Wood carving tools

by Heather
(New York)

Mixed Media Art Questions

Art Supplies for Wood Carving and Printmaking

Thank you for your tutorial videos showing how to carve printmaking blocks. I would love to find a set of wood carving tools like the ones you have for carving fine details. When I tried to do a little online shopping, I found that I couldn't tell which tools would be fine enough. Is there a way to tell, without actually having the tools in hand, which ones carve very fine details?

Also, can you carve fine details on the softer printmaking surfaces, or is it easier to carve details on a harder surface?

Thank you!


Mixed Media Art Questions answered by Milliande

HI Heather...

II use my woodcarving tools successfully on even very soft rubbery printmaking surfaces..they will work fine on lino too as well as wood for printmaking ..

As for choosing the right tools ...I actually went to a specialist printmaking supplier shop to get a feel for the tools that suit my style... they are relatively expensive to purchase and come with a variety of handle styles that can sit comfortably in ones hand

There was a huge selection of tools ..just looking at them did not give me an idea of how small or precise they may cut ..so I tried them out on a piece of rubber in the store..to be sure they fit my needs...it is quite an individual process..

I started with a very basic carving set from Speedball but soon did not like the crude lines it leaves...good for carving away large areas...but for small detail as well as comfortable handling when doing large intricate pieces ... I simply love my professional wood carving tools ..

I know sometimes Amazon carries a starter set...but cannot really advise as to what size etc... as it is quite a personal process ..and mine do not have a code number or even a name ...that I could share... they are just bladed I chose by trying :-)

It might be worth trying to find a specialist printmaking store or a woodcarving society etc.. that maybe able to help ...

Hope this explains a little
...milliande