a dozen. It is always best to have few tools in the beginning and to learn thoroughly the use of the few. The same rule applies in almost all—indeed, I may safely say in all—the minor arts. Some of the most delicate carvings in China have been executed with most awkward and inconvenient tools.
One of the first necessities for wood carving is a common table, strength and weight being important qualities. To this your work should be screwed or nailed (using French points for nailing) at first, but as you progress a hold-fast and carver's screw will be necessary. When you find these essential they can be procured at a tool shop.
A tracing wheel, such as is used by saddlers, is a very important tool, as are also a few punches or stamps for the background, but a little ingenuity will enable you to substitute other tools for them if they are not to be had. A few hollow gouges, a few flat ones, and some chisels, are essential, as well as a V or parting tool. A mallet, a rasp, and a couple of tiles (a half round and a bastard), will make up the list of necessary tools. You can begin with only one chisel of each kind. As you proceed in carving, you will find it very desirable to learn a little of carpentry. The best way is to take a few practical lessons from a carpenter. Tools should be kept very sharp. In every place some one can be found from whom you can learn just how to sharpen them. The edges having been ground will often need "setting." This should be done roughly with a Turkey oil stone, an Arkansas stone being used for the finishing up. Remember that the chisels should be ground on both sides. For setting the inside edge of the gouges and parting tool, small pieces of oil stone, ground down to the size and shape of the tools, and fastened into pieces of wood are used. These are called "slips."
Before attempting a piece of real carving, become used
