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Message 1
From: Tiberiu Chelcea
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:26:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Baren 32677] Carving tools advice
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Hi,

recently I have been working on a project that involves carving a lot of letters and fine details (the size of the block is 4x6"/10x15cm), and found out that my tools (a Niji set) are quite inadequate for the small spaces between the letters and details. The smallest tool that I have is a 3mm C-gouge (Komasuki style, I think). I'm considering buying some new tools, but don't quite know what sizes I should buy. What sizes and types are most common, i.e. what are Baren Forum users using? Should I jump to buying some ultra-small chisels (1mm, 2mm) for projects like this? I got used with the japanese style tools, and Baren Mall has some nice ones; however, I'm not entirely sure what the difference is between the three knife shops listed on the baren mall, they seem to have about the same tools at about the same price -- is there one recommended over the others?

Thank you,
Tibi

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Message 2
From: Charles Morgan
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:09:10 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32678] Re: Carving tools advice
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For very fine work you might want to consider high quality wood
burning equipment instead of chisels. Have a look at the Razortip equipment:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31042&cat=1,41115,45497

I have one of these units with various tips and it works extremely
well. Do not confuse these with those small, cheap, pen-type wood
burning tools sold for hobbyists and children ... the pen-type will
not do the job. These high end wood burning tools are used by wood
carvers for making detailed bird models and similar projects. They
are capable of the most delicate work. The tip is thermostatically
controlled and will get red hot in a matter of seconds. You have a
wide variety of tips from which to choose. In my experience, the
interchangeable tips are somewhat problematic, and I recommend the fixed tips.

For very small chisels, you might consider a "micro-carving" set:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31101&cat=1,130,43332,43337

I have a set of these, and I like them. I sometimes use them alone
and sometimes to clean up after the wood burning tool. You might also
consider the following:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31104&cat=1,130,43332,43333

I have used these and do not find them nearly as good. I have not
found a set of chisels that is as capable of the very fine work that
can be achieved with the wood burning equipment. But then, perhaps
that says more about my skill, or lack of it, than it does about the tools.

Cheers ...... Charles

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Message 3
From: Bobbi Chukran
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:13:12 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32679] Re: Carving tools advice
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>For very fine work you might want to consider high quality wood
>burning equipment instead of chisels. Have a look at the Razortip
>equipment:
>
>http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31042&cat=1,41115,45497
>

Charles,

So you can use these to make woodcuts?

I have a cheap pyrography set, and have often wondered about using it
(or something similar) for making woodcuts.

I need something easier than chisels and gouges these days....

No wonder Husband's been hiding his Lee Valley catalog from me! LOL

thanks....

bobbi c.

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Message 4
From: Diane Cutter
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:45:07 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Baren 32680] Re: Carving tools advice
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Hi, Tibi...

To add to Charles' response, I've just started with woodcuts and have found the dark brown handled detail knives extremely handy (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31104&cat=1,130,43332,43333), the ones Charles referenced. I seem to only use the two gouges and, occasionally, the parting tool.

I have also found that my regular Exacto knife has become a great tool. Useless to me in linocuts, I find I can get some very thin lines by cutting along a line at a slight slant and then cutting beyond it at a mirror slant, making a very narrow groove. It takes a little control but works very well on a medium to soft wood (cherry and all-shina).

I may buy those micro knives as well... hmmm... wish I could sell prints as fast as I spend money on printmaking 'toys'...

Diane

www.dianecutter.com
www.theitinerantartist.blogspot.com
www.DCutter.etsy.com

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Message 5
From: Bobbi Chukran
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:53:49 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32681] Re: Carving tools advice
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>I may buy those micro knives as well... hmmm... wish I could sell
>prints as fast as I spend money on printmaking 'toys'...
>

diane,

I noticed that all the links to your Ebay store aren't working? Did
you close the store?

bobbi c.

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Message 6
From: Nancy McMahon-Cox
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:44:15 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32682] Re: Carving tools advice
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Hi Tibi,
I use and recommend that my students use Japanese tools listed in the
McClain's catalog(is McClain's on the Baren Mall list?) I find that
the standard quality knives are excellent. I suggest you try a
Sankaku to 1.5mm v-gouge(McClain's # C2831) and a Hira to 1.5mm chisel
(McClains's #C2821)along with a new blade in your standard X-Acto
knife. McClain's is at www.imcclains.com ask for Alex if you
telephone them.
Best Regards - Ian Ox

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Message 7
From: "Marissa "
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:49:01 -0500
Subject: [Baren 32683] Re: Carving tools advice
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I love my 1mm V gouge and U gouge. They are very handy in tight spaces.

--
~marissa lee

www.mleefineart.com

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Message 8
From: "Mike Lyon"
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:50:45 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32684] Re: Carving tools advice
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McClains and many others are in Baren's 'Other Suppliers List' which is
linked on the main http://barenforum.org page
(right under the Mall) or directly here:
http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/007_04/007_04_frame.html



-- Mike



Mike Lyon
Kansas City, MO
http://mlyon.com

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