flexcut mallet tools any good?

[shane_1]

I ve been looking at the flexcut mallet tools dose anyone use them and what do you think about them? Also if you have some do you like other brands better

Thanks
Shane

[DickB]

Shane, I purchases the 10 piece set last summer & have used them just a few times making wood spirits on pieces 4-6 inches in dia. I've used aspen, cherry and basswood. They seem to work OK, but I really don't have anything to compare them to. I've used the flexcut palm tools for a few years and have had good luck with them(except for a V tool I chipped & can't seem top fix). But again, I've never tried the more expensive brands.
DickB

[heineda]

I would avoid Flexcut tools of any kind. I do not like the way they carve at all. For mallet tools my suggestion would be Stubai or Pfeil.

Dan

[shane_1]

I was looking at the flexcut because I am working on a low budget It sounds like Ill have to just save up for awhile before I buy
Thanks
Shane

[Kate]

Originally Posted by heineda

I would avoid Flexcut tools of any kind. I do not like the way they carve at all. For mallet tools my suggestion would be Stubai or Pfeil.

Dan

Why? Explain, please.

[Claude]

I have the SK108 "Starter" kit, and have used it a lot, carving with and without a mallet on basswood, oak, cherry, maple, purpleheart, padauk, and a few others. Works for me. The majority of my carvings would be considered medium to small - say, 12 inches tall or shorter. If I was doing larger carvings, or trying to do a lot of carvings, I'd bite the bullet and go buy some Pfeil Swiss Made gouges. As a hobbiest, though, they work fine for me.

Claude

[Paul_Guraedy]

Shane, All of my larger mallet tools are flexcut. I carved the piece shown in the memorial section as "Cliff Unbound" with them. I had no problem using a 32 oz mallet with these tools on that black walnut. I can't relate to the "flexing" because I did not feel it. Maybe it's the way I hold the tools? They are easily honed and hold an edge very well.

Some of the narrower gouging was done with my Swiss Made (Pfeil). I prefer these tools; but, honestly cannot say why. Since I like them that is what I am purchasing; but only in the gouges that I use often (usually am relying on power in larger efforts). I will continue to purchase flexcut for my large gouges. They are excellent tools at an excellent price and I don't use them a lot anyway.

My advice is, if you can afford the flexcut now and price is a major factor. Buy them. I don't think you will regret it. But, if this happens I am sure that yoiu can unload them for a reasonable amount. Look at the difference between the purchase and sell price as rental. That way you get to try them and decide for yourself what you want to do.

[carver33]

Originally Posted by shane_1

I was looking at the flexcut because I am working on a low budget It sounds like Ill have to just save up for awhile before I buy
Thanks
Shane

Shane,

After carving off and on for 20 plus years, I picked up a set of the Flexcut palm gouges and absolutely love them, and they seem to hold an edge very well.

Although all of my full size gouges are rigid (purchased before I even heard of Flexcut), I've tried the Flexcut mallet tools, and while they feel different, they did an excellent job of cutting. A number of people dislike the Flexcut tools because the don't feel as solid as the more rigid tools. I really think it's a matter of what you get used to.

As has been stated before, avoid sets as they usually contain tools that you'll never use. I would suggest that you buy one and give it a try - you just might like it.