Hi all,
I was hoping for a little input from this group on a tool I'm manufacturing. Presently I am manufacturing a small line of bonsai carving tools, draw gouges, palm chisels, etc. The one I would like input from you on is this draw gouge.
To set this up, I had purchased a while a go, some Chinese draw gouges for carving jin and shari. I found the Chinese version expensive and not quite up to snuff due to size, weight, construction, and its ability to hold an edge. Being unsatisfied I even added knurling to the shaft of the Chinese version to aid in the grip, as the shaft was smooth and slick as goose S*#%.
So I thought I'd take the plunge and reinvent the wheel.
Pictured below is the modified Chinese (black) version its weight is 4.0 ounces and length is 8 inches. What I found wrong using these in application was its rounded head, flexible shaft at the point of weld when pressure was applied. It didn't feel substantial in my hand when using it. The carving result was less than desirable.
The one I am manufacturing is the silver one. For this test we left it unpainted. It's weight is 7.5 ounces and length is 9.75 inches. This one has a knurled handle (not really visible due to the un painted surface and the flash). It also has a removable T handle (not pictured) so that you can, when needed, bring pressure to bear. It has a chisel style head, which is easier to sharpen. No welds, its all made from one piece of stock. The finish will be an epoxy base paint most likely Imron, which will make it hold its finish for almost ever. It feels substantial in your hand, like a tool should. The head on both tools pictured is 1/4 inch.
So if you had your druthers what would you change or add? We are also making a 1/8 inch draw gouge with more of a V head. Your suggestions will be applied to both. I appreciate any input to help making a better bonsai tool. To answer a question I know that will be asked. The retail price on this will be 22 to 24 bucks verses about 29 for the Chinese version
I was hoping for a little input from this group on a tool I'm manufacturing. Presently I am manufacturing a small line of bonsai carving tools, draw gouges, palm chisels, etc. The one I would like input from you on is this draw gouge.
To set this up, I had purchased a while a go, some Chinese draw gouges for carving jin and shari. I found the Chinese version expensive and not quite up to snuff due to size, weight, construction, and its ability to hold an edge. Being unsatisfied I even added knurling to the shaft of the Chinese version to aid in the grip, as the shaft was smooth and slick as goose S*#%.
So I thought I'd take the plunge and reinvent the wheel.
Pictured below is the modified Chinese (black) version its weight is 4.0 ounces and length is 8 inches. What I found wrong using these in application was its rounded head, flexible shaft at the point of weld when pressure was applied. It didn't feel substantial in my hand when using it. The carving result was less than desirable.
The one I am manufacturing is the silver one. For this test we left it unpainted. It's weight is 7.5 ounces and length is 9.75 inches. This one has a knurled handle (not really visible due to the un painted surface and the flash). It also has a removable T handle (not pictured) so that you can, when needed, bring pressure to bear. It has a chisel style head, which is easier to sharpen. No welds, its all made from one piece of stock. The finish will be an epoxy base paint most likely Imron, which will make it hold its finish for almost ever. It feels substantial in your hand, like a tool should. The head on both tools pictured is 1/4 inch.
So if you had your druthers what would you change or add? We are also making a 1/8 inch draw gouge with more of a V head. Your suggestions will be applied to both. I appreciate any input to help making a better bonsai tool. To answer a question I know that will be asked. The retail price on this will be 22 to 24 bucks verses about 29 for the Chinese version
Attachments
Last edited: