Question. Decent wood chiesel set for carving puppet heads.

[milly]

Hi,

sorry to ask a question which is most likely in previous posts on here but have limited time this week on computer.
I am after a quality set of chiesels either set or indiviual ones which come pre sharpened as I have read not all do.
If indiviuals what are the main ones I would need.

Many thanks

[Chris]

Milly, you will have to learn to sharpen your chisels. Even though you may buy chisels already sharpened - they usually are - they quickly lose their edge. This varies with the type of wood you are carving but the secret of all carving is the keep your tools sharp. So learning to sharpen your chisels really is essential.

As for the type of chisels to choose - well this depends entirely on what you intend to carve - what size heads?

You can buy sets of carving chisels and these will be called "Carving" chisels and will be made up of small section gouges and vee-shapes and are intended for decorative carving, often relief carving. These are nice to have and do prove useful on occasion. But if you are carving Punch heads which are generally fairly large then you will probably be better getting a couple of flat woodworking chisels, (those called firmer chisels if you work with the mallet, or those called paring chisels if you largely work without striking the chisel) perhaps half inch, inch and inch and a half - and then add only a couple of small gouges and corner chisels for detail work.

I think it is generally better to buy just a couple of chisels, and then gradually add to them as you find you need them - rather than buying a "set" in the first place. Also please buy the best you can afford - a cheap chisel is a waste of money, and a very cheap chisel can be dangerous. Buy a reputable make.

Many people cheat by doing a lot of the basic shaping with a bandsaw, or a wood rasp, and use something like a dremel drill for detailed work.

Some carvers use a knife or knives, and employ a chipping technique, I never do.

Or why not email or private message Miraiker and see what she suggests. She's carving all the time.

[milly]

Thank you very much for the information Chris, I shall get on the case at the weekend. Again many thanks.

[Miraiker]

That is an excellent answer, Chris.
I am currently helping, via email, a friend in France to take the first steps to carving their own puppets. It's an interesting experience. I would be pleased to pass on anything that I have learned through experience to anybody wanting to make their own. It would be great to see pictures of their efforts.

[Timboo]

Well five months on or so and has there been any lost fingers or ears?
Or do we have a lot of carved puppet heads already being used?