Questions about Dockyard tools

[SlowMover]

I was reading the thread about detail tools, but decided to start a new thread to make it easier to look up about Dockyard when doing a search.

I have been thinking about buying some Dockyard tools, and want to know the following:

1) Do they come sharp from the factory? I have trouble sharpening or even honing my gouges and V-tools still (am a relative beginner) and I know that trying to do an initial sharpen on micro tools wouod be impossible for me at this stage in my carreer.

2) In reference to the above, are there any differences in the Dockyards other than size as relates to sharpening/honing? I aw a strop especially for Dockyards for sale, but it was pretty pricy, any alternatives?

Thanks for your advice, I know that by listening to the wisdom of the group I can save a lot of frustration and heartache ( if I really do listen that is )

[Claude]

Yes, they come sharp from the factory.

Yes, there are differences, depending on which set you buy. I have the Micro Sculpture Set which includes 4mm No. 9 gouge, 3mm and 2mm No. 11 gouges, 2mm 90º V-parting and 2mm double bevel chisel.

Woodcraft is one place that sells Dockyard. http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2001...on#information has some information about several of the sets.

Some are all gouges, some are not. I picked the MSS because it had 3 different gouges, a V tool, and the double bevel chisel. It seemed to fit what I wanted to carve, and I've had no regrets.

Claude

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Like Claude said, they do come nice and sharp. I prefer to strop them on a hard surface, I just find it easier. I have used the Wood is Good strop (hard rubber), John Dunkle strop (pig skin), even a piece of cardboard (cereal box) with compound. I did try the Dockyard strop and really liked it, but also found it to pricey.

Dave

[Eddy-Smiles]

For the money Dockyards are a good investment if you work in small detail!

[brent]

I agree with all of the above.......nothing like the small (1.5mm) gouge and v tool for doing hairy areas.

[Timberwolf]

Ditto on everything above. Got mine from Woodcraft (my home away from home).

The strop I found that has a lot of profiles for carvings is the Flexcut slipstrop for $13 at woodcraft (see pic).

The thing to remember when using them is that you cannot "horse" these tools through the wood - they'll bend or break.

Just keep 'em sharp, no more than even hand pressure when carving, and you'll wonder how you ever made it without them.

Good luck.

[chuckbolton]

im amazed at how long they stay sharp-- i do very little stropping and seldom need to sharpen them-- and they get used often-- i too bought the set with 3 gouges,a v tool and the chisel.

[Tom Ellis]

The tools come very sharp, but my main complaint is that you only get about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of tool, whereas with Pfeil or some of the others, you get maybe two to three inches.
I have seen some broken, but since they should only be used for fine detail work, they should last for awhile.

Tom