Newbie Says Hallo - recommended tool sets?

[jesswylde]

Hey guys! Thanks so much for the warm welcome and all the advice! I had heard and seen a lot about Flexcut in passing while looking into carving, so I think I'll start with some intro pieces from them and see how it goes. They seem quite affordable as well, so that's a nice bonus. So much to learn!! Thanks again for all your help, I'll see you in the forums!

[Texas Turner]

Originally Posted by Dicky

Jer, I wouldn't throw those Smith & Wessons away. I got the same set carrying another name and faced the same disappointment as you. I found that the problems with these Asian tools is that a) the steel is far too thick and b) the grind angles are far too steep. I took mine and ground the angle down to about 20 degrees and then sharpened them up. They take and hold a pretty good edge. I don't think they are as good as British or European or quality Japanese tools but they are certainly worth salvaging.

Oh no, I'm not throwing them away. I had to reshape the cutting bevels and knock off that hard resinous stuff that protected the edges while in transit. I'll use them for rough cutting or something, but those Pfeil's are so nice for my my finer work that doesn't require brute force. Why the S&W's are referred to as gun stock carving I don't know. I made several gunstocks and rarely if ever used chisels on them. They were shaped with files, rasps and Surform tools. Thanks for the sharpening advice and I do intend to keep them.

[real good]

Hi Jess go slow buy the tools you need.read a lot don t go over board at the start you can buy a lot of tools you do not need-----Jack

[Old Codger]

Welcome aboard and to the WCI Forum Jess! Besure and post some photos of your latest work when you have an opportunity to share with us!
Kenn