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Recommended Tools for
Carving Class
| Note: Most craft schools have some carving
tools on hand. Often the selection is limited and the tools are
frequently too large. If the tools are out in the shop, they are
also likely to be in bad condition.
A whole class sharing tools can make carving
challenging. The nature of the process requires alternating among
several tools - difficult if someone else has the tool you need across
the shop.
It is also somewhat discouraging to spend a
substantial amount of time putting a tool into good condition only to
find it dull again when you need to use it.
For these reasons I recommend that, if at all
possible, students acquire a basic set of tools and bring them to the
class. I know good tools are not cheap, but if you will continue
carving, you will need them. |
The following tools, or of the same
approximate sizes and shapes are the minimum needed to get the most from this
class. If you have questions,
please call the instructor.
There are several suppliers of fine
quality tools. My best advice is to invest in quality tools.
Inferior tools will not take or hold an edge and are a waste of money,
and will make your carving experience frustrating. Good
tools and tools to avoid.
I have selected these tools
to provide a variety of sweeps (curvature of blade) and sizes within the size
range most useful for the work we will be doing.
If one size is not available, buy the next closest.
I have selected some so you will have a variety of styles to work with-in
styles and shapes I personally find most useful.
In the following list, a straight V tool would be a good substitute for
the long bent V. You must have a V tool, though.
Of the following tools the Back bent gouge is the most unusual, and one
that I find very useful. It is not
absolutely necessary, but I think it is very nice to have in your kit.
These tools are also available from Craig
Nutt in advance of the class at the prices below.
Tools are very high quality professional tools made by the German firm
Dastra. Tools
come with octagonal handles with metal ferrule.
If you already have a good set of tools, and need a few to fill in, or if
you would like to purchase some other sizes, you may also order these from Craig
Nutt.
Whether
you are ordering from Craig Nutt or another supplier, please do not wait until
the last minute. Suppliers' supplies are often limited. Since all of
these tools are manufactured in Europe, there may be a substantial wait if the
supplier is out of a particular tool. If you order tools from Craig
Nutt, we will make best substitutions as necessary depending on stock available
from the distributor. Therefore the price of a full set may vary a few
dollars from that below.
|
Size
|
Sweep
|
Style
|
Form Ref #
|
Price
|
|
14mm
|
3
|
Fishtail
|
48
|
$42
|
|
10mm
|
7
|
Straight
|
7
|
$33
|
|
14mm
|
6
|
Straight
|
6
|
$33
|
|
8mm
|
8
|
Straight
|
8
|
$32
|
|
8mm
|
41
|
Long-bent V
|
42
|
$43
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|
4mm
|
10
|
Straight
|
10
|
$33
|
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4mm
|
1
|
Skew
|
2
|
$31
|
|
12mm
|
5
|
Back bent
|
35
|
$36
|
|
7mm
|
4
|
Straight
|
4
|
$32
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|
20mm
|
3
|
Straight
|
3
|
$37
|
|
14 oz
|
Carver's |
Mallet |
|
Check |
-
The Size of the gouge
refers to the width of the tool
-
The Sweep refers to the
curvature. Sweep varies from 1 (straight) to 11 (very deep
curve). Usually, carving tools have a number stamped near where the
handle joins the tool. This indicates the sweep.
-
V tools come in various angles
and the designation varies according to manufacturer. It is nice to
have a variety, but if you only have one, I recommend that it be a fairly
small (steep) angle.
If you are borrowing tools for the
class, you might want to consider purchasing the V-tool and the 20mm #3 gouge,
or at least let the person you are borrowing them from that we will reshape
these!
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Carver’s Mallet
|
These are the round, turned
type mallet. If you are a
turner, you can make your own, or you can purchase one.
A fairly small one is preferred for this class.
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Gouge Slip
Woodcraft's
slips
|
As fine a grit as you can find. These are available in a combination pattern with a tapered
curve on one edge and tapered vee on the other edge.
These are used on the inside surface of the tools, both gouges and
V tools. Woodcraft
Supply has a hard white Arkansas (08y22) for about $15.00 and a hard black
Arkansas (14194) for around $35. The black is finer and better if you have the money,
however the white is OK. You
only need one of these.
As of this update, Highland
Hardware has some attractive prices on slips. They have an 8000
grit mini combination slipstone (waterstone) (#026458) for $6. This
would be fine for removing the sharpening burr from the size gouges we are
using, and has a fine edge for v-tools. They also carry full-size
slipstones (waterstone) (#026423 for 8000 grit) for $7. These are
large enough to use the face for final honing in place of a bench stone.
|
|
Leather strop
|
You may purchase one, or even
better, bring some rawhide scraps (4” or so wide by 6” or longer) and
you can make one in the class.
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Sharpening Stone(s)
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1200 grit waterstone (my
choice) or hard Arkansas stone. A
6000 grit waterstone would also be a good addition.
If you bring a waterstone, also bring a covered plastic container
(like Tupperware) large enough to contain the stone and enough water to
cover it. A “nagura”
stone for working a paste up on the surface of the water stone is also
recommended. The school will have some of these for students to share.
Highland
Hardware has a combination waterstone with 1000 grit on one side and
6000 on the other-and this would be a good choice if you want to save some
money. (#146702 - $23).
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Bench Chisels
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If you have a set of
cabinetmakers bench chisels, bring them.
They will come in handy, and you can get them in shape.
The school will have some of these on hand if you don’t have your
own.
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Rasps and Rifflers (3D only)
Rasps are like files
but have a lot of individual teeth. The best rasps have hand-cut
teeth. Patternmakers rasps are finer than cabinetmakers rasps-and
generally are better for shaping. Rifflers are small rasps-often
with a cutting surface at either end, Rifflers come in a variety of
sizes and shapes.
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If you have rasps and rifflers,
bring them. If you are
purchasing a rasp, I recommend the Nicholson #50 Patternmaker’s rasp.
This will be handy on 3-D projects.
The school will have some of these shaping tools, so they are not
absolutely necessary.
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BACK TO CLASSES
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