problem with Pfiel gouge

Dan S · #1 04-21-2008, 01:31 AM

I recently purchased a Pfiel 2 mm veiner. The gouge chipped on the first pass through the basswood. Thinking that perhaps it had come with too shallow a bevel I reshaprened it. It did it again. Junk tool or is it me?

Thanks,
Dan

Plain_Ol_Ed · #2 04-21-2008, 08:08 AM

I have a pfiel #9 palm too that acted the same. Think it was a stress area during tempering. After taking it back about 3/8 of an inch it was o.k. Wasn't worth the trouble (to me) to send it back. It's all good now, just 3/8" shorter.

squbrigg · #3 04-21-2008, 08:32 AM

I'd suggest sending it back, that is not normal and the company should fix it and as importantly, like to know about it. Pfiel tools have an excellent reputation, I have many myself, and am saddened to hear that you have experienced a problem with one. I had a similar problem with a Henry Taylor tool, difficulty in keeping it from breaking at the sharp edge, but never one of my Pfiels.

I'd be curious to hear how you make out talking to the manufacturer, and what their explanation would be.

Bob

Dan S · #4 04-21-2008, 09:18 PM

I contacted woodcraft. They are sending a replacement a return label.
Thanks,
Dan

Dan S · #5 04-24-2008, 10:15 PM

Just a follow-up. The new gouge came today and it seems to be fine. Woodcraft was nice enough to send it along with a pre-paid postage label to return the defective tool. You can't ask for better customer service.

Dan

Plain_Ol_Ed · #6 04-25-2008, 05:52 AM

Glad it worked out. Think you'll be happy with it. The reason I didn't go to a lot of trouble with my #9 was I had a number of pfiel tools that were fine and had given no problem and if regrinding it didn't work I had several other #9's of the same size. Anyway, good deal, enjoy it.

squbrigg · #7 04-25-2008, 08:02 AM

Good to hear Dan. How does the replacement cut? Better I trust?

Bob

William M. Zerby · #8 04-25-2008, 06:00 PM

Dan,
I manage the Woodcraft store in Albuquerque as well as running a sharpening service for our carving customers. The service you received should be the standard. I have been turning and carving most of my life. My uncle always said that the PFeil tools were the best. So it is what I bought first, and have found to be true. If you ever have any problems with woodcraft call me at our store Woodcraft store #547 @ 505-342-9663 and I'll help you.

Kindest regards,
Bill

Dan S · #9 04-26-2008, 12:01 PM

The new tool cuts fine. I haven't had much time to play with it though. This is my first Pfiel gouge. I usually buy the japanese tools but they are rather limmited in variety. I'll pick up some more of these as the need arises.
Mr Zerby, have you thought of opening a shop in Las Vegas? Bright lights, big city, one customer!
Take care,
Dan

William M. Zerby · #10 04-26-2008, 10:45 PM

Dan,
Thanks for the offer (Bill please, tend to write a little more formally than I really behave), but I think my wife and kids would kill me. I grew up on the southern shore of "Gitche Gumee" (Lake Superior) and it is more than hot enough for me here! I did get to visit Vegas a couple of years ago to attend a Festool training class. It seemed like a nice place except I burned my hand on the darned door to their warehouse! I really enjoyed the outside light show, can't remember the name of it though. Pfiel tools are typically set to a standard 20 deg. bevel with a 2 deg. micro bevel on the outside. They do not put any in-cannel (inside) bevels on their tools which is what I was taught to do. I usually drop the out-cannel bevel to about 18 deg on all my tools and adjust the in-cannel bevel to compensate for any density changes in the particular wood I am carving at the moment(bass to oak for instance). This optimises the energy into the forward push with less energy wasted in the downward vector. It also cleans up any grinding marks that make it past the finishing process. Enjoy the tool!!!

Kindest regards,
Bill