Use gouges to make designs in chip carving.
Acquire the proper chip carving tools when first beginning to chip carve. A sharp knife will work but will not be as effective as the proper whittling tools. A good bench knife is the most important tool a chip carver needs. Gouges and chisels round out the chip carver's toolbox.
Bench Knife
A bench knife has a 1-3/4-inch-to-3-inch blade and tapers to a pointed tip. The top of the blade is sharp, which allows for long, straight lines to be carved. Bench-style knives longer than 3 inches are called sloyd knives. Other names given to a bench knife are whittling knives, detail knives, or straight knives. The bench knife is a must for any beginning chipper. Spend a little more money on a high-quality knife to ensure easy chipping on the first project.
Gouges
Acquire a straight, "U" and "V" gouge to use in chip carving. The entire blade is shaped to allow for long cuts. Use the gouges in the rough cutting stage. They cut away large portions of the wood prior to using the bench knife for fine cutting. The two main gouges for this purpose are the straight and "U" gouges. The "U" gouge is also known as a veining tool or parting tool.
The "V" gouge is used to create deep scored lines. The "V" gouge is available from a very tight "V" to a wide open "V". Use the "V" gouge to make joint lines or detailing a beard.
Chisel
A chisel has one sharp end. The sharp edge either is flat or angled. A chisel with an angled end is called a "skew." The chisel is used to remove large areas of the chip carving or for placing a crisp edge on corners. Chisels also are used for scraping the surface of the final carving to make it smooth.
Specialty Gouges
Many specialty gouges are available as the technique for chipping is mastered. Specialty gouges include a dog-leg skew, backbend gouge, spoonbit, bent gouges, and fishtails. Micro gouges are available for chippers who do small carvings.
Tags: bench knife, chip carver, chip carving, chip carving, gouges available
