Beginning Hand Carving
You are always welcome to use the shop tools during class, but having your own tools allows you to work anytime and anywhere. Choosing the right tools is a very personal decision, based on considerations such as your hand size, scale, studio situation, and budget.
As a basic starting point, I suggest getting at least three chisels; I recommend:
-a C- or U-shape (aka “sweep” or “gouge”)
-a V-shape (“parting tool” or “veiner”)
-a flat blade with either a squared-off or angled (“skew”) cutting edge
Flexcut is the brand I prefer and they are available either with fixed handles, or as interchangable blades that snap into different handles. I feel that the three most useful profiles for getting started are a C (“sweep”), V, and flat; for a chart that shows the Flexcut range, click on "Tool Profile Chart" on this page: http://www.flexcut.com/individual-interchangeable-tools/?sort=featured&page=1
The selection that comes with the various Flexcut beginner kits is fine, but if I were choosing three from scratch I’d get these:
SK317 45 deg. x 5/32" (4mm) Parting Tool
SK407 #2 x 9/16" (15mm) Skew Double Bevel
SK402 #8 x 3/8" (10mm) Sweep
Want one or two more? If you plan on working big, a larger C-shape with a tighter curve will let you move through material more quickly. If you like small details, choose one of the smallest C- or V-shapes.
Can't make that kind of investment right now? You can do a lot with just an X-acto handle and disposable blades or scalpels.
Whatever tools you choose, protect them from day one by keeping the ends capped or covered when not in use. Never let the cutting edge touch another piece of metal! For regular maintenance on Flexcut chisels, I recommend a Flexstrop Slip Strop; we will have one for you to use during class.
Other hand tools I will cover in class include: razor saw, adze, draw knife, drill, crooked knife, mallet. Don’t feel like you have to run out and buy these, but feel free to bring any that you have and I can talk to you about how and when to use them.
As a basic starting point, I suggest getting at least three chisels; I recommend:
-a C- or U-shape (aka “sweep” or “gouge”)
-a V-shape (“parting tool” or “veiner”)
-a flat blade with either a squared-off or angled (“skew”) cutting edge
Flexcut is the brand I prefer and they are available either with fixed handles, or as interchangable blades that snap into different handles. I feel that the three most useful profiles for getting started are a C (“sweep”), V, and flat; for a chart that shows the Flexcut range, click on "Tool Profile Chart" on this page: http://www.flexcut.com/individual-interchangeable-tools/?sort=featured&page=1
The selection that comes with the various Flexcut beginner kits is fine, but if I were choosing three from scratch I’d get these:
SK317 45 deg. x 5/32" (4mm) Parting Tool
SK407 #2 x 9/16" (15mm) Skew Double Bevel
SK402 #8 x 3/8" (10mm) Sweep
Want one or two more? If you plan on working big, a larger C-shape with a tighter curve will let you move through material more quickly. If you like small details, choose one of the smallest C- or V-shapes.
Can't make that kind of investment right now? You can do a lot with just an X-acto handle and disposable blades or scalpels.
Whatever tools you choose, protect them from day one by keeping the ends capped or covered when not in use. Never let the cutting edge touch another piece of metal! For regular maintenance on Flexcut chisels, I recommend a Flexstrop Slip Strop; we will have one for you to use during class.
Other hand tools I will cover in class include: razor saw, adze, draw knife, drill, crooked knife, mallet. Don’t feel like you have to run out and buy these, but feel free to bring any that you have and I can talk to you about how and when to use them.
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