Tools
Having the right tools is absolutely key to making your self competitive in either competition or business. The industry is still young comparatively and our tool knowledge is always improving. We will do our best to keep the most up to date tools listed in this section. Please let us know if there is a tool you use that you would like to see added to this list.
Tracing bit
This is a cone shaped end mill with a 7 degree taper. Used to trace templates on to the ice and helps to minimize the grabbing of the paper and throwing it around. Also works well for leaving deep detail lines.
Basic Carving Set
One thing to know about tools is you must keep them organized. To the left you see an organized carving station. Keeping your tools organized will help you remember where each one is when you are carving. Try to keep each tool in one specific spot so you are not thinking about “what did I do with that tool?” This becomes extremely important when you are competing. Organization is one major key to competition success!
Keep tools sharp and organized!
There is so much to know about tools. With that in mind we have decided to show some that we find very useful and versatile. The basic carving set is displayed on this page and will help get you up and running in the right direction.
1/4” straight cutting end mill
This tool is great for burying template lines into the ice. This helps you to not loose your template lines during the carving process. It is also good for helping to prevent over cuts and allows you to block your sculpture in by 2” intervals.
Brice Zip Cutter
You can cut or shape with this tool. There are various sizes and models of this available. It is great for shaping and burying deep template lines and cutting out the inside of curves.
Burr bits
There are many versions of this tool available. Find the one that best suites your price range and carving needs. Burrs are great for rounding and shaping various surfaces and they leave a small amount of tool marks that quickly melt away to clear.
V-Bit
A favorite when it comes time to detailing your sculptures. It leaves a V-shaped gouge much like the V-chisel. Unlike the V-chisel a V-bit can make curved detail lines. Makes for quick detail and is great for buffet sculptures.
Angle Grinder
You can find a variety of grinders at different prices, from $15 - $100. It is good to have more than one if you carve in the cold because they can freeze up. They are great for sanding surfaces and removing over cuts and tool marks. Use 36 grit sand paper with a rubber backing pad.
Chainsaw
You need a small electric chainsaw. The Stihl E140 or a Makita are popular proven choices. Some other brands do not last as long or are not suited well for ice.
Chisel Set
2” flat
1” flat
Small V-chisel
Chisels are nice but do require some skilled maintenance to keep them sharp and rust free.
Brush
This simple and cheap tool is a must
to clean excess snow off your sculptures
Ice Tongs
Boston Tongs (Red)
Cincinnati Slingers (Brown)
Great tool for picking up and moving
blocks around. Open the the tongs
and clamp them down around a block of ice then pull up to burry the points into the ice. Once you have it
set then you can move the ice easily around.
Die grinder
Dremel
You need at least one Makita or Chicago die grinder. The Makita is a much better purchase with a longer life span and more versatility with bits. It is also good to have a Dremel for those smaller hard to reach places.
