Comments PLEASE - Flexcut Mallet Tools

woeco · #1 03-09-2005, 01:37 PM

I would certainly like seeing comments (pros and cons) from anyone who has used Flexcut mallet tools and possibly how they compare to other tools like Pfeil. I am starting to carve med. to large objects and in the market for mallet tools but just can't seem to make my mind up.

I'd also like to ask if its just me or do others also think that its easier to sharpen Flexcut than the more rigid tools ??

Thanks people !!!

WOECO

big_Wayne_P · #2 03-09-2005, 03:34 PM

Flexcut...........i have some of their palm tools
I like them ok but would not not buy again
they give me good service
I just prefer the more rigid and larger tools

I do not think that Flexcut is any easier or harder to sharpen than
other quality tools
Flexcut is a good quality tool and will give you good service
I just think that using mallet tools you will more satisified with a
more rigid tool

I like Ramelson and Warren brand palm tools

There are lots of good quality brand tools available
here are a few
Acorn by Henry Taylor
2 Cherries
Ashley isles
Stubai
Miller Falls their older tools are top quality
Pfeil

Different carvers prefer different brand tools
it is just a personal preference
and how you like the fit of the tool in your hand

Kenny_S · #3 03-09-2005, 04:36 PM

For hand or palm gouges, I like Flexcut. I have buck Bros and taylors and a set of Ramelson and they are good but I use the flexcuts more. Maybe because I have several sets and individuals also.

I found that flexcuts come to you sharpe and ready to cut as the Ramelson's did not nor the BuckBros. However, it did not take long to put a sharp edge on them.

Many do not like the " Flexcuts" because of their flex ability but then sometimes a flex is what one needs.

You are bound to get many different opinions of what brand of tools to buy. Depends on the application and what tools you buy. I would recommend you talk with Rick at www.littleshavers.com or look at his web site. You WILL NOT GO WRONG with his advice. You will get whatever you order sharp and ready to use as Rick does hone and strop the tools he sells and they are of the best quality and the service, "SUPER". But that is my opinion as well as many others on this board. Rick is very helpfull in choosing tools for biginners and those who have been around for a while.

Colin_Partridge · #4 03-09-2005, 05:15 PM

Woeco,
I use a lot of mallet tools and I will give you my honest opinion. Flexcut mallet tools are fine but not near as durable as Pheil tools. I was at a seminar last fall where Dave Bennett who owns Flexcut told us that they only temper their steel one third the length of the blade. I think this has something to do with the spring steel they use. I have had good luck with the flexcut gouges in the mallet tools but the V tools not very good luck. I find that the V tools always break especially going through end grain. Even soft wood like cedar they will break going through end grain. They always break in the same place on either side of the V. I have broken dozens of them but Flexcut are really good about replacing them. They have replaced everyone I have broken. I also find that the SK pieces that go into the reciprocators will break in end grain I just broke one again yesterday. I have just ordered some of the 900 series V tools I will comment on them when I get them. You may ask why I still use them, well because I like them very much and they always replace them for me.
Colin

Plain_Ol_Ed · #5 03-09-2005, 07:05 PM

My opinion. I don't like the way they flex ... I'd go with Pfeil, stubai, henry taylor, etc. rigid tools. They just feel more solid.

Plain_Ol_Ed · #6 03-09-2005, 07:06 PM

Ooops, forgot. Buy one of each and see what you like. One never knows.

rick-in-seattle · #7 03-09-2005, 08:04 PM

If you will be driving the mallet tools with a mallet, why would you want it to flex? If you only want longer and larger tools that you intend to drive by hand; that would be a different story.

All tools are pretty much equal when it comes to sharpening except poorly made tools, which can demand reshaping of the inside or outside profile before an sustainable edge can be produced.

One thing seldom considered is tool life; a fine tool perhaps costing $35.00 iniatially, may last two or three generations. Another tool may cost 18-30 dollars and only last a year. If I were planning to carve only one year, I know which I would buy.
(Not to imply that expensive equates to quality)

For me it comes down to: Will I still use it next year? I try to avoid gimmic tools and the "latest craze". I would rather spend more on a quality mallet tool, knowing I will most likely never replace it.

Every tool has a market or they would not exist; even the 28 piece $19.95 sets on Ebay have a market.

The question nobody can answer for you, is where do I fit in the market?

nadcarves · #8 03-09-2005, 08:14 PM

Flexibility in a tool? We are talking about the transmission of force..I think that flexibility is the last thing you want..However, I have patents out on flexible nails, hammers.etc...Anyone ever carve with a flexible knife....that could be called Adventures in Carving...How does a "mallet tool "do when hand held, is it comfortable...? Remember, before Flexi cut. there were just chisels.They were used both by hand and ,when desired, with a mallet..Now, chisels and Mallet tools..??????Your best bet is to buy the old Sheffield tools..Virtually all are keepers..If you don't want to screw around with E-bay, send me a wish list.Chisels are no longer cheap..I am going to catalogue and put up app 150 old tools..Prices from 8 bucks to 35..

is factored in, if you keep, a refund check comes for the overage, if anything you don't like a refund, inc

,,,reasonable,not Over night collect...I don't carve with anything other than old tools...Also .not responsible for strange increases in carving skills, etc....ghosts for short,,,cordially Nad...back to hibernation and carving in sleep..

s,please e-mail ,am usually not on computer,have very busy schedule, and before I forget, Merry Christmas...will be here shortly....

UNCLE_RICK · #9 03-22-2005, 11:36 AM

I have the "Flex-Cut Super Mallet Set" of 4 tools. I like them for what I use them for, roughing out large carvings. This set doesn't flex as much as the regular Flex-cuts do. They are made of thicker steel. They are all also over an inch wide. I've never used the regular size mallet tools, mine are Henry Taylor and Swiss Made.
Hope this helps,
Rick