Beginner - Wood Carving Set

[RiazG]

Hello all,
This is my first post, I want to take up wood carving as a hobby and see where it takes me. Almost everywhere i have travelled i have seen beautiful carvings that i wish i could make, and now i have that chance to learn and be creative.
I have already had a look at the wealth of tools out there and in fairness i'm confused. I would like some advice as to which set i should buy and embark on this new journey. Product/Price links posted would be highly appreciated.

PS: Are there any shops that would sell these kinds of sets in Leicestershire?

Thank you

 

[hamburglar]

It would be worth going on a course if you can. Failing that you could give Classic Hand Tools a ring for advice.

 

[tulsk]

Hello,
I'm sure you're eager to get started, but if I were you I wouldn't buy any tools until you are sure of what you need. For instance, what sort of carving do you wish to do : relief carving, figure carving, miniatures, full blown sculptures etc. The best way to learn of course is to join a club or even better, enrol for tuition. Failing that you could learn from books or other media but either way, to avoid wasting money, find out what you will need before buying.
There is a really good (American) forum for carvers called -Woodcarving illustrated which is free to join and really helpful.
Cheers, John

 

[RiazG]

Thanks for the tips, i'm more wanting to carve out pictures rather than figure carving. i apologise i don't know what the correct term is. (similar to a painter on canvas). Ill definately do a lot of reading before i purchase now.
Are there any good online tutorials out there, unfortunately i wont get time for a course as my job demands some weird hours.
I appreciate all your comments.....Thank you... :shock:

 

[RiazG]

After a little browsing and viewing some amazing tutorials i'm definately pursuing either chip carving or relief carving or maybe both......

 

[lurker]

PS: Are there any shops that would sell these kinds of sets in Leicestershire?

I can't think of any off hand and I bet if you found one, their stuff would be poor quality.
Specialist mail order is the only way really.
The suggest about Classic hand tools is a good un

 

[johnjin]

Don't forget the sharpening.
Carving tools need to be sharp. I would suggest buying a couple of old carving chisels to practise on. They are a little bit more difficult than a flat chisel in my opinion due to the different shapes required. When carving sharpness is everything.

John

 

[xy mosian]

Ashley Iles - generally well regarded - Lincolnshire near enough?
http://www.ashleyiles.turningtools.co.uk/

Chip Carving - Knife only
www.MyChipCarving.com

For stropping I use a piece of leather stuck onto a Lath, filled with almost any mild metal polish. Turn the gouge bevel up on the edge of the bench and use the 'strop' one handed like a file.

Have fun

xy

 

[matthewwh]

Ashley Iles do this set designed specifically for people starting out.

It's enough to give you a reasonable idea of what does what and produce a few basic carvings. If you get stuck with sharpening you can send them back at any time - either to us or the factory with a few quid to cover return postage and have them sharpened for free.

We keep a pretty good range of the more popular tools in stock and if we haven't got what you need we can usually get it in a few days. If you have any questions just give me a call on 01295 780003 and I'll do my best to help.

 

[RiazG]

Thanks guys, quality is definately everything and it does come at a price, i don't think i'm going to hurry and buy a cheap set either.
so its time to save up while keeping an eye on the bay for any good deals out there.....
:shock:

 

[RiazG]

ive just come across this from Rutlands.co.uk....what do you think...

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/hand-tools/carving/carving-tools---sets/DKRV28/carving-tool-set---12-piece

 

[TobyB]

I think the AI basic set would be better - you won't be struggling with poor/blunt steel ... but it's twice the money. Have you looked at the Flexcut tools - for much the same money or a bit more you can get some good tools ... well I've been very pleased with how well they work in my hand and how sharp they are/remain (and the carving jack I was given was a wonderful present!)

http://www.classichandtools.com/acatalo ... _Sets.html
http://www.classichandtools.com/acatalo ... er_Set.htm
l

 

[stevebuk]

ive just come across this from Rutlands.co.uk....what do you think...

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/hand-tools/carving/carving-tools---sets/DKRV28/carving-tool-set---12-piece

oh god the dakota police will be along shortly, get ready to duck.. :lol: :lol:

 

[misterfish]

ive just come across this from Rutlands.co.uk....what do you think...

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/hand-tools/carving/carving-tools---sets/DKRV28/carving-tool-set---12-piece

I see they have one review which praises the set. Of course it's out of stock, but it is on offer for £25 which is only just over £2 per tool.

As to what to purchase - it depends how serious you think you want to be. The AI tools will be excellent quality but more expensive. As for the problems others have had with Rutlands, I've only ever had good experiences.

I was given a very cheap set (Screwfix I think) years ago - absolute cr*p. Poorly made and wouldn't hold an edge. The dakota set looks much better.

Misterfish

 

[RiazG]

i think i'll wait for the right set, i'm definately in this for the long run. there are some nice sets to be had on the bay, ill hold out for them i guess...
Thanks for all the tips....much appreciated.

oh and where would the best place be to buy lime and other types of wood...??

 

[xy mosian]

There is a really good (American) forum for carvers called -Woodcarving illustrated which is free to join and really helpful.
Cheers, John

John, Many thanks for that hint. My pot of tea is now crusty from finding a good deal to look at there. The videos, the videos.

xy

 

[RiazG]

Well, I've finally got my hands a set of AI's and a Maul.. !!...and the wood is on its way... :lol: .now i need to get to grips with sharpening and honing...are there any guides out there??.... and most importantly what do i need to buy??......once again thanks guys....