Best Tools for Neck Carving

[Dark Horse]

Shinto for me. I have two, one thats a single handle and one that has a second hand-hold…. But i prefer the single. I clamp the neck lengthwise to a sawhorse so it’s supported on the entire length of the neck while shaping….after the shinto is fine files and sandpaper

 

[Fender_Bender]

I've got a new neck carving tool to show off.....

I had a little bit of extra tool-buying money, so I bought myself the biggest file I've seen listed. It's a Nicholson 16" Half-Round Bastard File. $50 from McMasters. I've always wanted one.

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Now that's a file! Above it are a standard little 10" file and the 14" file that's been my favorite neck carving tool....until now.....

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This thing should be awesome for shaping necks. Longer stroke, wider and it's new and very sharp. It'll probably rip off wood as fast as a rasp, but leave a much smoother surface.

The important thing will be to keep it sharp. I'll use it only for shaping necks, and make up some kind of a soft holder/sleeve to protect it.

Should last the rest of your life if you reserve it for neck carving only. A paper towel roll wrapped in duct tape could be a temporary repository until you find something better.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

A wooden slotted rack was the place the files lived at college metal shop. Kept them organized and out of harm's way. Find a bit of camphorwood and you can ward off rust, too.

Yeah, I store most of my good files in MDF racks.

But the 14" file barely fits in there. This new monster is too big. I'm going to have to build a special safe holder for it. With a safety latch on the front.

 

[Markshan]

I LOVE my Shinto.

 

[honeydorick]

Yeah, I store most of my good files in MDF racks.

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But the 14" file barely fits in there. This new monster is too big. I'm going to have to build a special safe holder for it. With a safety latch on the front.

gee whiz Bruce,think you have enough files?LOL

 

[Bruce Johnson]

gee whiz Bruce,think you have enough files?LOL

Nope. The ones in that rack are just my Prime woodworking files. The metalworking bench has its own rack full. And there are many more spares and oddballs in drawers and boxes. And I still don't have enough.