tool sugguestions for a beginner

[Dennis Taylor]

looking to purchase some mid size tools, attempting to carve mostly small to medium woodspirts currently, I have a beginner set of tools I got from little shavers, but needing to get a few larger size tools, can someone recommend what would make a good starter set: and would the Flexcut brand be good?...thanks in advance...Dennis

[Just Carving]

Dennis,

My first inclination would be to call Rick at Little Shavers. He sells Flex-cut, Ramelson, etc. And if he feels they wouldn't be good for what you want to do, he'll point you in the right direction. I read that you're carving small to medium wood spirits. I am just starting to give 1"-2" square or round wood spirits a try. So far, I haven't seen a need for anything other than Rick's starter set. If a tool is called for in a tutorial, and I don't have that exact tool, I substitute the closest thing that I have, or just use a knife instead--which I prefer to use anyhow. I usually do that for anything I do. The tools recommended in the tutorials are usually just for a guideline more than anything else--so there is a wide latitude for change or creativity. But if you're looking for tools, call Rick. And wait and see what others recommend here.

[squbrigg]

Lots of good brand named tools out there, and Flexcut is one of them. I would think that Flexcut would limit you somewhat as to the type of wood being carved; Stubi, Pfiel, Henry Taylors, Ramielson, etc, may offer a wider range of woods you could try. Bob has a good suggestion, talk to Rick at Littleshavers.

Also, is there a carving club handy? It would be nice if you got to try out some different tools, to see what you are comfortable with. You can spend big bucks for tools and you don't want to be unhappy with them. Sharpening is a key in enjoyment of the tools, and most don't come sharp, (except from Rick). Just some things to consider.

Bob

[rick-in-seattle]

Dennis,
For an intermediate/mid-sized set, I like these.
(I just added five of these to my collection last week)

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...&BestSell=True

I like Set "C" #05Q20 7 pc set @ $119.99
It contains several gouges and a V-tool, and come almost sharp.
Should be complete enough to start, then you can build a more complete set one tool at a time.

They are also on sale (15% off) thru Sept. 30th.

One last thing; if you can, purchase them from your local Woodcraft.
The online store is corporate, while most of the stores are franchised.
Support local woodcarving companies whenever possible, they are nice to have around.

[heineda]

Rick,

I would very much like to hear your opinion of these tools. That is an excellent price, but I have seen posts elsewhere that say the quality of Pfeil tools has gone down, and that is why Woodcraft has reduced their prices. I find that a bot of a stretch myself, but I do value your opinion.
In my mind the big decision is wheter you want to build a set of full size mallet type tools, or if you are looking for large hand held tools. I have a failry large set of the Denny tools, and I love them. I have owned flexcut in the past,m and did not care for them. Two reasons: 1. Flexcut does not follow the traditional size options 3-5-7-9 in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 that I am used to working woth, and 2. It seemed to be hrader to keep the tool going where I wanted it to go. For full sized mallet tools, I own Stubai, and love them.

Happy Carving,
Dan Heine

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I really like my ashley iles......Smile

[wade clark]

I really like my Ashley Iles too!
Wade

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

but some of us don't have the collection of ashley isles Wade has LOL Wink

[BobD]

To echo Rick's statements...Go to the store and check the tools out! The last two Pfeil tools I've gotten have had horrible wire edges on the inside of the gouges...to the point that the edge chipped when I tried to strop the wire edge off...Once I get the edge corrected, though, the edge is very long lasting!

I've got a small collection of Pfeil tools, and the last two are the only ones I've had a problem with...but...

I've got to agree with Dave and Wade, though...Ashley Illes are my top choice right now. Love that #2 1/2 sweep gouge and the Hooked Skew!!!

Bob

[rick-in-seattle]

Dan,
The reason Woodcraft can offer Pfeil at a lower price?

You probably noticed they were in the process of switching to Henry Taylor.
It was because Pfeil was becoming too costly.
They were then able to re-negotiate their contract with Pfeil to get the cost down.
Now they are in the process of selling off their Henry Taylor stock.

I believe in the quality of Pfeil tools and have seen no change in connection with the reduced pricing. What surprised me, was that Woodcraft passed the reduced costs on to the carvers.

Now, if we can only convince the oil companies to do the same.