new carver needs advice

[Ruvane]

hi guys,
i'm a first time poster and long time lurker. I've been researching going into carving for 6 months, and finally bought myself a Flexcut cutting knife and a chunk of basswood (and a thumb guard). i'm 19 and really excited about my new hobby. You guys do beautiful work on a level that I hope to reach someday . I'm interested in carving in the round, and my dad is going to be nice enough to buy me a new tool. I was wondering what tool should be next. Probably some sort of gouge, but I'm not sure what kind. Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks very much for reading my post.

[richy-ruff]

Ruvane
Welcome to our world of fun. You next purchase should be a carving glove. The finger guard is OK, but you only need to slip one time and require stiches to set you carving career back. I am a walking example of how not to start a hobby in carving. Again, welcome, and ask questions...this group is full of useful information.
Cheers
Ric

Welcome Ruvane

You've asked a question that I am sure you will get a hundred different answers to.

I am in complete agreement that you need to purchase a kevlar, or some other type of protective glove though. It takes a bit of getting use to, but if you start out right, you will never regret it. I cut right through my thumb guard when I started. Leather just doesn't hold up.

The other important item to purchase is a hard Arkansas sharpening stone. Nothing will cut you faster than a dull tool. Besides I found that if you try to carve with a dull tool, it takes away much of the joy as you work harder for ugly ragged cuts.

So far as your next 'tool', I would recommend some sort of palm tool. Flexcut has a palm tool handle with interchangable gouges and v-tools that might work out pretty good. It is difficult to suggest only one as I use all of mine because they each serve different needs. If you prefer individual tools, Ramelson makes some good quality, inexpensive palm tools.

You should talk to Rick@littleshavers.com. His number is on his website. He helped me get started and is an awesome resource.

Good luck to you and welcome.

-Michael

[Ruvane]

thanks for the safety tips, i've read some of the horror stories. i saw someone recommend the power grip carving tools set. it is inexpensive, but i was wondering if it was good quality. has anyone used these tools?

I am a tool addict and have quite a few of them...at least a good assortment and for someone starting out, I would suggest doing everything by hand...at least for awhile..I have a dremel and a foredom but prefer to carve most everything with a knife or gouge......except sanding...I hate sanding! ha ha (don't forget the glove) I don't use the thumb guard because that is the hand my knife is in...doesn't seem to do me any good?

Hey Dave, if his Dad is going to buy him something to get him started in carving. How about sharpening equipment???? And also, Cape Forge is a good place to start looking at tools.!!

Good idea!

[Lindy]

Hi there,

Welcome to a wonderful hobby! My first two tools were a Flexcut Knife and a Fishtail Gouge. These were the only tools I needed for my first cougar. Since then I too have become a tool junkie and have bought a dremel and band saw as well as a very long list of hand tools. You will find that if you're carving animals or birds in the round you're also going to need a good wood-burning tool. The one I bought and just love is the Razor Tip with interchangeable pens. The regular hobby wood burners aren't fine enough for the detail work you're going to want to do.

Good Luck on your first project! By the way, what will it be?

Lindy

[quote author=Ruvane link=board=Beginner;num=1086323994;start=0#3 date=06/04/04 at 01:52:59]I saw someone recommend the power grip carving tools set. it is inexpensive, but i was wondering if it was good quality. has anyone used these tools?[/quote]

I have tried the power grip tools at carving club. They are good for detailing and small carvings but not very useful for larger work.

I agree that sharpening, honing, and stropping tools are your best choice for your next purchase. Once you learn to keep your knife sharp you will find that it is usually your most used tool.

[Ruvane]

Thanks for all the advice. I forgot to mention I also bought a Flexcut Slipstrop, it seems to work well. Lindy, my first project is going to be a rabbit. I'm really interested in wildlife carving, and a bunny seemed like it could be pretty simple. Right now it looks like an eggplant .