Henry taylor palm V tool.

kaiserb · #11 10-17-2005, 07:00 PM

Old Gord,

It was actually meant to be somewhat amusing...

As plain as I can make it:

Have I used HT tools:

Yes.

Do I prefer HT tools:

No.

Did the prior two factors have any weight in my observation:

No.

I agree with you there are a ton of internet rumors rolling around that can cause great angst. I was not meaning to start any internet rumors, however when you see a couple of posts in a short period of time, regarding HT V tools being off center in there grind. It causes one to take note. I am not trying to say the tools are bad or good, it appears that their (Henry Taylors) quality contol is a little lacking.

It would be interesting to take a survey on the board regarding your favorite brand of tool:

Ashley Iles, Henry Taylor, Pfeil, Stubai, Denny, Other, etc.

The results I am sure would be quite varied.

AlArchie · #12 10-18-2005, 08:59 AM

Re; ole Henry Taylor tools ("V"'s in particular). I guess you have to look at what the company claims before complaining too loudly. Most of the advertizing I've seen from HT states quite clearly, "Factory Grind, will need final sharpening or honing". (or something to that effect) Can't criticize a company for up-front advertizing like that. My question, earlier, was about how to handle that one thin wing. Looks like I got some good advice here, and by playing with it a bit, I have it where I'm satisfied with the tool. I did contact HT UK, and they said they'd get back to me about my complaint, however I haven't heard from them since, so.....will have to hold judgement on CR.

By the way, in case you have never tried, sharpening a "V" is an experience in itself, and takes some time to master, I'd sugest you check Chris Pye's site for his tutorial on sharpening these critters. It's a skill that you need to work on more than a straight gouge or chisle, but can be mastered.

HT's are NOT pretty tools but sure are work horses! They all need final honing, but I suspect that is a purposefull condition.....let experienced carvers grind to their own liking and needs, or just hone up the factory grind. I wouldn't recomend them for a beginner, though, as they will need some work and most folks starting off carving don't know (unfortunately) enough about sharpening tools.

One suggestion, I'd give to anyone starting out, is to check at a store or supplier that has some experience with carving, and ask the sales people about quirks of any brand you are buying, as they ALL have their own little secrets. I found that several of the sales people at Rockler and Woodcraft were absolutely thrilled to have me ask questions about their various tools.......seems almost no one asked carving related questions, and I had a hard time getting away from the guys once we got started. They were some very knowledgable but highly under-used sources of information.

Al

AlArchie · #13 10-19-2005, 02:33 PM

I just got email from the Henry Taylor firm in Scheffield, England. They have contacted the store where I purchased the V tool and I can return it there and get it replaced. However, the store is over 800 miles from here and shipping will cost more than this is worth. Think I'll keep it. I have "tuned" the tool so it works very well in spite of the difference in the wings. HT has also offered to send me a CD on the process they use for forging their tools. Sounds kinda cool so I asked them to send it along. I also pulled the "quallifier" on HT tools from Lee Valley's catalog. I don't think this will be a copyright violation to post this, so I will. I've seen similar quallifiers, or caveats regarding HT tools on several other catalogs and in stores. If you take the time to read these posts, there should be no surprises when buying HT tools. They are an excellent quallity tool but come "factory sharp", not finely honed, and I'd bet that there are some problem forgings with just about any tool mfg, that slip through their inspections every so often.

Al

Colin_Partridge · #14 10-19-2005, 03:14 PM

I guess it is time for me to reply I have watched this thread for a while so I will add my two cents worth. I have a number of HT gouges and V tools and absolutly love them. I will agree that when they come from Lee Valley they are not that sharp but once they are honed they hold an edge probably better than any other tool in my box. I was also told by Lee Valley when I purchased them that they would have to be honed before I used them. I find that while I am honing most of my tools everytime I use them not so with the HT tools. As I have stated I am very happy with mine and dont have a bad thing to say about the tools.
Colin

kaiserb · #15 10-19-2005, 03:45 PM

Al,

The quality issue is not the fact that is needs honing. There is a big difference between honing a cutting edge and thickness grinding an entire wing of a V tool. Shipping an unhoned tool is really a good idea, if you have a super sharp tool you have to protect the end so the sharp edge survives shipment.

As for the shipping you might email HT back and let them know the store is 800 miles away and they can probably hook you up with a closer retailer to return the tool to.

Butch_Speer · #16 10-30-2005, 10:23 AM

I've seen a couple references to HT tools as having a roughened, blackened appearance. I have two HT palm tools. Neither one, or any of the others I've seen have that appearance. Am I using a different type or what? Yes, they do need honing when you get them but, they sure do work good.

AlArchie · #17 10-30-2005, 11:07 AM

Butch, I have several of the HT tools and some have a fairly finished look and others the black rough shafts. Both are equally as fine tools, some just look a little rough. BTW, as of yet, I have not received the CD from HT on the forging process, but the UK is a long way off.

Al

Old_Gord · #18 10-30-2005, 12:28 PM

Henry Taylor has two different lines , one is called Amateur and the other Professional .
The "Amateur or Ladies Tools" are a shorter version , blade length 3 1/2" from shoulder , and are bright ground all over and finished in "straw" colour.
The "Professional tools" are longer , blade length about 4 3/4" from shoulder with a black "non-reflective" finish , except on the inside which is "straw" coloured.
They each have their own distinctive "numbering" system.
This info doesn't refer to Palm chisels, which I believe have a bright ground finish.

.

OG

Crazy_carver · #19 10-31-2005, 05:11 AM

Yep, the HT palm tools have bright ground finish all over. They are polished on the outside.

Heine · #20 10-31-2005, 12:04 PM

Hello,

I bought four Henry Taylor palm veiners, and two V-tools last year. I kept them for about a month and sold them on Ebay. I spent 10 hours sharpening and honing and 1 hour carving. I would never buy another Henry Taylor tool. I now have the Denny palm tools, and have no problems at all. Now I spend 10 hours carving and 15-20 minutes keeping them sharp!!

Halloween,
Dan