tools to get started, charlotte nc questions - Page 2

tools to get started, charlotte nc questions · 07-22-2009, 11:33 AM

Hey everyone, I've had this little urge to start carving wood and it's been growing for the past couple of months. I'm not particularly artistic, but woodcarving seems like it would be a lot of fun and relax my mind.

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions about which tools to get started. I see some starter kits, but those seem like they have too many tools for what I want to do. I just want to carve little characters, maybe something abstract but still small, and I just realized I need a spoon rest so maybe that eventually too.

I see a bunch of gouge tools, and I think maybe I'll just need one of those and a couple of knives (I think carving with a knife would be the most satisfying for some reason). Do you have any suggestions about what I need to start?

I've also got questions about Charlotte. Is there anywhere that I can buy nice tools here? What about wood, what kind of wood would be the best and where would be a good place to get it?

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

CarvedTones · 07-28-2009, 01:53 PM

A followup on the Caribou hook knives. I emailed for a quote on blades only and I asked if I really needed the large blades or if the medium blades would work for me, possibly using a large handle for two handed work.

Hi Andy.
Thank you for your inquiry.
The medium sized #6 and #2 shapes are hand forged from L6 steel, double bevelled, differentially tempered, have 3 1/4" long blades and 3 1/2" long, 5/16" thick tangs. The handles we put them on are 8 - 9" . They would perform well with 14 - 16" handles but we would want to extend the tang to 4 1/2" - 5". Of course we can make anything you need as well.
The #6 and #2 blades only would be $90 each. If you want us to extend the tangs to 5" we'd add $15 each.
We can make very strong handles from applewood if you would want us to make a custom handle for you. Please tell us the length of handle.
The cost of the knives with 9" apple or cherrywood handles is $185 each.
Everything we make is guaranteed.
Have a good day.
Regards,
Aki and Scott.
http://www.caribooblades.com/hookknives.html

So for about $105 I could get the blade. Still a little pricey for a single blade but starting to fall down into the right range where I might be able to splurge...

CohibaCris · 07-28-2009, 03:46 PM

Hi Drew - the most valuable comment I can provide aside the rest is that carving, at least these days, is absolutely locked tight to the 'master' carvers in the area. It's likely there's one or two teachers still providing knowledge of the art/craft of carving - I'll try to explain.
In Raleigh - there are two or three places to buy carving woods and tools, but only one was I able to find someone who was a seriously experienced carver to give me advice that wasn't necessarily what I wanted to hear. I'm pretty sure that the same situation exists in Charlotte. This is of course after you have made the decision that carving is something you'd like to dive deeper in. Spend a little time (when you're ready) and seek out the folks who can offer guidance related to wood, tools and techniques.

I started carving with a utility knife and Stanley chisels - as I got frustrated I acquired tools to 'solve' situational problems. This wasn't a bad way to go IMO - kept the freaking out about money to a marginally small level

Guarantee that we can locate the main peeps with our network here (in Charlotte) that could help; ask if that's a desire.
Cheers - keep the band-aids handy (I cut myself last night quite well - been carving 4 yrs (heheh))
Cris

CarvedTones · 08-02-2009, 08:07 AM

Another follow up to add a couple of things that came of this discussion. I didn't get the urethane mallet yet, but I did try a dead blow hammer with my full size Pfiel 3/30 and found this is a great way to remove lots of qood quickly and relatively quietly.

On the bent/hook knife front, I found that a lot of carvers swear by hoof knives from tack suppliers. Substantially less expensive but often a lower quality of steel. I also found that the preference seems to be to have a pair - left and right handed - as they tend to have a thick back edge. Ever the contrarian, I am trying a double edge.

It did seem to be a preference, not an absolute; I found examples of both that people were happy with.

I also found an alternative to Cariboo:
http://www.preferrededge.ca/
His largest listed blade is smaller, but I emailed him and adding a couple of inches to the tang of his blades is just a little more than listed prices.

CarvedTones · 08-06-2009, 02:44 PM

My running monologue continues, but I wanted to post a follow up since I mentioned ordering a double edge hoof knife. I am shocked at price/performance. It cost me about $5 delivered, and this was "only" a good deal, not a great one. OTC in a tack store it should still be under $10. The double edged ones are lighter than the single edged and sell for less. It is not the best carving tool I own by any stretch, but it is decent steel and before I even honed it I was able to carve with it. I did discover two reasons to prefer a single edge knife sometimes - thumb push cuts are impossible (or really unwise/inconvenient) and the thinner blade of the double edge is a little springy. I am not disappointed in it, but I would not want someone to read this, get one and then be upset if either is very important. Anyway, it is a pretty decent bowl/spoon knife, especially given the price.