When I travel to teach wood carving, I always bring my favorite carving gouges with me. Carrying my precious cargo safely and securely is very important to me. After all, these are my babies.

Recently, I tried the Asabeing 14 Pocket Tool Roll when I flew to teach a wood-carving class. The roll technically has 16 pockets, but the company doesn’t count the two where the rope is attached because they’re rather small. Still, I found them useful. Ten of the pockets fit full-size carving gouges, and the six smaller pockets of various sizes can hold pencils, rulers, small rasps, or smaller-handled gouges. A 19-pocket version is available for $5 more.

I placed my gouges into the pockets handle-first, and they fit tight enough so they did not fall out, and loose enough so I could remove them without much effort. I was also able to fit two gouges with smaller handles into one of the larger pockets.

The thick hemp canvas was strong but lightweight, and there were no cuts in the fabric from sharp gouges. The top of the pockets also have a hemmed edge that prevents this area from fraying. For carrying a set of 10 gouges and a few smaller odds and ends, I would highly recommend this tool roll. When I rolled up my tools and secured them with the double hemp rope tie, I was confident my babies were safe.

—Mary May, woodcarver and instructor

From Fine Woodworking #276

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon