tools, just send them to me.
I received two for Father's day and I could use a few more.

[squbrigg]

I may do that Rick .... though with the intention of having them re-beveled! Sorry! Tell Theresa she has good taste in Father's Day gifts.

They are bent gouges, with 35 degree bevel and that's way too much for me! They are sharp, and the other tools that I got with them are fine, keep a fantistic edge, but the two bent gouges just feel right in my hands to do the job I ask of them. The bent Pfeil's I have work better, but are smaller widths. I have some Henry Taylors bent skew gouges, the ones you sharpened for me, and they work well.......now.

Those Japanese tools are really pricey, unique tools, I have a spear pointed triangular tool for planing and am surprised how well it works and a spear pointed tool for cleaning out corners, that's a fantastic blade once you get use to it. Just picked out a few to try, may get more down the road some time, but Pfeil's are working for me well, so I'm concentrating on them right now.

Bob