A good selection for the beginner starting with five tools only would be
two spit-sticks (1 & 3, Fig. 3), two tint tools (4 & 6, Fig. 2), and one
scauper.
It must be clearly borne in mind that the style or character of the work
is greatly influenced by the shape of the point used. The craftsman will
be able, after a little time, to select the shape of tool which best suits
his work. Once a tool is made up, and found to be good, to alter it is not
desirable. To convert it to its old form is not easy. Rather keep an old
one to experiment with, if needful, and never chance the spoiling of a
proved tool.
For those who find a difficulty in buying tools and who wish perhaps to
have them made locally, a good plan is to buy one good tool, and have
others made to this model by the blacksmith, carpenter or other handy man.
Old files can be successfully turned into quite good engraving tools. The
point to remember is that the belly or point part of the tool be evenly
shaped on both sides. If this is not attended to, the tool will always
have a tendency to cut too much in one direction, or spring out of the
wood.
[Fig. 6]