Monday, February 21, 2011

Proper Care of Wood Carving Gouges




Proper care of wood carving gouges is important in order to ensure the longevity and quality of your tools. Carving gouges are one of the most used tools when carving and therefore are prone to a lot of wear and tear. By following these tips you can get the most use out of them.





First and foremost purchase quality tools. Quality tools will stay sharper and cost less in the long run. When sharpening your tools do not grind them. You will want to use a whetstone and strop, otherwise you may damage the gouge. For your carving gouges you will also need a set of ceramic slip stones to get inside the tool as well. Make sure the sharp edges are well honed, otherwise the tools will not cut cleanly. You will notice a difference in your carving when using properly sharpened tools, as they will seem to glide through the wood with little effort.





When you are done using your tools clean them and make sure they are dry before storing them. Carving gouges can be stored in either plastic or leather cases. The most important thing is that the case keeps moisture out. You want to make sure the case is sturdy enough so that the gouges do not accidentally get chipped or damaged. Find a safe place to store your wood carving tools in their cases, such as a toolbox or tackle box. This will keep them safe from being accidentally dropped or having weighted items land on them.





Improper care can ruin the best tools. By making sure your wood carving gouges are properly sharpened, cleaned and stored you will ensure that they are not just easier to carve with but also that your finished pieces will look their best.


No comments:

Post a Comment

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP