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!
The discussions on this forum can be read by anyone, but if you would like to join in and participate, please login or register as a Free Member.

Long handled carving tools

PreviousPage 2 of 3Next

Hello Jim -  I ordered the "Mary May starter kit" from Chipping Away.  They are all about 10 inches long with 5-1/2 inch handles.  They are very nice to work with in my opinion.  I am enjoying trying to use them.  And Mary's instruction makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

Thanks for your response Rick - that's just what I was hoping for and looking forward to getting started with Mary's instructions. From what i've seen so far she makes it look like child's play.. although having some carving experience, I know better! Never the less, looking to progress w/ some structured lessons and delighted I won't even have to leave the shop! 2-thumbs up ;-).

Regards, Jim

I am new to carving and am trying to figure out what the differences are in carving with a full size tool versus an intermediate size tool, so I can start purchasing tools.  I want to do small low relief carvings.

 

Monica,

Some companies market the intermediate size as “starter” tools, and other companies have even marketed them as “ladies” tools or tools for those with smaller hands. They have the same size of sweeps as regular tools, tho in a much more limited range.

Please buy the regular sizes. Here’s my pitch: The regular size, or often called “professional” size has the full range of shapes and sizes you can use...the intermediate ones do not. Even tho you are getting into carving, you will either eventually want to go to full size if you continue on in the craft, or If you decide you aren’t interested down the road, you will have an easy time selling off full size tools...not so much with smaller tools.

Maybe others have a different view than I...that’s my suggestion!

 

I agree with Matthews thoughts. I have small hands and I find full size tools much easier to grip and less fatiguing than medium size .

Monica,

I would also recomend full size chisels,  sort of,, most of the time!  Having been a gunstock carver, ivory inlay, etc. I only had palm chisels for doing sm. relief carving.  Taking Mary's class and buying full size tools I seldom ever get into my palm tools.  However having said that, I've taken all my swiss Pfeil full size tools in 6mm fishtails and smaller and re-handeled them with a small ebony handel available from L.M.I. part # CHES.  I've ground down, filed and fitted the brass ferrules to fit the bolster on the chisels, it makes a very nice "intermediate" set.  I'm able to still use two hands while carving for fine controll.

Long story - short, buy full size, and if you the need for smaller size, rehandel, if you don't like the feel of the smaller handels you can always put the origalns back on.  sorry about spelling, lol. never was good at that.

Mike

Thanks guys.  It's good to get advice from those who have been doing this.  Then, the full size it will be.  My maternal grandfather carved violins using a pocket knife and a piece of coke bottle; his son, my uncle, is a well know carver in West Virginia, so I think it's in the genes.  I can hear my late mother saying, "but women don't carve, that's a man's hobby!"  Wish she were here to see Mary May's carvings.

Thanks again,

Monica

 

sounds like the old Fox-Fire books,  some nice fiddle articalls on old timers doing lots with little to do it with.

Merry Christmas and happy carving to all

Don’t listen to your mother Monica! Carving used to be done by women as much, if not more, than men back in days past...get out there and carve!!

Santa did good,  four new chisels and a couple of carving books,  Yay!  but he also dropped of a Christmas puppy,   OOOOps.  Now it's going to be hard to find carving time,  that if I still have handles left on my chisels,  lol.  poinsettia #4 and an Angel to go yet to finnish Christmas projects.  Next carving to be Roubo bookstand carved with acanthes leaves and rosette.

PreviousPage 2 of 3Next