I'm ready to buy a few tools in hopes of assembling a Tennesee Mountain Rifle or Leman from a TOTW or PR kit. Have been reading a few of the recommended books and just acquired that Midway Patternmaker's vise that was on clearance.
I'm wondering what size and type chisels and gouges builders here favor for inletting and carving tasks and what would constitute a good basic set. Have been visiting the WoodCraft site and am overwhelmed by what's available. They offer several wood carving sets, but I don't know if the tool choices are useful for gunstock work.
Normally I like to buy good tools and expect that a quality set wouldn't be cheap. But, I'm willing to pay more for tools I'm sure to use than for tools bought on speculation. It would be helpful to know your favorite brands as well.
I guess I also need to know specific tasks each tool is used for. Not everything will be undertaken on a first attempt and certain tools could be bought later. For example, no relief carving of the stock is planned, but a hunter star may need to be inlet. Maybe a 90% pre-inlet stock is the way to go.
Thanks. I'm asking alot, I know.
Bob
I'm wondering what size and type chisels and gouges builders here favor for inletting and carving tasks and what would constitute a good basic set. Have been visiting the WoodCraft site and am overwhelmed by what's available. They offer several wood carving sets, but I don't know if the tool choices are useful for gunstock work.
Normally I like to buy good tools and expect that a quality set wouldn't be cheap. But, I'm willing to pay more for tools I'm sure to use than for tools bought on speculation. It would be helpful to know your favorite brands as well.
I guess I also need to know specific tasks each tool is used for. Not everything will be undertaken on a first attempt and certain tools could be bought later. For example, no relief carving of the stock is planned, but a hunter star may need to be inlet. Maybe a 90% pre-inlet stock is the way to go.
Thanks. I'm asking alot, I know.
Bob