Carving tools questions...????

Charlie, I know your question is sincere, but it is like asking , "what do I need to catch fish"?

Imo you are best off to get plugged in with a few local makers, and try some tools and different techniques of theirs.

I made my first several hundred decoys and Rick Brown asked me what type of knife I liked. I told him I didn't own one, and he said you can't be considered a decoy maker without one. All my heads at the time were made with a bandsaw and half round rasp, then I tried a Weecher, then a knife. While all three will completely make a head, I know use a combination of all three. Little League games and practices are good for a head or two several times a week.

A few still carve with a hatchet, no bandsaw needed. Some techniques are fast, some precise, and some therapeutic. Just mess around before making a big investment. Most of all have fun, because making decoys is work, and will only last if it is a labor of love.
 
Since I was carving and painting tonight I lined up the tools for a pic.

All but the knives were bought used from other carvers or just by keeping my eyes open. I stated on cork so all I needed was a rasp ( the small one from the hardware ) and a knife which I bought new. Everything else was added over time.

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Charlie - My short list is as follows...
  1. Warren knife
  2. Exacto knife for bill work
  3. Dremel with a cylinder stone
  4. drawknife
  5. spokeshave
  6. 16 inch Nicholson half round wood rasp
  7. 10 inch medium half round cabinet rasp
  8. fully round rat tail file
  9. bow sander (hand) I make these. PM me your address and I'll treat you to your first one...
Good carving and God bless!
 
Since we have so many carvers on DHBP I figured this was a great place to get some answers. With soooo many different types and manufacture's of carving tools, I need some help on what to buy. I am a believer in quality tools, symply because they last and make the task at hand easier. I will be carving my decoys out of cedar and they will be hollowed and oversize. With that said, what would you guys recommend for me to buy?? I need the type of tool and the mfg, Knives-how many and what style....Drawknifes-sizes and types....Spokeshaves-sizes and styles.....Gouges...measuring tools......etc. etc. etc. and of course I need a supplier for all of these tools. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help a very excited newcomer to the carving community. Ps. if you have an approximate price that would be great as well. I hope this isn't asking too much
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I can't remember if you have a band saw. If you want to come up and cut a few, you have an open offer here (Newtown, CT).

For tools I use power, plus a couple little knives, a sureform, a drawknife.
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Thanks for the offer Todd, I was given a bandsaw, I just have to find some time to get to Pa and pick it up.
 
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