Tools Used for Carving
Whether you are interested in carving wood or stone, the proper tools can make all the difference in the ease of carving and the quality of the finished product. You can start carving with a basic set of tools and upgrade as you gain experience. With a little knowledge about which tools are right for your projects, you can be on your way to creating masterpieces.
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Wood Carving vs. Stone Carving Tools
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The main difference between wood and stone carving tools is the hardness of the tools. Tools must be harder than the substance you are carving. While steel blades may be hard enough to carve wood or soft soapstone, granite or marble would ruin steel blades. For harder stones you need carbide tools, and for extremely hard stone you need diamond tools. The trick to knowing whether your tools are hard enough to work your material is to run a tool across a surface of the material and see if it scratches it. If it does not scratch it, you need a tool made of a harder substance.
Types Of Carving Tools
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Steel tools are used for wood. Saws, knives, gougers, rasps, rifflers and wood clamps are sufficient for carving wood, and sandpaper is used for finishing. For softer stones the same types of tools are used, but you will need carbide tools instead of steel. You will also want mallets and a set of chisels for stone carving. Grinders and polishers are needed for stone, and are optional for wood. Hard stone requires diamond tools. Power tools can be used, and can make the work of carving much easier. Hole drilling is usually done with electric drills. When carving stone you also need to make sure that power tools can be used safely with water.
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Accessory Equipment
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Carving can kick up chips of the material you are carving. Dust from sanding and grinding can be irritating and even poisonous. You need to invest in safety equipment. A carver should never be without a dust mask and safety goggles. Ear protection may be necessary when using power tools. If you are using pneumatic tools you will also want shock-resistant gloves. You will also find it easier to work if you have a solid work bench and good lighting.
Cost Of Tools
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Beginning wood carving sets cost from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Stone carving sets cost from a hundred to several hundred dollars. Individual tools and electric tool bits can run from a few dollars up to the $50 range. Good-quality electric hand tools with flexible shafts can be bought for under $100. Lapidary-quality saws and grinders can be expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars, but are not necessary to produce quality carving.
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References
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