Need opinions - micro tools

[Graywolf71]

I've been thinking about buying a micro detail set of hand carvers, but with all the different manufactures out there, not to mention pricing, i'm at a loss as to what to go with.
The sets i'm looking at are:
- Flexcut 4PC MICRO PALM SET
- Mastercarver® brand mini hand push tools
- Dockyard Micro detail set

All of them have their good and bad qualitys, like i said before price is the one i have to concern myself with, so i was wondering what you all use or what you thought of my choices. Be honest and give me the straight poop.

Michael Gray

[mikeg]

I've got some Dockyard micro tools and I do like them. I don't have either of your other choices but they are name brands. The handles on the Dockyards are skinny(think pencil), if your hands cramp or if you have arthritis, these may not be for you.

just my 2 cents.

mikeg

[Callynne]

Michael, my favorite is the Dockyard Micro Tools. I do a lot of detail work and they are the only ones I use. The size of the handle and how they cut are perfect for me.

Only thing is, buying the sets, I ended up with lots of tools I never use. The U and V gouges are the ones I need the most, in different sizes. Luckily I found a place that sells them individually, here's a link, if you find yourself, like me, using those ones more than the set pieces. http://www.qualitycarvingsupplies.com/

Whatever you chose, be sure to share your opinion with us! Deborah
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[squbrigg]

Micro carving can be frustrating with the wrong or poor quality tools. I can offer you some suggestions based on my experience, but I am limited in that I haven't used two of the three sets that you are looking at.

I have and use the Dockyard tools and am very happy with their results. They have just expanded their line of tools, and the new ones are even better than the originals.

I also have a set of mini tools from Henry Taylor for relief carving that I am very impressed with!!! http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com...oducts_id/1486

It really depends on what you are carving and the wood you are using as well. I haven't had much luck with Flexcut, but I know others have had good luck with them.

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Like any opinion, they will be differences.

I will go against the grain as I have the Flexcut and not the others. Can't say enoough good about the Flexcut and I can't say anything against the other sets you mentioned either.
Like all tools, they are way over priced as are the Dockers and other name brand.

[Mitchell]

I haven't looked up the pricing, but I know that dockyard tools are a bit pricy when I looked at them. I have used them and I do like them a lot. They seem to hold an edge and are easy to sharpen.

I do NOT like the mastercarver tools. I have a set that I never use. They are hard to sharpen and the shank seems to short for my tastes.

I ~like~ my "larger" flex cut tools and have only breifly tried the mini versions. They seemed okay, but I didn't ~love~ them.

To complicate matters, I do love my Pfiel palm gouges for miniature work. That's the reason I have not purchased the Dockyard tools (which would be my preference of those mentioned above).

Basically, I'd ignore price if I was you - especially in the early stages. Too many times I see carvers (myself included) buy the less expensive option and be dissatisfied....because they used price as a primary factor in consideration when it should have been the last factor. Your first consideration should be on what works best. If you spend more and get the results you want, you'll be satisfied.

[whittlinJim]

I have a set of Dockyards that I like, I havent seen any of the other kind so I can't comment on them. The Dockyards seem to hold an edge really good and are just the thing for getting into tight corners, and believe me I've gotten into some pretty tight corners! Although that has nothing to do with carving!

Jim

[Teri Embrey]

I use the Flexcut tools - I do own some Dockyards, but the handles make my hands cramp (arthritis here). I use Flexcut tools for all my carving, except knife work. I buy my knives from Rick Ferry www.littleshavers.com - the absolute BEST I've ever used.

Teri

[chpster90bu]

Michael...I've got both the Flexcut and the Dockyard micro sets. Love both. I get a lot of use out of the Dockyards because they are great with faces and do hold an edge very well. I find the stick handle advantageous in tight areas and use them more than the flexcut for this reason. If you were only buying one of these sets, I'd opt for the Dockyards. Bonnie

[Graywolf71]

I'd like to thank you all for the opinions and the advice. I now have a bit to think about......done! Dockyards have the vote.
As i've read your responses, i've done my own research with your words in mind and i have to agree that the Dockyard tools would be the best for me for i plan on using them on face detail.
Again, i thank you all for the responses and advice, it will not fall on deaf ears.

Michael Gray