Carter and Son Tools: REVIEW by Sam Angelo
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- Опубліковано 2 вер 2016
- In this tool review, I look at 5 Carter and Son Tools plus a close-up of the handles. I hope the information in this video helps you to make a decision on whether to purchase a Carter and Son Tool.
CARTER AND SON TOOLS Website .....LINK
carterandsontoolworks.com - Навчання та стиль
Thank you Sam, I bought the Carter and Son 5/8” bowl gouge and I am excited for it to arrive here in Ontario Canada Friday! Thank you again!
Thank you Mr. Angel for sharing your experiance and knowledge with us. I came across your videos a few days ago and I'm still trying to watch them all, so much to learn and try. I have a small scrollsaw hobby shop and bought a mini lathe little over a year ago to make small pieces for some of my scrollsaw projects. I did not use the lathe much in the year+ since I bought it but since I found the videos on turning that has changed, I've completed several small projects with enough inspiration to keep on learning. I have a long way to go but time is on my side. I've spent the last 2-1/2 years battling and winning the fight against lung cancer, I WON! I'm still "recovering" from the chemo and radiation, it beat me up pertty bad. I'm not able to return to work just yet so I do what I can in my little woodshop, it keeps me sane! Just wanted to tell you "Thank You", I now have another way to challenge my imagination. Found out I love turning. No where to go but up. Thank You again for taking the time to create the videos and sharing with the rest of us. I especially liked the video you did on finishing the hollow forms. The stains and the "reactive metal" paint is simply amazing!!!
Thanks
Sam
I have the 7/8" spindle roughing gouge and love it. It's great for shaping. Thanks!
Great review Sam Carter and Son Tools are impressive
Thanks for sharing
I've only been turning a year and started with carbide and pen making. I knew I needed some conventual tools so I researched and ended up buying carter & sons. I've been very happy with the company's customer service and the tools. I wouldn't hesitate to buy their tools for all my needs. Thanks for your video and opinions as a long time turner.
Thanks very much. Sam
You did a great job with your review! They are well made!!!
Good video I got my Carter and sons spindle goudge about a year ago and it is the best tool I own. I got a harbor freight lathe and there cheap turning set and my Carter and sons is the most expensive thing in the shop I wish I could get more turning tools.
I just ordered a set.I’m looking forward to using them. Great video Sam!👍🏻
Very useful review ... unbiased and informative. Thanks!
Sam, it is clear to me that with you; Honesty is not a cliche. Thank you for simply being yourself!
nice review I used one when over at one of my friends it was a pleasure to use I have been using some other tool that I got from family members and they are of good name and steel but if I need one I will surely get one haven't heard of any complains form club members
A good review Sam, they look like really good tools,
Take care,
Harry
A good overview of the tool. Like!
I love my carter son tools. No complaints on any of them.
I visited with the Carters at SWAT last week end. Great people and the tools are super.
Thanks for watching. Sam
On one of your other videos, I said that i was going to buy a carter and son tool every payday. And after using the first one( 3/4” wood beater) I’ve bought a few tools from one paycheck. And now I have my eye on the thread chaser. I started out with a hss tool set bought off of Amazon. And thought sharpening was needed often. But with Carter and Son, i can turn all day and then some. You’re going to pay a little more for quality. But in the long run, it’s worth it.
Thanks Sam. very useful video. I don't have a lathe yet but I think when I do these maybe on my to start list as I would rather buy only quality tools once as in the long term saves me lots of money.
Thanks Sam
A great review Sam. I have a few of their tools, and have to agree they are superb, in build quality, edge retention, and balance when in use...and also are great to just look at....lol.
Take care
Mike
Thanks, I now have a nice collection of these tools. I love them more each time I use them. Sam
Hey Sam,
Are you able to Achieve a swept back grind with the 1/2 bowl gouge? I just received my first gouge from them and noticed the flute is in a v shape. I’ve been sharpening for years now and have never had a problem getting the sweep with my grinding jigs on my other gouges. Any tips? Or do I need to keep the traditional grind on it?
There should be no reason for you NOT to be able to put a swept back grind on this tool. Tools often come from the manufacturer with weird grinds on them (not always). But you probably know that usually something needs to be done or changed on a new tool Sam
WYOMINGWOODTURNER thanks for the reply. I will work on it a bit more now, and hopefully get it there soon.
