[Woodcarver] Re: Flexcut

[Victor Hamburger]

> Jared Hill <jghill at gmail.com>



> Has anyone had any experience (good or bad) with Flexcut tools?  I 

> purchased 3 Flexcut tools several years ago.  Now that I am able to 

> start carving I am debating whether to continue purchasing these tools 

> or go with something else.


Jared,

Flexcut tools are a bit different in construction than most full size carving 
tools.  They flex along their length, whereas others are stiff.  Flexcut tools 
were designed by David Bennett and if you see the kind of relief carving he 
does, you can see where a tool that flexes slightly has some advantages.  He 
does beautiful relief carvings, mostly in mahogany.

Traditional carving tools, being stiff, can carve denser, harder woods, such as 
oak and cherry and walnut.  These tools can take a lot of heavy pounding with a 
mallet and not flinch.  I don't believe the flexcut would be as successful 
carving dense woods while using a mallet.

The decision then is yours; what are you likely to carve? If mostly bass, 
butternut, mahogany and other easily carved woods, then the flexcut or 
traditional tools should be fine.  If you expect to do heavier sculpting in 
dense woods, then perhaps traditional tools would be a better choice. How do you 
like the three Flexcut tools you have? Are they comfortable to use? Do they feel 
right in your hands? Do you belong to a club where you might try someone elses 
traditional tools to see if they are preferable?   Don't start buying tools 
until you are clear on what you want and need, otherwise you may tend to buy 
stuff that isn't useful later.

good luck!	Vic H