First carving tools

A friend of mine wants to start carving and I would like to get her some start-off tools. I am not sure what she wants to carve, but she has started collecting pieces of tree stumps when neighbors cut down trees. I would like to get her a power tool and/or a beginners set of hand tools. She has access to a dremmel tool that has a flex shaft. My budget is not large, but could stretch to $150-200 U.S. Can anyone recommend the best investment in tools? Thanks

[Callynne]

Hi Amanda, welcome! What a nice friend you are!! Not knowing what your friend wants to carve is a bit of a problem since large carvings will take different size tools than small ones.
If you suspect that she has an all around interest in carving I think the best thing to do would be look at some books. See if anything looks like something you think she'd be interested in, then purchase the tools the book suggests.
Please be sure to leave enough money to purchase her a carving glove and thumb guard, they are so very important and if she uses them right from the beginning she won't have trouble getting used to them after a bad injury....this from someone who knows!!
Also, direct her here, there are so many smart, talented and very experienced people here who will be more than happy to help a her! Callynne

Maybe you could find some sneaky way to find out what your friend plans to carve, then check back. What you buy depends a great deal on what is to be carved.

[Dale_O]

Hi Amanda

Take a look at www.stubaidirect.com this will give you an idea of what is out there for tool sizes and shapes. If your friend is collecting logs and stumps it sounds like she would be using full sized mallet tools and maybe a power carver such as an Arbortech. Wait until she gains experiance before going the power route because more chances of injury are present.
Rotary carving with a dremel tool or any other flexshaft is fairly safe however. How old is your friend? And do you have a Woodcraft store in your area? You could give her the gift of a carving class if you have a Woodcraft nearby. If you would like a Stubai catalog I could send you one. In the meantime talk to your friend and get some feedback from her about her interest. I would be willing to send you out a loaner 6 piece set of tool's palm, midsize, or mallet for 30 day's to see if the desire is really there. Another good way to get her started is chip carving. It is very simple to learn and it can be done with as little as 1 knife.

Hope this helps
Dale