Technique: Most people want to get close to what they are carving.

They are called, Josei Moku Hanga To and are available down to 1mm in size, the smallest “U” gouge I’ve found. Ĥ) Carvers from Japan An elegant (and expensive) alternative are the beautiful carving tools imported from Japan and sold at McClains Printmaking Supplies. Unfortunately the 3-packs I purchased recently were dull and not worth using. When they first came out a few years ago these tools had a sharp edge. The 3 tools in this set are a 1mm “V”, 2mm “V” and a 5mm “U”. Unfortunately they do not have a good edge and so are not very useful for carving unless you have the tools and the skill to sharpen or hone the edges of a gouge.ģ) Staedtler MasterCarve Tool Set a more recent addition to the market. To do so, e-mail me at Speedball linoleum gouges: These inexpensive tools are an art store staple and have been around since I was in Kindergarten (forever). Mail order suppliers that sell polymer clay sometimes carry these tools. Therefore it is more economical to purchase the tools individually. The sets do not contain a group of useful sizes for jewelry scale carving. It is important to note that these tools, when found in wood carving supply stores, are sold only in sets. I use the following sizes:ġ.5mm and 2mm“U”, 1.25mm “V”, and 2mm “V”. They are very sharp and suitable for harder materials like silver, bronze and copper clay, as well as for polymer. This will allow you to lower the angle of the tool.ġ) Dockyard Micro Carving Tools are wood gouges that are available in very small sizes.

To lower the angle it may be necessary to move the polymer plate so you can drop the heel of your hand off the edge of the table. It should be held at a low angle, not perpendicular to the work surface. Dull tools may be another cause for chipping and rough edges.The angle the carving tool is held is very important. Properly cured clay won’t chip when it's carved. The tool should move smoothly and easily through the material. Tips on carving polymer clay: To make carving easier, try warming the polymer clay slightly under your desk lamp.

Moku hanga carving tools