[TOEKNEE]

anyone have any opinions as to as good starter set of mallet tools? maybe not a set, maybe just a mallet and some basic tools to start out with. any body have better luck with one brand over another? i am looking at attempting some bigger projects, and i hope someone has a good idea of what to get. i will be carving woodspirits on driftwood and stumps, and santas in the round with these tools. thank you!!!

[Dan S]

Everyone seems to have a favorite brand and can get rather attached to it. Your best bet is to try someone elses before you spend a lot of money. What works for someone else may not be right for you. There are often clubs that have some rather nice folks who can help. I wish I had one here!
As far as starter sets, I really don't like them. Half of what you get you never use. you're better off buying them one at a time as needed.
If you are going to try driftwood, the imbedded sand plays havok with a chisel. It took me a week to bring my tools back after my last driftwood carving. Power wash any wood you find if you can. I'm told it helps.
As far as my brands I like the Japanese tools. The way they are built I can't imagine breaking one. I haven't heard anyone else mention them however. Perhaps they are not for everyone. Antique tools can also be a good find. I have a set made by Addis a long time ago. I bought them at a yard sale for a dollar each. They take a fine edge and hold it for a long time. Do a bit of research before you buy any old tools. Avoid tools with pitting. I hear Pfiel is also really good. I almost bought a few a while back and I may yet. I'm trying to control my tool addiction until I get my new bench built.
I'm sorry my reply wasn't more specific but the tools will have to match the size of what you want to carve.

Good luck,
Dan

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

If you know what you're looking for, a small set can sometimes be a good deal. It pretty much depends on who put it together and what they had in mind. For instance, this one is well thought out.

http://woodcarverswarehouse.com/cata...roducts_id=599

As to what brand? Any of the name brands are good. What I look for is a tool that is very stable with minimum vibration and no flex. Other folks have their preferences. What kind of ice cream do you like?

[DADDIO]

keep a watch on e-bay i've picked up quite a few there and at really good prices,everything from swiss made to flexcut two cherries,the only set i have is the large 4 piece mallet set from flexcut which i got for a steal on e-bay,if you don't mind not having a matching set of tools which doesn't really matter to me as long as what i have gets the job done,then this may be a good option. i have quite a few mallet tools which i dare say would run upwards of 1000.00 or morewhich i know isn't much to some but to me is a large sum and i probably have around 300.00 in all of them. i have bought alot of tools there palm tools and knifes. just a thought and also yes if you can try out someone elses tools to see what kind you do like then you can search for that particular tool on e-bay. good luck

[TOEKNEE]

thanks for the responses. i too get alot of tools off ebay, i have gotten some really nice deals there. plainn old ed sent me the link to woodcarvers warehouse, i think i will purchase a begginers set from the and go from there. now, i have to decide on what type of mallet i need. i may try and turn my own on the lathe...

[twoclones]

Originally Posted by TOEKNEE

have better luck with one brand over another?

I use Flexcut mallet tools. While I like them, I have recently discovered that Flexcut does not make everything I'd like to have in my mallet tool set. For instance:

The smallest Flexcut #1 is a 15mm
The smallest made by either Dastra or Two Cherries is a 2mm

Unless you are talking about palm tools, Flexcut does not make bent, back-bent or spoon gouges.

[markken5889]

I'm a fan of Two Cherries and of Pfeil (available through Woodcraft), and recently got a Cape Forge bench knife that I'm in love with!