• From Steve Harris on Carving a Large Sunburst - Episode 1

    Hi Mary,
    CARVED THE SMALL SUNBURST AND IT TURNED OUT PRETTY GOOD FOLLOWING YOUR INSTRUCTIONS IN THE VIDEO, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR TEACHING.
    THE PHOTO OF THE ORIGINAL IS KINDA HARD TO INTERPRET THE SHAPE,BUT YOUR PHOTO OF YOUR FINISHED WORK AND WATCHING YOU CARVE IT CLARIFIES IT. HOWEVER A CROSS SECTION OF THE SHAPES IN CRITICAL AREAS ON THE PATTERN WOULD HELP GREATLY. I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER DOING THIS ON YOUR PATTERNS.
    THANKS AGAIN, I REALLY ENJOY WATCHING YOU WORK.

    Go to comment
    2014/08/11 at 10:37 am
    • From Mary May on Carving a Large Sunburst - Episode 1

      That's a great idea. Sometimes it is very difficult to visualize shape and depth. I will keep this in mind with future templates, and will try to update some of the older ones.

      Thanks!

      Go to comment
      2014/08/11 at 2:06 pm
  • From António Samagaio on All About Gouges

    Thank for your answer.
    That was quick!

    When I wrote "kit" i was talking about Your kit recommendation. lol!

    I do know the "Master Carver" brand, there's a store near that sells it.
    I'll look it up more closer.

    Thanks again

    All the best!

    Go to comment
    2014/08/02 at 11:00 am
  • From António Samagaio on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3

    Thank for your answer.
    That was quick!

    When I wrote "kit" i was talking about Your kit recommendation. lol!

    I do know the "Master Carver" brand, there's a store near that sells it.
    I'll look it up more closer.

    Thanks again

    All the best!

    Go to comment
    2014/08/02 at 11:00 am
  • From Mary May on All About Gouges

    Hello Antonio,
    I'm so glad you are enjoying the school.

    I looked at the link to the chisels, and it is so difficult to say whether they are good quality or not by photographs. I am not familiar with this brand. The one thing that concerns me is the v-chisel has a LOT of metal - which causes it to be very awkward to use. It's difficult to see how thick the others are. It might be a good idea to get one basic curved gouge (maybe a #5, 14mm) and get it sharpened. Use it for a while on hard wood and see how hit holds up. Use it with a mallet and without mallet. Also, if it sharpens very fast, that is usually a good sign that it will dull quickly also. Sometimes these less expensive brands don't have a good temper on the end. I have heard that if you take it to a metal smith, they can temper the ends of these tools and make them very good tools.

    I do know that one brand that is inexpensive, Master Carver series from Woodworkers supply (online school) is a Chinese brand averaging about $10 to $15 per tool. I bought one to test these out and it has held a good edge. They aren't pretty, don't generally come fully sharpened, and are not full length tools, but if you're just starting out, it might be a good set if you are on a budget. European made tools are the best, but can be pretty costly.

    I also would be reluctant to purchase a "kit". Usually there are one or two tools in the kit that you will never use. Best to wait until a sale goes on for the tools and buy them individually.

    Go to comment
    2014/08/02 at 10:43 am
  • From Mary May on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3

    Hello Antonio,
    I'm so glad you are enjoying the school.

    I looked at the link to the chisels, and it is so difficult to say whether they are good quality or not by photographs. I am not familiar with this brand. The one thing that concerns me is the v-chisel has a LOT of metal - which causes it to be very awkward to use. It's difficult to see how thick the others are. It might be a good idea to get one basic curved gouge (maybe a #5, 14mm) and get it sharpened. Use it for a while on hard wood and see how hit holds up. Use it with a mallet and without mallet. Also, if it sharpens very fast, that is usually a good sign that it will dull quickly also. Sometimes these less expensive brands don't have a good temper on the end. I have heard that if you take it to a metal smith, they can temper the ends of these tools and make them very good tools.

    I do know that one brand that is inexpensive, Master Carver series from Woodworkers supply (online school) is a Chinese brand averaging about $10 to $15 per tool. I bought one to test these out and it has held a good edge. They aren't pretty, don't generally come fully sharpened, and are not full length tools, but if you're just starting out, it might be a good set if you are on a budget. European made tools are the best, but can be pretty costly.

    I also would be reluctant to purchase a "kit". Usually there are one or two tools in the kit that you will never use. Best to wait until a sale goes on for the tools and buy them individually.

    Go to comment
    2014/08/02 at 10:43 am