I am new to carving so not much help with tools. I started with some flex cut tools for carving in the round and a couple of knives.
I am spending the summer in Germany and wanted to expand to some relief carving. I ordered several gouges from Two Cherries ( I have used their chisels for years and have been satisfied). I am pleased with the full size gouges but disappointed in the smaller tools. I wanted to order some Pheil tools also, but the store was closed for a week. I hope to fill in some tools from Pheil in the near future.
I did notice that Two Cherries has a fishtail straight gouge if you need one.
Hi Ron,
Thanks for that information. I also prefer the long handled gouges rather than the palm gouges - much safer and easier to control with both hands. I wonder if the Two Cherries fishtail straight is a single bevel or double bevel? I'm looking for a good supplier of a single bevel. Please spread the word about the class in Germany, as I need to get more students!
I am enjoying getting to know your site, lessons and work. I ordered a 12 PC wood carving chisel set from Clarke. I noticed that there is no number written on them. can you tell me your opinion about it please.
Hello Yas,
I am not familiar with "Clarke", so I looked them up on the computer. They are a very good price. Not having them in my hand is difficult to see the quality, but they do look a little bulky and because of that they may have to be re-ground to make the bevel longer. I have seen others similar, and they usually have to be reground, as it causes the positioning of the tool to be higher off the wood. Some of these types of gouges have very good quality metal. The best way to tell is if they sharpen quickly, they will dull quickly. They will be a good starter set, but I think you will find if you get one or two tools from the more professional tool brands I list on my website, you will see a big different in tool handling, position of cutting, amount of detail you can carve, etc. But for the price, it is a good way to start. Good luck!
Hi, Mary. I'm learning so much from your video lessons. I do have a couple of questions...this particular project has a lot of marking with a compass. How do you deal with the holes left by the compass. Also, I am a Windsor chair maker. I was taught to always have an odd number of long spindles so that the eye is drawn to the middle of the back. Any thoughts on this as it applies to carving designs? Thank you!!
Hi Joel,
The marks from the compass are so small that it doesn't really show - especially after the flat surface is sanded and finished. Just don't make them too deep or strong. Also, I have seen fans or shells in both styles - with either an odd or even number. Glad you're enjoying the videos!
To respond to Bill's question about Lamp tools: I began with about 7 Lamp tools, and ended up re-selling them to another person who likes them. I found the steel too thick and difficult to maneuver. I then bought Pfeil, and for me, there was a distinct difference in the way the tool worked in the wood. I sharpened both the same way, so I don't think it was a difference in sharpening. The Pfeil tools are the only ones I happen to own now, but they seem much more delicate than the Lamp tools did, and much easier to control. I don't want to discredit the Lamp brand, just offer my experience, for what it is worth!
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