What tools do you suggest?!!

[Callynne]

Okay, warmer weather is here and I'm going to be spending time outside with the grandson so....I'll be getting to work on that Windspirit (also known as that monster log) out in the garage.

I know my little tools aren't going to do it so I'm going to have to buy a couple mallet tools. I don't intend to do a lot of carvings this size so I want to pick up the least amount, but good quality, of tools to get the job done...any advice?! I know for sure I'm going to need a V tool, and maybe a gouge. What do you think? Thanks in advance! Talking Callynne

Oh yes, the log is about five feet tall and the Spirit, including his hair and beard is going to take up almost four feet of it.

[wade clark]

Hi Callynne,
I'd suggest two things: (1) Buy a beginners set of a major brand. The basic sets have 5 or 6 essential tools that cover a wide range of areas that you'll find in that piece of wood. I love Ashley Iles, but they're a bit hard to get; Welbeck Supply (search Welbeck and you'll find them) has a good selection. Stubai sets are often on ebay. Go with a good brand and you'll spend more time carving and enjoying it!
(2) Consider a King Arthur Lancelot; it has a 4 1/2" chainsaw head that goes on an angle grinder. This is a serious wood removal tool, and it seems a major part of a big carving is wood removal! They sell on ebay and Woodcraft Supply.
With these tools I suspect you'll find you love doing big carvings! The right tools for the job makes it a joy!
Have fun!
Wade

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

All I can tell you is "THINK BIG." You might send a private mail to Colin.

[Just Carving]

For those of you who are looking for Ashley Iles tools, check out:

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/

They're located in NYC. Depending on what you're looking for, if they have it, it'll be listed on the website as in stock. I ordered a tool roll a month or so ago, and had it in a few days. Of course, I live just across the river--so they could have thrown it to me!

BTW--not an advertisement, just relaying my experience with them.

Good luck, Callynne! And make sure you wear your gloves and eye protection!

Bob

[wade clark]

I ordered Ashley Iles tools from toolsforworkingwood in early December and received them in APRIL! May not have been their fault, but their site showed most Ashley Iles tools on back-order. I haven't ordered from www.welbecksawmill.com yet, but their website shows an incredible selection in stock! I'm seriously thinking of driving there from Florida just to see the great selection! There are several other great tool makers out there, too, but I sure love my Ashley Iles!
Wade

[Colin-Partridge]

Deborah the King Arthur tools are really serious wood removers but they can be very dangerous if you are not used to them. I have a Lancelot with all the attatchments and it is a wood hog not as fast as a chainsaw but still pretty powerful tool. It is used on a 4 1/2 inch grinder the blades alone for the entire set were over $300 Canadian and then I purchased the three carbide discs as well so over $500 with everything so it is a pretty big chunk of change to lay out. We have spoke on what other tools you may need let me know what you decide

Colin

[wade clark]

Deborah,
Colin's right! With the Lancelot be careful! Anything with or without a chainsaw head will eat people easier than it will eat wood!
With the Lancelot, though, you can buy just the 14 tooth tool for about $80.00 and then the cost of a 4 1/2" grinder if you don't have one ($50 to $200) and you have a SERIOUS wood removal tool. You don't need the $300 worth of accessories that go with the Lancelot. I have them, but I rough out with the 14 tooth Lancelot and then use my gouges and chisels.
Any sharp tool is dangerous, fast-moving sharp tools are more so. If your Grandchild is carving too, EXTREME CAUTION is needed!
After this advice, STILL have fun!
Wade

[Callynne]

Thanks for all the good advice guys, I'm definitely going to steer clear of anything that runs on more than my arm power, that's for sure!! I think a small beginner's set is the way I'm going to go, I think you're right Wade, I may just find I want to do a bit more, in the big way carving, down the line. After all, I haven't found a way of carving yet that I don't love. Okay, except for the dust and equipment (mask, eye protection, ear plugs) necessary for rotary carving, but even that isn't enough to keep me from it! Thanks again, you guys are the best!! Callynne

[Canopener]

I may be all wet on this, but what about a simple hatchet and hammer for roughout work. I have seen photos of people carving this way, but have no personal experience beyond making kindling and fooling around. I do know little hatchet make big chip. A simple file will keep it sharp, no stropping. I have run chain saws, for firewood, for years, and have a lancelot [kinda scary]. I love em, and they sure do remove wood in a hurry, sometimes too good.
By the way, I have probably missed all of the comments on the joys of chain sharpening, yep um hmm, a whole new skill to learn and enjoy. Remember long chips.
But it sounds like fun, curious to hear how you proceed. Best of luck.
Jim

[squbrigg]

Callynne...have a look at some of the hand axes, adz's and adz gouges, that Lee Valley Tools have in their "Log Building" section of their catalogue. They are spectacular tools for moving large ammounts of wood, or carving large pieces. They are much like the hand tools the old shipwrights used and ship carvers. They sound more user friendly than a spinning chain close to your hand! Red Face Chainsaws scare the dickens out of me!!! I've had to treat too many accident victims of the things, here in NB, every second lad works with one in the woods for the pulp and paper industry or burning wood on their own.

Bob