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Thread: First set of wood carving tools

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    96

    First set of wood carving tools

    Hi Everyone,

    I'm looking to give as a gift a set of wood carving tools, and know very little about the discipline. I would like to build the set from Pfiel tools, as I have the opportunity to purchase them 50% off. (Second hand) The soon to be owner, has zero carving tools. (except for a spoke shave he built from a steel blank) He recently graduated college, is working to become an arborist.

    If you were to pick the most important set of say ~10 tools give or take a few, what would you select? Is 10 too many tools? Too few tools? etc.

    Looking forward to everyones responses.

    Best,
    John

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    E TN, near Knoxville
    Posts
    12,298
    In addition to the tools, a good book or two on carving might be appreciated. Some are for beginners, some advanced.

    Do you know what kind of carving he is or might be interested in? Miniature figures, large sculptures, birds, furniture, chess pieces, ??? The scale and type of carving can suggest some of the tools. For general purpose carving that covers everything the possible tool list expands. Besides gouges, I have rotary carvers, reciprocal carvers, rifflers, files, and more.

    I am particularly fond of chip carving, only requires one tool (properly sharpened).

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    3,739
    Sharpening all the different styles is biggest challenge. Pfeils Palm gouges are very nice I have 2 that are among my favorites.
    Aj

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Kapolei Hawaii
    Posts
    3,236
    Scroll down to quality tools at an affordable price or search for Schaaf. They make a cheap set of tools that I did enjoy. NOT saying don't buy a Pfeil or Sorby. I have those too. I did a mini review. I like the Pfeils.
    Been on vacation a bit. Just saw this.

  5. #5
    Pfeil are super nice, as well as Schaaf. I have a few Flexcut that i use often as well. Saying you can definitely tell the difference in quality, along with tools, id say a good strop with honing compound, a cut resistant glove, and some carving books would go great with the Pfeil tools. try not to buy sets, but piece together a set. A mix of mallet gouges and palm gouges would be great too.

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