[Whimsical Woodworks]

I am a budget carver. I came across a book selling Mastercarver tools. The prices are low and they claim good steel (RC 58-62) and sharp edges. Has anyone had any luck with these. Also they sell there own brand of rotary tool (which I hope to be in the market for soon). I am looking at the 1/3 hp model.
I don't have a lot of $ and I try to buy good stuff to last (I currently have a mix of Pfiel and Flex Cut). Any input would be helpful.

PS...If I don't respond right away it's because I have a terrible connection at the house.

[RussL.]

I don't have any of them but they seem to lack very much metal for future sharpenings (just the very tip of the tool is holds the shape of the sweep, yes?) and I suspect that is why they are priced the way they are.

[Callynne]

I don't know about the hand tools but their power tools are, in my opinion, fantastic!! I have two MasterCarver rotary systems, one with foot control, one with the dial and the Micro Combo, which has the micro carving handpiece and a woodburner, all in one unit....what a gem it is!!

I too, had a lot of doubts about their products, since the price was lower (and you got so much with a unit!) but I've had my original rotary carver for years and it's still working perfectly. I carve a lot, so it (all my equipment) gets far more use than the 'normal' carver who isn't as obsessed with carving as me!

I'll be interested to hear about the hand tools, even though I use power (both reciprocating and rotary) a lot, hand carving is my favorite thing to do. The power just gets me to that point a whole lot faster and easier! Deborah




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[Doug Ridley]

Don't know about their hand tools but their power tools are right up there with the best. Having said that, if I were buying today, I would still go with top of the line, Foredom. My opinion.
Doug

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I have a few of them. They take and hold an edge as good as any. Don't remember if they were "sharp" out of the box or not, because the first thing I always do is sharpen a tool. I'm never happy with the way they come from the factory. Doesn't matter who makes them. Anyway, back to the Mastercarver tools. Because they have socketed handles, they tend to be slightly heavier than other tools and the balance is different. Two features that don't bother me, but something to be aware of. They are solid through a cut without any flex to the tool, a good thing. Whether they are the tool for you, only you can tell. If you're in doubt, buy one and try it.

[Donald K. Mertz]

If you are referring to the MasterCarver forged tools distributed by Wood Carvers Supply out of Florida, they are excellent tools made in China, now don't raise your nose, they are fine cutting tools, hand forged the old fashioned way, hold an edge, come almost sharp enough to start using, but a little buffing keens up the edge. Most are "fish tail" style which are a pleasure to use for manuverability and I have found them comfortable to use, either by hand power or mallet driven. Their low angle bevel make them excellent for making slicing cuts. I have the three sets, plus since they now sell them individually, I have five # 11. Being a "tool nut" may disqualify me, but I like them for their own cutting characteristics, fish tail style, slicing ability and the way they fit my hand. I also have plenty of Pfiel (Swiss Made), Henry Taylor, Dastra, Stuabi, Flex Cut along with custom made tools by Cutsinger, Murray, Drake, Denny and of course the old Harmen tools (before Ramelson.) and several Addis (antique) carving tools. (I told you I am a "tool nut") The way to do it is to purchase one of any tool maker, try it for the "proof of the cutting tool is in its slicing." Then when you find one that fits your need, buy some more. The MasterCarver "V" tools and skews are shaped at different angles than the other makers (Perhaps a Chineese characteristic) but they work, so give it a try. The MasterCarver tools are not pretty and shiny, but they are a pleasure to use and that is what a tool is for, to be used, not put on a beauty contest. Have fun in your tool search and remember "One is enough, two is too many and three is never enough."

[Whimsical Woodworks]

Thanks for the replies and information. I think I will buy one and see how I like it. As for the rotary....I am loathe to come of a few hunderd bucks. I am encouraged by the positive expierences a couple of you have had. I guess I will have to sell some walking sticks to buy some tools. The only way I can afford to add to the small collection. Many of you know exactly where I am coming from. Thanks again, Jerry.....keep posting!

[Mitchell]

Some previous discussion:

Need opinions - micro tools