Ramelson Tools

#1 10-26-2003, 08:16 AM

I've recently re-started carving after a long lay-off and would like to upgrade my tools. I currently have an assortment on low-end tools mainly purchased 20 years ago. I'd really appreciate an assessment of Ramelson tools.

I don't object to the prices of Stubai (or Pfeil espacially from KMS), but I'd like to know what I'm getting for the substantial increase in price versus Ramelson.

I mainly carve small caricatures and animals.

Thanks
Don

#2 10-26-2003, 08:24 AM

I don't have any Stubai or Pfeil tools but before I bought my Ramelsons I checked the specs online and found that the Ramelsons compared favorably as far as forging, type of steel used, etc.

That said I love my Ramelsons and will buy more as time, money, (and wife) allow. They are high quality, U.S. made tools.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #3 10-26-2003, 09:24 AM

I have the ramelson palm tools (micro) and they are fine, company is good about taking care of any problems you have should they arise as well.

#4 10-26-2003, 02:28 PM

Do they have any mallet tools, can't tell if you canuse a mallet with the long tools or not?

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #5 10-26-2003, 02:30 PM

you probably should check with Rick at Lil Shavers and Dale at timberwerks on this forum for the answer to that, they both sell mallet chisels I believe..I know Dale does.

#6 10-26-2003, 04:25 PM

They do have malletable tools ... Chipping Away is where I got mine ... Ramelson also sells direct off their webb site ... They also make a smaller straight handled version that can be used for light mallet carving. As for how the Ramelson tools compare to other major brands, if you were to put identical handles on them and blindfold me, I'm not sure I could tell the difference. The tools that seem to find their way into my hands on a regular basis are a mixture of Stubai, Ramelson, Millers-Falls, Denny, and Dockyard. I've got others by other manufacturers, but those are the ones that for one reason or another are my favorites.

Callynne · #7 10-27-2003, 06:52 AM

Thanks for the information guys, I hadn't considered Ramelson tools, never heard anyone mention them before. I'll have to check them out now. Always looking for the 'next' tool I just have to have!

Callynne

#8 10-27-2003, 08:36 AM

I have a couple Ramelson tools, one of which is a 1/4' #5 palm gouge, which I reach for time after time. I also use a 1/2' shallow short handled gouge which is great for rough cutting. My only complaint, which I fully admit is probably operator error, is that the 1/4' parting tool is very difficult to keep shaped properly. It keeps rounding. That being said, I would recommend them.