if i am only getting one v tool what size would you recommend?
I am also getting some gouges...
5 20
5 16
5 12
5 8

is this a good starter set?

hey Ad......this is a very tough question you present.

What is it you are going after????

If I were you, I'd decide what it is you want to carve, then buy specifically for that task. Over time your tools will duplicate and you purchase less.

For instance if you were going after a Newport shell, you'd want a 3mm(1/8") and a 6mm(1/4) but what degree do you want????? 60 degree, 45, 90????

Why did you select all #5's??? I do not look at this as a good starter set. But Nobody knows what you are planning to carve. You got to mix your sweeps as a starting set and you need a #1 1/2" chisel (carving).

Ad..........maybe Calvin will chime in here he's a carver. But back-up a bit and start with what it is you want to carve, then figure out the least amount of tools you'll need.

And don't forget some slip stones man.

By no means am I an expert, but I pretty much agree with Neil...

I started out with 3-4 hand me downs from my Dad and whenever I have a carving project I either "make-do" or go out and buy the profile that I need.

I really don't keep track of the sweeps and sizes like I could, and I have enough now that I usually can find one approximately the right size.

So get a couple of varied sweeps, (some 8's, 9's, etc. Not all 5's)start carving, and fill in as needed. Heck, it's always fun at Woodcraft to scare the guys up front to grab the carving chisels and feel the sharp edges...Cal

Also, no expert here. I've also bought my chisels as I've needed them. You'll use different chisels depending on the project. One place you might look at is woodworking classes on carving. Try Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking classes on carving. They have some tool lists required in some classes taught by Phil Lowe, Wil Neptune. Both have North Bennet Street connections if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, you'll see the variety of chisels they recommend on shells, ball and claw, etc...

Dave

great advice guys....i am very proud of the attitude that has come out of this forum.....i feel like this is a place FOR woodworkers BY woodworkers....

thanks you guys for your continued participation...its very humbling..

Hey guys,

I have a suspicion that this set of all #5 sweeps is for making bell flowers!! ! LOL

In this post http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Gouges-The_Rough_Cut_Show_Forum-1-F544.html
I've posted the lists of tools from this article: "Tools for Carving - Getting started doesn’t need to be confusing or cost a fortune" by Ian Agrell, FWW February 1997. It is another starting point.

I agree with Neil, you also need the sharpening material to keep your gouges shaaaarrp!

-Ronaldo

ps. does the forum have a search function? but restricted to the ATM section?

thanks guys, thats what tommy recommended for the table so i thought it would be good to get started.
If i want to buy 5 or 6 tools which ones would u guys recommend?

ok I think you should decide what to carve .... How about the she'll I did for the prospect door.... This way I can tell you what I used and tell you how I did it.... Not that its the best way .... But like I said in the video .... I am no carver..... Does anybody have a good idea on some carving lessons or techiniques ad can get down with just a few gauges .... Its always good to keep the cost down till the hook it properly set..... :-)

What I did was to watch some videos on carving. It's helpful to see carving in action instead of pictures in a magazine. Mack Headley and Nora Hall come to mind on carving shells. In the videos, they mention that tools their using and I think that they both come with a pattern. Watching them helped me understand grain change, hand placement, etc.. Phil Lowe has a video on carving a ball and claw foot and cutting a cabriole leg. No pattern with that video. Also, David Calvo did an episode of the Woodwright Shop. I think those episodes are also available for purchase.

You might check your local Woodcraft stores. I've taken a couple "day classes" on carving. Relatively cheap.

Hope this helps,

Dave

Ad............Dave's on it. Zero in on a direction.

BUT.......if the gouges you selected are for Fed bell flowers, then heck that's YOUR starter set. And who says bell flowers can only be on Federal period pieces. Hey Ad.... the leather punch set, and the Gouges T set us up with, we can all form pedals in a circle and you now have a Crysanthimum.

Ad.......those #5's may well be YOUR starter.