Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
Apr 26, 2017
The first time I seriously began shopping for carving tools, I couldn't help snickering at some of the names: Fluteroni, spoon bit, allongee fishtail? Silly though they may sound, these names have special meaning to carvers, and often aptly describe the business end of the tool. Carving tools can be broadly categorized into three main groups: gouges, chisels, and specialty tools. Each tool is designed to handle a specific task; serious carvers can have dozens of carving tools, ranging from delicate 4"-long detail chisels to huge gouges for roughing-out work.
Standard sizes
Unlike most woodworking tools, carving tools have long been available in standard sizes (
drawing below). If one carver tells another that he used a No. 8 gouge, the other will know exactly which tool he used. Surprisingly, most toolmakers follow these standards. Not all do, however, so stick with a reputable brand when you buy.
Gouges
A carving gouge is basically a chisel that's curved across the width of the blade (
right photo). Of all the carving tools, you'll find that gouges have the widest array of curves, sizes, and special features (such as a bent neck). In general, gouges may be one of two types: in-cannel or outcannel. With an in-cannel gouge, the bevel is ground on the inside of the blade; an out-cannel gouge has its bevel ground on the outside. Out-cannel gouges are by far the more popular.
Chisels
Although some carving chisels often look similar to standard firmer chisels, there's one big difference: Instead of the bevel being ground on one side, the bevel on a carving chisel is ground on both sides so it'll meet in the center (
right photo). Unlike the concave (hollow) grind of most chisels, a carving chisel generally has a convex grind. This helps prevent the edge from digging in too deep in use. Carving chisels may have either a square edge or a skewed edge.
Specialty tools
In addition to gouges and chisels, the carver typically has a number of other specialty tools in his arsenal (
right photo). Parting tools and veiners are the standbys. The most commonly used parting tool is the V-shaped version used for cutting grooves in wood and making squarecornered cuts. The V-parting tool is widely used for incising letters in signs. Veiners can have square or rounded edges and are used mainly to add decorative grooves or "veins" in carvings.
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