You will need both tools, but as you know only experience will teach you the usage of each tool. I said Pfeil fishtail carving chisels. I didn't need to scan for long to chidels that the general consensus trends strongly against purchasing chisel sets. The thing to learn is what sorts of marks the various gouge sweeps and other tools can make. Filtered by:. Cart Cart 0.

I am wondering, though, what would be the advantage of a straight gouge over a fishtail gouge of the same skew? Since I've inherited several fishtails, I had to wonder why some are fishtails and some aren't. If the cutting edge is the same, why does it matter? Aside from being a bit more maneuverable into a tight spot, what's the advantage?

What are the disadvantages? Will I need to use a fishtail differently than a straight gouge? Are there times a fishtail gouge won't work, and I'd have to use a straight gouge? Looking forward to your replies! Tags: None. Re: Inherited a bunch of gouges. The primary advantage is, as you stated, that the fishtail can be a little more manueuverable in tight spaces. The disadvantage to that shape is that sharpening it will eventually make the width less than it originally was, in addition to making it shorter.

Granted, that may take a while for that to occur, and you don't cut with the full width of the tool anyhow, because the wings will dig in. But with most straight gouges, sharpening just gives you a shorter tool. See which you prefer, but the success of the tool all depends on who is holding it! You have some great tools though. Comment Post Cancel. I agree with mpounders. Little difference other than in tight spots, but you can do more with a fishtail than with a regular gouge in most circumstances.

You got a great windfall, you are one lucky dog. In addition to Mike's comments, I'd say that fishtails are designed so you can use the corners or "wings" of the gouge. Straight gouges are really not normally used this way.

If you get the wings into the cut, you will likely tear the wood. I now use the 3 fishtail much more that my 3 straight or bent gouges. Thanks mpounders! You get the singular honor of being my first human interaction on this site. Congrats to you. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the tools, they seem brand new, like the guy bought them and never got around to using them.

If sculpting wood is anything like sculpting clay, I imagine there will be a group of four or five tools that I use regularly, and the rest, not as much. Anyway, as far as fishtails go, I've noticed that the fishtail gouges tend to be more expensive than a straight gouge of the same sweep.

Is there a carving situation where one would NEED a straight gouge and couldn't use a fishtail? I would use only a straight gouge for "hogging out" hardwood with a mallet. The wings of fishtails seem a little delicate for such hard use. Tom Ellis. What a wonderful gift Ignatz. You should be able to tackle just about any project with that assortment. All very high quality at that. Carve on, Tom. If I took the time to fix all my mistakes, I wouldn,t have time to make new ones. You will need both tools, but as you know only experience will teach you the usage of each tool.

For the finer detailing work use a sweep fishtail gouges. For fast bulk wood removal nothing beats a sturdy straight gouge. Straight gouges are stronger, I have heard that with experience and time Swiss Made is for them a matter of principle — since ! Chipping Away is proud to inventory a wide range of their tools — and if we do not stock the tool you are after, we will happy to order it for you.

Your wishlist is empty. View Wishlist. Cart Cart 0. No Further Discounts are allowed on Sale items! Quality is their Principle Pfeil is today and in the future a leading manufacturer of carving tools.

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