[Woodcarver] Re: Maltese cross pattern and carving tools

[Victor Hamburger]

> David Woods <dmwoodssr at adelphia.net>



>    Another question I have concerns the purchase of carving tools. I 

> have a limited quantity of tools and it somewhat restricts what I can do.

> I want to expand my tool collection and I am considering the Flexcut set 

> Number 108. I would like to know what others think of this set, and

> do you think it is a good overall set to have. With the cost of good 

> tools being a factor I don't want to make a bad purchase.


Hi David, and welcome to the carving list!

Choosing tools is very subjective, as different folks like different tools for a 
wide variety of reasons.  Have you bought/liked other Flexcut tools? The 108 set 
is a bit unique to flexcut as you change blades rather than picking up a 
separate tool with a handle already in place.  This will slow down your carving, 
but force you to use the same blade for more cuts before you swap it out for 
another.

As their name implies, Flexcut tools flex slightly along their length, where as 
most smaller palm tools do not.  Some folks like this feature, some don't! If 
you are familiar with thier tools, and like these features, then I would not 
hesitate to recommend them.  Flexcuts need only a stropping to get them sharp, 
while some others, notably english tools, require quite a bit of work to get 
them ready to carve.  If you are not good at sharpening, then that is another 
point in Flexcut's favor.

If you have not used flexcut tools before, do you have a nearby carving club 
where you could try several varieties of tools? Or a good dealer who can explain 
them to you and let you try them on a block of wood?

Hope this helps you decide!

	Vic H