flexcut tool sets

[rickm]

hi, its me again, Im looking at the flexcut starter kit with the various gouges, knife and interchangeable handle for about 190. Are there other type possibilities out there? I like the idea of the interchangeable handle and want a quality tool that is not going to self destruct like a lot of the hobby store gouges.

[Nomad]

I bought one of those kits. I ended up buying separate handles for each tool. The blades don't come out of those handles very easily and it's a good way to cut yourself, imo. Other choices: Warren makes handles and separate blades (but I prefer Flexcut gouges).

[helios1492]

I really like the kit as it is a great way to get started out with a good selection of quality tools at not too an expensive a price (definitely shop around). Moreover, the kit includes a DVD of David Bennett's maritime relief carving which is itself worth about $20.00. You can also add to the kit easily and inexpensively.

Even though I also own many traditional tools [by Henry Taylor, Ashley Isles (my favorite) and Two Cherries] I nevertheless find myself often reaching first for one of these Flexcut starter kit tools. You will not be disappointed.

Jim Smith

[twymanok]

I got my start with the same setup I loved it, I used as my deployment kit until I gifted it to a kid who needed a hobby.

[Inadv]

I recently purchased a MasterCarver Rotary flex-shaft tool and got the reciprocating handpiece with it. The gouges it came with were JUNK period although I did manage to get an edge on all but the V-tool which was impossible to salvage (It looked like it had been shaped and sharpened(?) on the concrete street curb!). Time will tell if they will hold an edge. I'm seriously considering a set of the Flexcut RG series gouges for it. I have already purchased one of the wooden handles for using the blades that came with the unit, and will likely get a second one of those as well to try and eliminate some of the blade changing. The handle is well made and holds the blades steady in place. It is also fairly comfortable to use albeit a bit small for my hands. I have a very hard time holding onto and using the Flexcut knives. The handles seem totally backward to me, thin where they need to be thick, and thick where they need to be thin.

From what I'm reading in this thread and others who have used the reciprocating tools the Flexcut blades are the way to go. From the limited use I've given the tool so far, I really like the ease of use and it sure speeds up the heavy roughing process tremendously.

L.P.

[SlowMover]

I have several pfiel gouges in addition to my flexicut travel set (also a denny), but I find myself going back to the flexicuts all the time. One reason is that I can lay the travel pack on my knee and there is a large selection of tools handy ( I have tucked extra flexicut gouges in the case) that can handle all my carving needs. with the intermediate and palm Pfiels, I have to have them on a table or bench so they have a place to lay that is too big for my lap (I keep them in a tool roll). The flexicuts are just so handy! I do get tired of changing the handle, and in fact often just hold the gouge without the handle if I am only going to make a few passes with the gouge. Wen it comes time to buy a new gouge , I often wind up in the flexicut cse at Woodcraft as i can usually find what I want there at 1/2 to 1/3 of the price over at the Pfiel's. Times are tough these days, and getting tougher so I just don't part with extra cash anymore if I can avoid it. All in all, the flexicuts are convienient, inexpensive, and they sharpen and hold an edge as well if not better than the other btands..so they are my go to tools.
I think you will be pleased with your flexcuts.

[rickm]

ok now, I appreciate all the great feedback anyone have any good ideas of where to buy? There is a Rockler store by me, and in buying on line the shipping is usually more than the product.

[ragiarn]

Rick if you wish to buy a Flexcut beginner set I would recommend:
Carving Tools - FR310 Beginners Palm Set Flexcut Tool Company
It now sells for 72.00 - I purchased it 3 years ago for $60.00. It has the basic gouges any beginner would need. As time goes on you can add what your skill and experience dictates.
While big sets appear to be a bargain you will find that you will end up just using a few gouges most of the time. Use the extra money on tools for sharpening your gouges.

I made the mistake of buying full set of pfiel gouges and I do not use 1/2 of them.

[uvawyo]

Consider a flexcut carving jack, tho it is a little uncomfortable on the hand

[Eddy-Smiles]

I think that I'd have to second "Doc's" thoughts on the subject. I started out with the set of "11" blades and have found that I don't even use half of them. I have, however, added more Flexcut blades to my collection as dictated by the projects that I've taken on. As for the "carrot on the stick" that Flexcut puts out there by offering a knife, I'd recommend spending the money that you save by buying a smaller set on getting a better knife. There are lots to choose from. Flexcut makes a good utility knife but it has very little finasse to it!