[jamrine]

New poster here. I am looking into buying maybe 3-5 tools for carving details on Windsor chairs (scrolls on the top rail and the "rain gutter" around the seat). I will likely use them from time-to-time also for general furniture detail carving, but I do not intend to take up full-on carving at this time. I am leaning toward the Pfeils at Woodcraft. I am just not sure what sweeps, etc. to buy.

I know enough to assume that the cheapo sets that come up on Ebay are likely garbage, but if anyone thinks something like that would be serviceable for the kind of uses I mentioned, I would keep an open mind there.

I don't particularly want to buy a set as I don't want to wind up with tools I will never use. I am trying to keep the cost under control.

My initial guess is that for the rain gutter and for defining the scroll, I will need a couple of tighter sweeps on the gouges, and then a larger, fairly shallow gouge for the stop cuts on the scrolls. Probably a parting tool too?

I am definitely a novice here, so take it easy on me. If anyone needs an image of the kinds of features I am talking about, I can try to dig up some pictures on the web. Just ask.

Thanks,
-Jamey

[Mitchell]

Pictures would help as that way, the more experienced carvers could tell you what they use for that type carving. I would assume that it would be a version of relief carving.

You are right about the set; the tools that generally come with a set are not always useful for all carvers. However, a tool that I would not use personally (chisel/skew) may actually be useful for this (relief) type of carving.

You are also right about the Pfeils - that would be an excellent choice. You've done your homework and I expect that you will be successful at your project. Remember to practice and keep your tools sharp.

[jamrine]

Here are some pictures of the carved details:







Thanks,
-Jamey

[wade clark]

Looking at the chair, the carving is a small part of the project. It may take quite a few good tools including a lathe and turning tools to build the chair itself. Beyond that, a half dozen good gouges of different sweeps (curvatures) and a v-tool and you should be fine.
This is a very ambitious undertaking for a novice. I'd recommend doing a few small projects first or along the way.
good luck! pictures of your progress!
Wade

[jamrine]

I should clarify that I am a novice to woodcarving; not woodworking so much. I am well into [successfully] building the Windsor (I am working on it as part of a local club project/demo). It's just when I get to the carving near the end that I will have to have the tools on hand.

-Jamey

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You might want to look up Chris Pye on google and get some info there as to how.

[Ashbys]

Jamrine,

The scroll can be tricky, Might I ask what wood your using for the chair? The wood and the grain direction are important.

From what I can see from your pictures I agree with ward. I would also suggest practicing on a seperate piece of the same wood before I moved to the chair.

Hi-Ho made a good suggestion. I would also check the libary or bookstore so you can see the carving line As you will work with and against the grain on the cutting.

Fun job from the sounds of it.
Good Luck

Ash

[jamrine]

The wood on the crest rail and arm are ash. Currently it is green (wet), but by the time I get to carving, It will likely be pretty dry.

Don't worry about having practice pieces. Since this has been a demonstration project, there are multiples of each part that were done for the sake of showing the processes. I will have plenty of pieces to screw up.

Thanks for the help so far. I am considering taking advantage of the Pfeil deal at Woodcraft this month to get the 15% off 3 or more carving tools. I just have to nail down what sizes I need.

-Jamey

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have stubai and ashley iles...really prefer the iles....excellent tools. Don't forget a glove !! you will really need it on those chair arms, a chisel can go before you can say oops!