top 6 or 8 carving palm tools for a beginner

Claude · #11 11-12-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

I just leave them in box they came in, and leave it sitting on my workbench. It's not a problem for me to switch blades in the handle when I need to. Usually, I keep both handles out on the workbench with a gouge in each - generally a #3 in one, and a V tool in the other. Many times, on a smaller carving, I don't even bother to put the gouge in a handle. For example, when I need to make a fine groove with the 45° V tool, I don't even bother to put it in the handle, but just hold it in my fingers.

Claude

imahic · #12 11-12-2007, 06:52 PM

Dennis, when I first got started I didn't have access to any stores that carried quality tools. Someone gave me a woodcraft catalog and I saw a set of 6 palm tools which at that time were around 35 dollars for the set. I don't know what it is now. I figured that if they weren't any good I wouldn't be out that much money. I haven't had any complaints with them. Of course I haven't tried all that many different sets but they seem to hold their edge pretty good if I strop them pretty regularly. Some of these other guys are probably a lot more knowledgable about some of the other brands, but I do know that I have been pleased with the set I have and have added to the set over the years.

Dennis Taylor · #13 11-12-2007, 07:20 PM

I have a small set of the Ramelson palm tools, just looking for something a bit larger, have been for some time now....I was set on the sk tools, until I attended a show this weekend....I don't know about switching blades to the handle, I did have my hands on a Denny gouge down there, not sure about the cutting, but felt pretty good in my hand....the sk set is about 179.00 probably find it a little cheaper, but my thought process was to maybe buy 7 or 8 tools, that might be a little better, such as the Denny gouges & v tool....I have only heard positive about them.....on the other side of the track, I did see a few guys carving with the sk tools, I asked if they liked them, and the only negative was, "switching tools into the handle"...AM I CORRECT TO BELIEVE THAT THE DENNY IS A BETTER GOUGE THAN A FLEXCUT SK?....LOT OF POSTIVE TOWARD DENNY......just trying to get the best bang for the $$$$$$$.....the sk108(?) has 16 gouges, pretty good price for the number of tools, not sure how many of them would be used, I have the standard Ramelson set, so figure that would be the smaller needed gouges....am I thinking correctly?....Dennis

Plain_Ol_Ed · #14 11-13-2007, 12:54 PM

You can't go wrong with the Denny's. The 1/2" 3, 5, 7, and 9 (as somebody already pointed out) you will find exceptionally useful.

Dennis Taylor · #15 11-13-2007, 05:20 PM

So I assume the Denny's with the Ramelson set I have will just about carve anything I am in the market to do, small to medium in the round items, woodpsirits and the likes?....I tried the Flexcut at the show and just not sure I like switching around the blades....that could just be me!...hehehehe...with the Denny gouges plus the v tool is what I am looking for....someone responded with 3,5,7,9 and a 11 which I can't seem to find to see, and the v tool is the 5/8 v, right?.....Dennis

Eddy Smiles · #16 11-13-2007, 05:54 PM

1. It's all about what you're use to.

2. Then it's all about what you think you need after you're use to what you've got!

bean · #17 12-28-2007, 08:08 PM

i'm new to this and will be a new beginner carver. i'm looking for info on palm tools vs. other tools for beginners.. i do not won't to do carving in the round(?) but relief carving instead. someone please help me determine what is best for new tools. bean

redbird46 · #18 12-29-2007, 10:16 PM

Dennis, considering quality and not cost:
If you buy a Denny,Pfeil,Drake or even Stubai that will be the last of that kinda tool you'll ever need! You buy Flexcut and you will always wish you had better tools and eventually buy them anyway. The only difference is if you want the Denny handles or the palm grips. If you prefer the palm handles get tools from Drakeknives.com or Pfeil from Woodcraft, you can buy the Pfeil in sets and keep adding as you can afford and they come razor sharp and ready to use!
Norb

bean · #19 12-30-2007, 06:17 PM

I really don't know which handles I would like, my hands are small, but I do have a good grip. I'm not sure if the palm handles would bother me intime, but I have never carved before. I'm a woodburning, this would be my first endeavor at carving. So that is why I am asking those of you that do this, which is easier to use or easier on the hands. bean

Dennis Taylor · #20 12-30-2007, 06:51 PM

Well here is my findings!...Santa got me a few of the Denny tools, and I (IMHO) think they fit my hands better than the palm tools, my hands are larger, and just seemed to me like I sallowed up the palm hand, the Denny is a nice fit, and a great tool, I haven't had a bunch of time to play with them, but they cut nice and clean, comfortable!.......Dennis

P.S. THANKS TO ALL THAT RESPONDED TO THIS POST!....