Need some advice on carving equipment

Need some advice on carving equipment · 03-02-2008, 08:54 PM

I need some help from the carving community! I desperately want to get into carving, but I am finding it tremendously difficult to even start.

First and foremost, my tools are crap. Cheap harbor freight stuff. I don't know how important the quality of your carving tools is as a beginner, but I suspect that like everything in woodworking I should buy the best I can afford. The problem is, I don't know what constitutes "good tools". I don't want to just plunk down a bunch of money thinking that price automatically equals quality...I want value.

secondly, I see a lot of carving sets out there, and I don't know the difference between them. Stubby, flexcut, palm chisels, full size, etc. Not to mention they all come with different tools. What tools are pretty much essential? Are full size better than smaller tools?

Thirdly, I have no idea where to begin with sharpening. I was never able to get a decent edge on my tools, I don't know how to grind them properly, I don't know how to hone them properly, and then I am sure the quality of the tools comes into play at some point.

If you guys could give me some ideas on a decent set of chisels to buy, and a couple of sharpening tips, I would be eternally greatful. Then I'll be back for actual carving tips

NCPete · 03-02-2008, 08:57 PM

Marco, perhaps an important question is what sort of carving do you want to do??? relief carving requires a different set of tools than full on 3D stuff.

Vanilla Gorilla · 03-02-2008, 09:00 PM

I guess I should have clarified that. I am not really into sculpting anything 3D. Or at least I don't think I am. My desire stems more from the desire to have the ability to add character to my firniture and make it more unique. Or sometimes, more traditional-- ie clam shell patterns, chip carvings, ball and claw feet, etc. I am not necessarily looking to win any carving awards, just to have some basic competency to spice up my work

Vanilla Gorilla · 03-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the offer Mike...depending on my schedule, and whether or not I can get a second mortgage to cover the gas, I would love to take you up on that offer.

It's funny to me, because I have gotten pretty decent at sharpening plane irons and chisels. I can get them to take hair off of my arm, but for the life of me when it stops being a flat bevel I'm sharpening, I'm thrown for a loop. It doesn't help that I haven't been able to find good info on sharpening gouges, v-tools, etc on the internet. Maybe the people with the knowhow are too busy carving!

MikeL · 03-02-2008, 09:35 PM

Hey Marco, I don't know a thing about carving (it's somewhere on the list of to-do's), but have you looked into taking any classes? I got started with classes that were offered at the NC State Crafts Center. It's currently being renovated, which has limited the current offerings, but I know Klingspor and others have class schedules. I believe Paul teaches the carving at Klingspor. Just an idea. Good luck with your pursuit.

Vanilla Gorilla · 03-02-2008, 09:43 PM

It's funny you mention that Mike, because that's exactly why I am posting this thread. I saw that the Woodcraft down in Matthews was having a beginners carving class this month and I wanted to take it. It said you needed a beginners set of carving tools, and that got me looking around at the different offerings online.

The problem is, there is an overwhelming variety of equipment on the market, all at tremendously differing price points. I figured this group would be my best place to turn, because there's such a wealth of experience here!!!

Gofor · 03-02-2008, 10:16 PM

I think you have stumbled upon the value of HF: If you haven't done it, and don't know what you need, its a place to get some basic stuff cheap on which to learn how to sharpen/tune, (and to get you through the class) until you get enough knowledge and skill to determine what works best for your needs. Even a cheap, poorly designed, poor material tool can be valuable if you learn from it. And once in a while you end up with a gem that you can turn into a well polished jewel because the material was good but the time and effort to fine tune it wasn't expended in an effort to keep the cost down.
Think of HF tools like prototypes made out of scraps: Some scraps are good material, and building (using) a prototype let you make affordable mistakes until you get the process right.
If the class instructor demeans you for the tools/materials you bring, you need to find a different instructor anyway, because they are more concerned with selling something than with teaching someone who wants to learn.

JMTCW

Go

JimmyC · 03-02-2008, 10:48 PM

Marco,

You gotta stop hanging out at Klingspor, the next thing that you are going to want is turning tools

. Maybe for carving tools you can get a his and her set for you and the LOYL. She seemed real interested

.

Jimmy

Nativespec · 03-03-2008, 07:39 AM

Marco:

Here is a set I bought (I might even consider selling). I noticed most of the carvers at Klingspoor using the Pheil. I know of someone who prefers the Flexcut because of the flexible steel. Hartville also sells MHG which I believe is a good value.

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/12139

David

PeteM · 03-03-2008, 08:35 AM

A few choices:

http://www.chippingaway.com/WoodCarv...rvingTools.htm

http://www.carvingpatterns.com/toolkit.htm

This is the one I have:
http://www.littleshavers.com/BegKit.html

You can get some good info here:
http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/index.php

pete

JOAT · 03-13-2008, 01:22 AM

When I saw the subject, my first thought was a good pocket knife. Then pick up a couple of books on carving. Next thought was chainsaw. I carved 3 Tikis with a chainsaw, loads of fun. Then put the finishing touches on them with some HF chisels. And, I totally agree with Mark on the HF chisels. I figured if I ruined them learning to sharpen, no big deal. And, if I wore them out learning, I could get some higher quality later. Well, I've still got my el cheapo lathe tools, still going strong after about 10 years, and still got the chisel ses. They're all holding up quite well.

prolfe · 03-13-2008, 09:33 AM

Marco,

You need to come by the Klingspor Woodworking Shop this Saturday to check out the Woodcarving Festival that will be taking place there. You will be amazed and inspired by the collection of outstanding work on display. There will also be carving demonstrations throughout the day.

In addition to the collection of carvings on display, there will be at least 50 carvers in attendance that would be happy to share with you anything that they know.

And then, in addition to that we continuously offer woodcarving classes in the store. We currently have a beginning class on April 19, a woodspirit class on May 17. We just had a furniture carving class. I also have an ongoing woodcarving apprenticeship program that meets every Thursday night.

Call the store for more details at (919) 876-0707.

Paul

nelsone · 03-14-2008, 05:46 PM

I posted a very similar thread a while back. Still haven't done much more than playing. I have started getting some of the Phiel gouges, but I'm still figuring out what I need! I'll tell you to do what I haven't done myself yet, Find the local carving club and see if they can help!

Robert Arrowood · 03-14-2008, 08:26 PM

Marco,
You should be able to find some carving class's closer to home. I've been looking at carving sets for a while now myself.Right now all I have are pocket knives. The best part about buying cheaper knives is if you decide that carving is not for you.Your not out a ton of $$$$$.The main thing I want to learn is the woodspirit.Mabe I can get a few pointers Sunday at Kyles.Check ot the thread in members announcements PEADMONT CRAFTERS. If you can come on down.

Bonecarver · 03-15-2008, 03:31 PM

dude, I am an advid carver. I use Flexcut palm chiseles and gouges because I carve decoys and small faces. If you are looking to carve into furniture the hardwoods used are much harder and the patterns are much bigger. A good basic standard set will run you about $200.00 that is a lamp brand 7 piece set from wood carvers supply, inc. Second, if you buy a better quality of chisel it will hold its edge longer. I do not touch any of my chisels to a grinding wheel I do it all by hand. I haven't really created many nicks in my edges that require me to grind them that much. If you are fearful you will ruin you chisel there are a number of good books on sharpening out there. My motto is this, If you need a piece of equipment and it is going to cost you. It is better to get it now or it will wind up costing you more when you finally do get it. Because of all the frustration and cheaper equipment you collect along the way. Sounds crazy but if you invest in a good set of chisels you will learn to care for them.