[Woodcarver] Tools

[R. Stephan Toman]

Now that you've mentioned it Joe, I think that the only breakage I have 
experienced has been with my Swiss Made gouges, which are notable for their 
slim shanks and over-all lightness and balance ( = less metal overall than 
Stubai or the English tools ).  But I keep my bevel very acute to work 
quickly in basswood and mahogany, and the edges broke when I was using the 
tools to set in stop-cuts in birch and cherry and maple without taking the 
time to re-grind the bevel.  It hasn't happened too often:  Maybe 4 or 5 
times in 18 years, and most of that was when I was still gaining experience 
early on.  I haven't shattered an edge for several years now.  The worst 
case I remember broke about a quarter inch off the edge ( what's 
that...about 2 - 3 years of tool life?).  When you consider the fact that a 
gouge is both a wedge and a lever, it's surprising that more breakage 
doesn't occur.

Stephan Toman

P.S. For anyone who might be interested I've just updated my 
web-pages.  Mike and Patty:  The sassafras piece is on my "possibilities" page.



At 06:55 AM 1/14/2004 -0600, you wrote:
>To make a DONATION to the List using PayPal OR regular mail, click this 
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>That is the only ones I have
>I just busted a gouge on a piece of Iron wood
>was a bit afraid to get any more
>But I have liked them up to that point
>yes I am very carful
>I have bid alot & bought once lol
>
>********************
>
>Hi Mike & Patty Wilcox,
>
>I assume from the discussion that it was a Swiss tool you broke?
>
>Swiss tools are the ones I hear the most about breakage. Those are the only
>ones that I had experienced any breakage by my students or myself. However
>any chisel, with the possible exception of Flex Cut, is very susceptible to
>breakage if the force is applied in any direction other than straight ahead.
>Sometimes even burying the wings of the chisel in the straight-ahead
>direction may cause breakage.
>
>So, with our recent discussion on tools, I'm wondering about if others have
>experienced breakage with the Swiss or any other brand? I've never heard of
>a Flex Cut breaking. Is that because they are designed to flex so that any
>prying that would break another chisel does not break the Flex Cut?
>Inquiring minds what to know.
>
>
>Joe Dillett
>The Carving Shop
>645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
>Somonauk, IL. 60552
>(815) 498-9290 phone
>(815) 498-9249 fax
>http://www.thecarvingshop.com
>jdillett at thecarvingshop.com
>http://www.carvingmagazine.com Carving Magazine web site and Readers Forum
>**************************************************
>
>
>
>
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R. Stephan Toman - master woodcarver & furniture-maker

Sonrise Woodcarving Studio

Exceptional Custom Craftsmanship
in the Old World and American
Woodcarving and Woodworking Traditions

Phone: 845-687-9139
E-Fax: 248-479-5272

www.sonrisewoodcarving.com
www.thinlinemillworks.com







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