[Chahlie]

Hi All


I have seen some interesting sets of carving tools in the most recent Grizzly Tool catalog. One set is a 12 piece set made for Grizzly(it has the Grizzly mark on them dont know the manufacturer) I was wondering if anyone on the board has ever tried any of these carving tools? They also carry some Robert Sorby(?) carving tools for hand carving as well as mallet carving tools?


That's all for now...

Chahlie

[BasketballJones]

I know this didn't get a reply the first time, but like Chahlie I am interested in the 12 piece chiesel carving set on page 100 & 101'; $339 for a Sorby set is just out of the question. Parting with a 129 bucks this time of year is a bit hard too. I don't want to by junk; as some I have seen on ebay raise my suscpicions. Thanks

Ken
http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2005/main/101.cfm?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

that 129.00 set looks to me to be all straight carpenters chisels? The set at the bottom, looks like a good assortment with pouch for 39.95...but you have to know, nothing top notch about them for that price! number was G8083

[YellowDog]

I also noticed a couple sets of carving tools in the most recent Craftsman catalog from Sears. They were made by Robert Sorby as well. Unfortunately, the catalog was at my father's house so I don't have a page number. I too was curious if anyone new about the "Sorby" brand name.

[Mitchell]

Sorby does not make a "bad" tool....however, these tools are not prominently mentioned as a good tool in the US... I have one. I don't use it because I don't like the feel in my hand. I also could not get it as sharp as I wanted, especially compared to my Pfiel tools. I would steer anyone interested in the "catalog" tools away from these brands, but that may not mean that they aren't good tools. Ususally, they are not marketed by woodcarving professionals. Is there a reason?....I don't really know.

It's been said before, but I cannot let it go - you get what you pay for. If you want a good tool, buy a good tool - don't make price your primary selecting factor.

You don't have to buy a set. Buy what you need. Better yet, try someone else's tools to see what you may like/dislike about specific brands so that you can make the decision based on your needs. I realize that this thread was started to ask about a specific tool, and I only partially answered that question - however I just had to put in my 2 cents.

That being said (and as a side note), one of the first tools that I bought for carving was a Sears brand Stockman pocket knife in the late 70's. I still have it and use it occasionally for carving.

[BasketballJones]

With all being said let's say I wanted to build bi-monthly a 6 then 12 piece set. What would the rank in order be with regards to priority and practicality. I know the Wood Carvers Store has a palm set of 6 for 19.95 + 6.95 shipping. Rick has a nice set as well. My hands are big so I'm leary of palm sets; but I'd like a quality set of large gouges and v-tools.

I have a tough time purchasing for myself. Most of my tools have been via Woodcraft gift certificates from the better half. The store is located adjacent to the Sporting Goods store which has aluminum baseball bats and gloves on sale this week. I'm relegated that I'm losing that battle with my boys this month and I've already lowered my standards to a lesser quality Driver. I've already ruled out the Foredom Powercarver and still crave for hand tools. I just want to upgrade from the lower end gouges I have now. The good looking one just doesn't comprehend the quality differences among carving tools, golf equipment, baseball bats, and gloves.

I get the sniffles whether I walk out empty handed or broke. I'm not henpecked (just well trained and cheap). That's why I feel, I have a better chance of gradually spending my way up to a quality set by purchasing every other month.

[rick-in-seattle]

BBJ,
I had a customer bring me a large set of mallet tools he bought at Costo.
Obviously Chinese, but very good steel. They were thick, but took and held an edge well. The machining on them was very good and very clean.

If you were willing to thin them down a bit and spend time sharpening them, you might get some pretty good tools cheap.

It's not the same tools sold on Ebay.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Only thing I can tell you for sure is don't get cheap and inexpensive confused. Some of the inexpensive tools (Ramelson/Harmon and the many store brands they make) are as good as or better than many of the high dollar imported tools. The biggest difference I find is in individual tools. For instance, nobody has a veiner that matches up with the extra deep stubai's. Warren tools are also excellent, just with they spent more time on the finish. Also Miller's Falls are excellent. Most sets, with the exception of the one in Rick's starter set and possibly a couple others, include a straight and a skew chisel, which I have found have very limited use. The handles can be replaced (except on flexcuts) with ones you make yourself so they fit your hand better if need be. Rick (who else) has an excellent selection of Ramelson's. You might want to check his catalog.

[big_Wayne_P]

I bought a set of Flexcuts
the 11 piece travel set with 1 handle and 10 gouges
Not very happy with the feel of them
This was before I found out about Rick and Little Shavers
I now have put my own handles on the Flexcuts and am well pleased with them
The handles came off some old old brushes and hooks that were used in the Textile mills many years ago

[Just Carving]

With regards to Hi_Ho_Sliver's post about the 12 pc. Carving Chisel Set number G8083 for $39.95, I did some searching on the net and found the following websites which lead me to believe the set is distributed by Woodstock International under the name Steelex. Two sites I checked sell the set for more than Grizzly. So, anybody use Steelex tools? Are they any good?

Bob

http://www.woodstockinternational.com/chisel.aspx
http://www.woodstockinternational.com/brandnames.aspx
http://www.toolpeddler.com/d2227.htm
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/right-to...eld212pie.html