Recent Comments

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.

Hi!

I'm new around here.
But I can say immediately that your teachings are the kind i like. Simple and effective.
Until now I just did some "carved things" in my woodwork using pocket knife and a very inexpensive copy "of dremel".
Then I found Paul Sellers, Tom Fidgen, Roy Underhill, You and others. And move on to 90% hand tools.
I don't want to be a "carver" but just to explore a little bit more about carving in order to be able to include some had carved details in my furniture and toys.

So my question about budget chisels/gouges:
-Do you know "faithfull carving chisels" https://www.faithfulltools.com/c/c/Carving_Chisels - 6 Euros/ 7dollars each..)?
-Can you that you recommend any other inexpensive brand?

-Or its best to save some money and buy something like Pfeil 20 euros/26 dollars each for the starter kit?

Thanks in advance for your time

António
from Portugal

Hi!

I'm new around here.
But I can say immediately that your teachings are the kind i like. Simple and effective.
Until now I just did some "carved things" in my woodwork using pocket knife and a very inexpensive copy "of dremel".
Then I found Paul Sellers, Tom Fidgen, Roy Underhill, You and others. And move on to 90% hand tools.
I don't want to be a "carver" but just to explore a little bit more about carving in order to be able to include some had carved details in my furniture and toys.

So my question about budget chisels/gouges:
-Do you know "faithfull carving chisels" https://www.faithfulltools.com/c/c/Carving_Chisels - 6 Euros/ 7dollars each..)?
-Can you that you recommend any other inexpensive brand?

-Or its best to save some money and buy something like Pfeil 20 euros/26 dollars each for the starter kit?

Thanks in advance for your time

António
from Portugal

Mary,

I noticed you using the Stubai gouges. How do you like them and due they stay sharp?

bob

Mary
I am very impressed with your wood carving lessons I have been working with wood for many years as a hobbyist and I am keen to get into wood carving I have read some books and bought some videos but your videos are the best I have found starting with the basics and then building the skills sets.
The question I have is what brand of carving chisels do you use / recommend. While live in Australia I do buy a lot of my wood tools from Lee Valley in Canada as they are a very reliable supplier. They have two brands Henry Taylor & Hirsch but the selection dose align with your recommended beginners list. And they only have a couple of fish tale gouges. I am a very tall person (6'6") with large hands to match so I do not want something with handles that are too small. And I do appreciate quality it tools.

Regards
Murray Potts (Down under)