[oldblue42]

I have recently retired and enjoy setting under the barn whittling a stick. I want to try spirit or stick carving. What I need is advise on a size of v-tool and a gouge. If someone has a old set they dont use anymore in pretty good shape I might be interested in buying. Until Im sure I can do this I dont want to invest a lot. If not, a brand name and tool size would be a lot of help.
Thanks for your help,
oldblue42
Ga.

[wood-whittler]

oldblue42,

i think i may start with a 1/4" v-tool,and a 1/4" #9. these should be big enough to start, ramelson make pretty good tools for a fair price. or you can contact rick at www.littleshavers.com and he has a beginners set for about the price of the 2 gouges seprate.

hope this helps
bart

[mark yundt]

I think wood whittler is going in the right direction. Whichever way you go, do yourself a favor, if you think you might have the least bit of interest in keeping this up, buy the best tools you can for your budget. This will keep you from having to buy better tools further down th e line, to replace the "cheapo" tools you buy now.Good tools are always worth the price, and respond better.You'll have them a long time too! So buy just a couple of good tools now and add to the set as you go, you'll be better off in the long run. And lets face it ,,, once you start you'll be hooked.

[Mitchell]

Don't forget to buy a glove to protect your hand.

[Ashbys]

Ricks beginner set is very good , but since you are working small, the ramelson set is a bit large to work on a stick.
If you do not mind spending about 80.00 right now woodcraft is selling a pfeil palm set on sell. That has 2 v tools and 4 mirco vennier grouges that work very well for small eyes and feathering. Not putting Ricks set down , just the smaller size gives you a bit more ability to detail , on a smaller stick.

Anyway another option for you.

[Shoelastmaker]

Hi Oldblue42,

I'm new to the board also,but I have some info on a spirit carving.I was on the DIY networks website this week and went to woodworking and watched an episode of how to carve a wood spirit.It was very interesting and looked easy to do,or the guy made it look easy.You should go check it out.Your name oldblue reminds me of this Dodge Duster my Dad had when I was little (we called it old blue).The door wouldn't close right so if you made a turn they would open up sometimes and the kid sitting next to the door might fall out.It only happened once to me.

[oldblue42]

Thanks to all you folks. Yall have been very helpful and have given me a point to start at. Its probably going to be a slow go because im about as talanted as a catfish but it"ll be fun. Again thanks to all you folks.

oldblue42

[Scott Hagerty]

Remember a couple of things that I think are important to a new woodcarver.....
1. It started out as firewood and it can end up as firewood.
2. The more you carve, the better you'll get.
3. Check around for local clubs. They all could use more members and are willing to help you too.

Good luck
Scott