Let’s talk about woodcarvingAdministrator2020-02-03T16:00:40-05:00
Discussions on this forum are membership-run. I (Mary May) will monitor conversations and will try and contribute as needed. However, I can't guarantee that I will always have time to keep up with the discussions. Please feel free to contribute, as the only way this forum will be successful is if members get involved! I will also be the "judge and juror" with inappropriate, rude, or offensive behavior, so play nice!
Gouge-Size Question
Deleted user
Quote from Deleted user on September 11, 2017, 5:44 pm
I've noted after watching a few of Mary's tutorials that she uses Dastra straight gouges a lot, especially in sizes #1 - 14mm, #4 - 14mm and #5 - 14mm. Not wanting to re-invent the wheel, I'm planning on purchasing these gouges. My question is this: Since my hands are probably larger than hers, should I purchase ones with a wider sweep, say 16mm, instead of 14mm. These, plus a v tool would constitute my base in these higher-quality tools. I have a set of Japanese gouges which I'll continue to use until I fill out this set.
I've noted after watching a few of Mary's tutorials that she uses Dastra straight gouges a lot, especially in sizes #1 - 14mm, #4 - 14mm and #5 - 14mm. Not wanting to re-invent the wheel, I'm planning on purchasing these gouges. My question is this: Since my hands are probably larger than hers, should I purchase ones with a wider sweep, say 16mm, instead of 14mm. These, plus a v tool would constitute my base in these higher-quality tools. I have a set of Japanese gouges which I'll continue to use until I fill out this set.
Matthew Mizner@mattm
242 Posts
Quote from Matthew Mizner on September 11, 2017, 9:53 pm
Bob, hand size wouldn't affect the width of the sweep at all. The only thing that requires different widths would be the carving you are working on. Carving smaller, more intricate spaces usually require a smaller width. If you are roughing out large areas of wood, go with the large widths in your arsenal.
14 is a good "base width" to start with. Everyone has their own preference, as you pick up the more you carve, so it's hard to suggest a certain width. Mary has a list of good sizes to start with as you build up your quality tools. I started with tools between to 10-14 widths across most of the different sweeps, and purchased different sizes according to what projects required.
Hope that helps!
Bob, hand size wouldn't affect the width of the sweep at all. The only thing that requires different widths would be the carving you are working on. Carving smaller, more intricate spaces usually require a smaller width. If you are roughing out large areas of wood, go with the large widths in your arsenal.
14 is a good "base width" to start with. Everyone has their own preference, as you pick up the more you carve, so it's hard to suggest a certain width. Mary has a list of good sizes to start with as you build up your quality tools. I started with tools between to 10-14 widths across most of the different sweeps, and purchased different sizes according to what projects required.
Hope that helps!
MaryMay@marymay
453 Posts
Quote from MaryMay on September 12, 2017, 10:53 pm
Sorry for not being involved in the forum lately. With hurricane threats in South Carolina and teaching in Port Townsend, Washington I've been a bit preoccupied. Matthew, your answer is spot on. The size of the gouge needed really only depends on the carving design.
One thing to consider if you have large hands is that you most definitely do not want to use palm gouges, or even mid-size gouges (7" length). Use the full-size ones (9" to 11") where you are able to comfortably place both hands on the gouge. Other than that, the mm of gouges should not change.
Sorry for not being involved in the forum lately. With hurricane threats in South Carolina and teaching in Port Townsend, Washington I've been a bit preoccupied. Matthew, your answer is spot on. The size of the gouge needed really only depends on the carving design.
One thing to consider if you have large hands is that you most definitely do not want to use palm gouges, or even mid-size gouges (7" length). Use the full-size ones (9" to 11") where you are able to comfortably place both hands on the gouge. Other than that, the mm of gouges should not change.
Dan Krager@dank
20 Posts
Quote from Dan Krager on November 29, 2017, 7:49 pm
You could readily make your own handles to fit your hands. If you don't have a lathe, a drawknife will work to make octagonal handles. Most any hardwood can be polished to a comfortable texture. I have the privilege of owning about 50 Addis tools that came with various sized handles, battered handles, broken handles, and some NOS with no handles. Using a London pattern, I formed new handles to make a matching set. The expensive part was the solid brass gas cap fittings I used as ferrules. Very comfortable to use.
You could readily make your own handles to fit your hands. If you don't have a lathe, a drawknife will work to make octagonal handles. Most any hardwood can be polished to a comfortable texture. I have the privilege of owning about 50 Addis tools that came with various sized handles, battered handles, broken handles, and some NOS with no handles. Using a London pattern, I formed new handles to make a matching set. The expensive part was the solid brass gas cap fittings I used as ferrules. Very comfortable to use.
Uploaded files:Matthew Mizner@mattm
242 Posts
Quote from Matthew Mizner on November 29, 2017, 9:13 pm
Great looking collection there Dan...I’ve still a lot to learn on my lathe, so that would have taken months to do!
Great looking collection there Dan...I’ve still a lot to learn on my lathe, so that would have taken months to do!
SmokyRick Crawford@smokyrick
72 Posts
Quote from SmokyRick Crawford on November 30, 2017, 8:14 am
Wow! That is a very nice collection you have there. Great job. Matthew, that would have taken me a month as well, full time, I am sure.
Wow! That is a very nice collection you have there. Great job. Matthew, that would have taken me a month as well, full time, I am sure.
