Bought 'em when I shoulda known better...

[Just Carving]

I was at Sears Tools & Hardware the other day, and I saw a set of palm carving tools for $40. I figured "What the heck, why not?" I was in a bit of a hurry, and I never noticed the name "General"--hence, "shoulda known better". I honed them and tried em out, but they're not gonna hold their edge the way they are. Also, the v-tool has one side longer than the other, so I'll have to sharpen it so both sides of the "V" are even. I can return them, but I'm a little stubborn--I hate giving up on tools. LOL

My thought was to heat the working end of the tool and quench in oil, and then sharpen/hone as needed. Any thoughts? Anybody have this experience with these tools?

Thanks.

http://www.generaltools.com/product....81&sectionid=4

[dart]

Bob, let us know how they sharpen up. I've gotten some good tools made by General Tools. No gouges tho. Sometimes they may use good steel depending what is available at the time of manurfacture.

[Heine]

Hello,

If you leek at the Ramelosn web site, they list General as one of the companies selling their tools. I think they just put their won name on the tool.

Merry Christmas,
Dan Heine

[carver6]

Bob,
I did the same thing a couple of years ago. Bought a set of 5 gouges off a bargain table. Didn't think they would be worth carrying home but got a surprise. Who ever the little Chinese guy is that made them did a fair job. I had to work on them a bit as they were not finished well but they cleaned up okay and hold a decent edge. Don't feel like I got ripped for the money spent. Sometimes ya win, sometimes ya don't.
Garon

[rick-in-seattle]

Bob,
I could pull the tools heat-treat, temper, and sharpen them for you; but it would add 10 more to the 40 you already spent.

When you could have bought them for around 30-35 at most carving supplys.
(some companys even sharpen them for you free)


Sorry, I couldn't resist rubbing a little salt in the wound.
HO HO HO

[Just Carving]

After looking at the tools again I think Dan Heine is right. I bought a Ramelson v-tool from Rick at Little Shavers and the tools are identical with the exception that the ferrules on the tools in the set are a little smaller in diameter. I looked at the Ramelson catalog, and I think the set is the same as the popular one they offer with one less tool--the bent 5/16" chisel.

I am going to see about sharpening the tools myself. The bevel is not right on the 5/16" gouge and may be the reason why it won't hold it's edge. So, I'll see what happens. And if all else fails, I'll take you up on your offer Rick---10 bucks for your work sounds great to me!

[Just Carving]

Turns out all I had to do was sharpen the large gouge which included flattening the bevel slightly, and strop and hone the tool. I evened the legs of the v-tool, sharpened it, and then stropped and hone it along with the other tools in the set. They work fine, and I am convinced they are Ramelson tools.

[Ron D]

glad it turned out to be a good buy for ya gotta like that huh

[Kenny_S]

Today, I was at a local hardware/tool store and found some "Wisdom " Carving tools. One set of 5, another of 11. "Wisdom" told me not to buy them. The ends looks like someone did a bad grind job on them. Thank you "Wisdom". First time I used any "Wisdom". Anyway, that is what the little bride told me.Wink