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wood carving tools and references for a teen

wood carving tools and references for a teen (post #169558)

t58martin on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 12:57

Hand Tools

I posted a similar thread in turnings and carving below...

My teenaged son came to me the other day asking about tools for carving.

I asked what type of carving he was interested in, and he said some low relief carving and birds and animal figures posssibly.

My question is regarding the specific types of tools to buy from which list of suppliers. I've seen Two Cherries, Pfeil (sp?), and Flexcut out there quite a bit. I've done a bit of searching on the web, including this forum. There seem to be many different lengths and types of chisels and knives, including palm tools. Almost too much data to filter.

Any pointers are appreciated including web site and book recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Carving Tools (post #169558, reply #1 of 8)

by Westchester in reply to t58martin [original] on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 16:20

Martin,

I would suggest palm tools to start. Learning to sharpen will prevent pushing, and get him one of those gloves to wear on the opposing hand.

Thanks Westchester.... the (post #169558, reply #2 of 8)

by t58martin in reply to Westchester [original] on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 19:13

Thanks Westchester.... the glove is great advice. All work with wood should start with learning to sharpen, I agree.

It's funny, he just wants to start carving. I'm doing more research than he is. I went out yesterday and found him working on taking a section of log off for carving. It was Sycamore !

Sycamore ? (post #169558, reply #4 of 8)

by Westchester in reply to t58martin [original] on Thu, 01/05/2012 - 06:37

Carving that green may be OK - dried is another story. Encourage him to start with a soft wood. A supply of small files is a good investment - rifflers - course + smooth -

Carving (post #169558, reply #3 of 8)

by BruceS in reply to t58martin [original] on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 20:51

I have "played" with the Flexcut tools and they are not bad for the money, and also made in the USA (Erie Pa.)

They also sell a honing kit that works very well. If you keep them honed often you will be in good shape unless you hit something (metal)

They come EXTREMELY sharp and are ready o go out of the box. Ditto the opposite hand carving glove that has been mentioned.

Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S.

carving tools (post #169558, reply #5 of 8)

by RalphBarker in reply to t58martin [original] on Thu, 01/05/2012 - 10:37

Most of my carving tools are Pfeil with a few Henry Taylor larger gouges. But, you might want to start him off with a "beginner" set from Woodcraft until you can determine how serious he is about carving. Better tools will produce better results, but with the associated higher expense. The fact that you are doing more research than he is may not be a good sign.

I prefer "full size" gouges, but the palm gouges might be OK for finer work. Just depends on what type of work he wants to do, I'd say. I don't use gloves, but I don't put my hands or my body in front of where the gouge is aimed. Kinda like not putting your hand in front of a gun. ;-)

thanks... (post #169558, reply #6 of 8)

by t58martin in reply to RalphBarker [original] on Thu, 01/12/2012 - 11:04

I'm going to take him to Woodcraft so that he can hold the tools in his hands to see which feel best to him.

We'll start with a basic set and see where his interest takes him.

Good plan (post #169558, reply #7 of 8)

by RalphBarker in reply to t58martin [original] on Fri, 01/13/2012 - 10:01

I hope you find what he needs, and that he will become thoroughly "infected" with the craft.

t58, Paul Hasluck's book on (post #169558, reply #8 of 8)

by joinerswork in reply to t58martin [original] on Sat, 01/14/2012 - 17:23

t58,

Paul Hasluck's book on woodcarving (Dover publications) is a good resource.

I like the Woodcraft swiss made tools very well, but the handles seem long for my taste; I've cut an inch or two off many of the ones I have bought. Something between the length of the palm tools and the "full sized" ones fit my style of work best. Longer tools may be best for mallet work, which I do very little.