[Dennis Taylor]

What would be a recommended tool list for a new carver, don't care much for the flexcut sk series, and wanting to look at maybe 6 tools for Santa to bring, but what would be the 6 to 8 tools that a beginner would need, kind of a make up kit, that would have gouges & v's for small to medium carving....I know this is a broad question, but would like to build a set of my own that I can use, I have looked at the flexcut sk series, and tried one yesterday at a show, and don't like the switching & pulling the blade in & out, looks like a cut waiting to happen, so can someone assist a newbie in making a set?...tks in advance...Dennis

[Canopener]

Dennis,
The one piece of advice I would give to you is that if there is any way possible for you to go to a store, a club,or a show and actually get your hands on some tools, do this first. You need to try out different sizes and compare how you like Flexcut vs. Pheil vs. Stubai etc.
I wish I had done this, instead I kept buying kits and really have more tools than I need. On the other hand what is too many tools and there is nothing wrong with experimenting, it is just expensive. For instance, I have somehow aquired at least 11 v-tools and I am still on the quest for the "right" one.
Which brings up another point and that is don't let cost determine your decision. Again guilty; I own a variety of brands and they are all good, but I would lean towards Pheil in the future.
Good luck,
jim

[wood-whittler]

dennis,

for small to medium carvings i might suggest a 1/4"-3/8 #9, 1/4-3/8 v-tool, 1/8 v-tool, 1/8[3mm] veiner, 1/4 [6mm] veiner, and maybe a 3/8 # 7, and then you can build from there, but like jim said try different ones if i laid these gouges out for you from my box they would be different, i like the swiss and most of these come in swiss then i have some stubai, it is all in what you like.

hope this helps

bart

[heineda]

Dennis,

My reccomendation would be:

1/2" #3 Denny gouge
1/2" #5 Denny gouge
1/2" #7 Denny gouge
1/2" #9 Denny gouge
4mm #11 Denny gouge
12mm #12 Pfeil palm 60 degree v-tool

Good luck carving,
Dan Heine

[Eddy Smiles]

Dennis.... All depends on what you plan to carve! What you plan to carve makes a differrence. You might give some thought to just buying a package beginners set and once you get use to them then buy up or down as the need dictates. For sure get a hands on feel of the tools before you buy. If all else fails make a trip to Woodcraft and look at one of their sets.

[Claude]

Dennis:
If you don't like the SK series from Flexcut (I have the SK Starter set and love them), you might look at this set: http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart...ategory_id=113

This is the second set of gouges I bought, and I still use them daily. Particularly the #3 and the #2Skew.

Claude

[Dennis Taylor]

Claude, I thought that the sk series would fit my bill, new carver, but can't find much in the way to store the blades, and thought about buying another handle or two, usually 2 or 3 tools are what you are using at a time.....how do you manage the blades for storage and usage...Dennis

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

One tool that is very versitile is the Stubai #11. It has a different profile than most other #11's and by turning it sideways you get an entirely different sweep. By standing it on end and twisting it's a drill. Comes in several sizes. Two or three of them gives you a half dozen sweeps plus the different drill sizes.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Dennis,
I am new to carving and bought the Flexcut SK set, I love it !! I bought the 11 piece set, it came with a pouch that holds all the blades and one handle. I bought a second pouch ( I think $9.00) other blades and two more handles, I have no complaints. When I first started I bought some old Millers Falls carving tools, I had them professionally sharpened and use them often, but the SK set makes carving more enjoyable due to the quality. They were sharp and ready to use out of the package ! Hope this helps, enjoy.

Dave
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[Canopener]

Dennis,
Heineda's post made the light bulb go on about Denny tools. If you are going to work with palm tools you just gotta get one of Denny's V-gouges. I have the Ortel version and love it for roughing out, and there is also a Stetson and a smaller version. These little babies cover a lot of ground/wood fast and are several tools in one. Rick at Little Shavers carries them, as well as the Stubai #11 that Plain ol Ed recommended. Pick a size that suits you.
There is no rule that says all your tools have to come from one manufacturer, or all at the same time. Make haste slowly; but I think those 2 are winners. Round out your set with 1 or 2 good v-tools and some of the other sweeps recommended and you are in business. Maybe a dockyard micro set would be nice also.
Dennis, I could spend your money all day; but will finish with a fun money saver. If you like the Flexcut SK series, consider making your own handles. It is all part of the creative process and will give you endless joy in carving.
I will be highly vexed, though, if I find out you do not own a Denny V-tool by 12/26/071
Jim