I’ve been fascinated by other peoples carving abilities and would like to try my hand at it. However, I don’t want to spend a fourtune for a carving set only to realize I suck or find out I just don’t like it.
I’ve seen carving sets of 12 (mallet tools) and hand size for as low as $60.00 all the way to almost a thousand for Pfeil or other Swiss made.
Any recommendations? I’m all ears (and not much money). :-)
-- Mike
5 comments so far
Richforever
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652 posts in 1889 days
#1 posted 158 days ago
I’m going to try a few individual Two Cherries, German-made tools, available through ToolsforWorkingWood. They post good info on the site. I have chisels made by Two Cherries; and I like them a lot.
-- Rich, Seattle, WA
Arminius
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219 posts in 1972 days
#2 posted 158 days ago
This is a good set to dabble with, and still have a place as good quality detail tools if your interest develops.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=44106&cat=1,130,43332,43334&ap=1
Monte Pittman
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7068 posts in 507 days
#3 posted 158 days ago
Work with a piece of hard wood, not pine. My understanding is that SPF does not carve well. Do not get to down on yourself if it isn’t perfect. It’s not like sawing a few pieces and glueing them together. Patience. Take a little at a time.
-- Mother Nature created it, I just assemble it. - It's not ability that we often lack, but the patience to use our ability
Bluepine38
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2100 posts in 1254 days
#4 posted 158 days ago
You did not mention your shop size and/or skill level. I also wanted to get into carving without the expensive
knives, so I made my own set https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lumberjocks.com/Bluepine38/blog/24978&sa=U&ei=1Y_MULHCOPP7yAGtsYHoDA&ved=0CAcQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNG-lH1VxPwbi4TDZNMOdeuGd3fdUA. Did not realize it was going to be this long when I hit copy & paste. This
and other selections you can find here on Lumberjocks can give you an idea on how to make your own knives.
I also joined the local woodcarving club and picked up some hints and help from the members. Turned out
that I am not a great carver, but I had fun making the knives and still enjoy carving occasionally. Yes my beautiful
Lady realizes that I use my shop mainly as a place to play and keep myself out of trouble and off the street
corners.
-- As ever, Gus-the 74 yr young apprentice carpenter
BerBer5985
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391 posts in 589 days
#5 posted 158 days ago
Here’s a good starter set made in Japan believe it or not at harbor freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-woodcarving-chisel-set-95064.html
I bought it on sale for around $11 at one time and I was impressed with how sharp out if the box they were. They say made in Japan right on the side. Good set to dabble with and then you can upgrade from there.
-- Greg, Owner, Quality Carpet One, www.qualitycarpetonecrofton.com
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