Howdy, need input on which tools to get.

[Mail Walker]

Which tools?
Howdy, new guy here. I want to carve santa figures and other caricatures. I have a roughing and detail knives {flexcut}. I can afford 4 or 5 palm tools to get me started. What sweeps and sizes should I get Till I can expand my set? I was also trying to decide between Pfiel, stubai, flexcut? Thanks for any recommendations. Tooooooooo many choices for me to decide. Ive stared at this computer for 2 days. THANKS,MikeHead Bange
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Why does that dog want to bite ME?!?!?!?!?!?!

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Mike the Mail Walker, good to have you with us. Stare no longer son, just go for it. The brand really doesn't matter so much, those are all good tools. The Flexcuts come well sharpened and are great for softer hardwoods, like Basswood and Butternut, which most characters are done in. The Stubi's and Pfiels are great for harder woods but can be sharpened for the softer woods too, I find them more useful for relief carving. Just need to deciede to go out there and buy! Carving Santa's and characters, a # 7, #5, # 11 and a V would be useful, but the knives will probably see the most use.

Have fun and get carving.

Bob

[Paul_Guraedy]

I would echo what Bob recommended. The only thing I would add is to keep the tools in the neighborhood of 6mm (1/4") unless you are going to work on really big stuff. Except for the #11 where I would drop to about 3mm. The flexcut are generally a little cheaper than the others; but, all are excellent and are in my collection.

[Callynne]

Hi Mike, Welcome!! The guys have given you good advice, mine is in the form of a question....you do have a carving glove and a thumb guard, don't you?! And you ARE wearing them every time you carve, aren't you?!! Believe me, it's a very good habit it get into, right from the beginning! Okay, end of lecture! Sarcastic We'll enjoy seeing your work, when you're ready to share! Again, Welcome! Deborah

[Just Carving]

Callynne

I have been meaning to ask this but I keep forgetting--why a glove and a thumbguard? Is there a reason not to wear gloves on both hands when carving besides comfort?

I started with the glove and thumbguard from Rick's beginner set--but the thumbguard kept shifting and I was afraid for the rest of my hand--I choke up on the tools like a basball bat sometimes to get more control and to get closer to the work. So I bought more gloves and now if I am carving--I need to wear gloves on both hands. Sometimes I'll pick up a tool without having gloves and right away I need to put them on. Good habit--I guess!

Thanks!

[Mail Walker]

Oh, yes. I have a glove & guard. When I first tried carving about a year ago, I was wearing the glove and didn't think I needed it. So, I took it off. A minute later filleted my thumb. OUCH! Lesson learned. Thanks all for the advice so far.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

nothing wrong with a glove on both hands if you are comfortable with it, I wear a glove on my left hand (my holding hand) but nothing on the right.

[Mitchell]

We have two threads (at least) of the same topic......let's keep it all in one place:

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/t7481.html