Tom
Thank you Sam for the review. I'm new to woodturning and can't decide what tools to purchase beyond the basic set of 5 tools I bought when I first purchased my lathe, so I've decided to buy a bunch of different Carter & Son woodturning tools. LOL. We only live once and I can't take my money with me to the grave, so better to buy one of each of them with a variety of handle lengths - 10", 12", 16", & 20" lengths - The price was quite hefty, but it'll only hurt once, right? The cost was $3,309. I recently retired so I'll probably find myself woodturning for 3-5 hours a day initially and see where I go from there. This video was the final straw that convinced me that a complete set of Carter & Son Tools Woodturning tools is for me. No other videos had much to say that was negative about these tools, and like I said, your review was the icing to the cake that made me decide to take the plunge. Thank you very much. I look forward to your other evaluations of this tool maker and your projects.
John, well....just one thing to say-you will never be sorrow. These tools are the best. I am sure I have spent well over that amount over the years. Starting out you can save a lot by not getting all the tools I have just sitting there Sam
I can only hope so, Sam. I discovered more videos to watch today after I posted here yesterday, looking for just someone out in UA-cam Land that might have something - other than cost - to say that would keep me from purchasing a boat load of tools from this company. However, just the opposite occurred; e.g., I continued to find nothing but more positive comments regarding these tools. Along the way I discovered I did not have all the tools these others had, so I edited my original comments above to include the added cost of more of their tools and a few of their doo-dads, too. LOL. With exceptions, I think I now may have a great set of tools to get started, and then some. Now I'll have to tell my neighbors that when I move on to Happy Hunting Grounds someday, that they need to make sure my wife doesn't sell these fine tools for what I told her I paid for them.
Hi Sam. A follow up with sharpening will be appreciated. I have a question for you: do you remove the bur after sharpening (spindle gouge, bowl gouge?) Richard Raffan does that with sandpaper and André Martel does it with cotton wheel... What is your opinion on that topic? Marc
I don't remove the bur on gouges. The bur will be worn off and what is left is a serrated edge which cuts efficently. But I do on a finely ground detail gouge.
Sam
Thanks for that review
It was really helpful
Thanks Sam, I teach turning at the Woodcraft store louisville Ky. I have the 1/2 Carter bowl gouge, the tool is wonderful. The only complaint I have is I called the company with a question and they never got back to me.
That was a really good review Sam. Most detailed I have seen for a turning tool. For a tool that cost a little more we want all the info we can get. I'm needing a good bowl gouge. I'm going to save a bit longer and get one of these rather than a Sorby or Henry Taylor. Times are tight but it will happen someday. I don't understand the weak tang on all the roughing gouges. I wonder how many people especially inexperienced turners have got hurt from that. Looks like a great tool. Hope to get my hands on one soon.
Thanks Tom
Yes the weak tang has got to go. I am sure this tool can be dangerous for many turners. Sam
My video started at the 7 minute mark. I am not sure if this is happening to anyone. Maybe just my computer. If this happens to you let me know. And just go back to the start if it does. Sam
Thanks for the review Sam. Which length handle did you find most useful?
It totally depends on which tool you connect it to. I only have one longer one (16") with the roughing gouge. I think it is necessary for this tool. The other ones came with the shorter handle. When I ordered the Spindle roughing gouge, it came with the longer handle. The other four in the video have the 12 inch handle and that length is good.
Sam
Do you like these Carter tools or Thompson tools better? If you were spending your money on them and they were the only tools you could have.... which would you buy?
Brian Vaughan
That is a tough question. Ok, here goes. As far as quality/toolsteel etc, I would go with Carter. Factored in cost and that is so much YOUR call. I do love the Thompson tools and for the price, are hard to beat. The selection for each is a little different but again, what are you looking for?
I may not be helping much but as you ask this question I already have 5 Carter tools and probably 7 Thompson tools. Carter handles are top notch and I do have Thompson handles?...this comes down to the shape you prefer. Sam
WYOMINGWOODTURNER hahaha! I take it from this answer, that they are pretty much tied for quality. I'm looking for gouges mostly. But I am also wanting to replace and upgrade all of my tools and want them to match. I want them to all feel the same in the hand. thanks for the reply. what I'm going to take from it, is that I can't really go wrong with either one. 😊
These tools look to be very well engineered. As wrercks2007 commented, I'm wonder about the aluminum handles in the winter months becoming uncomfortable to hold. Maybe you could do a follow-up around Christmas time to address our concerns. And what do you think of my suggestion of coating the handles with a plastic dip?
Here is my comment on that issue:
My shop is well heated so not a problem. But you may have an issue in colder shops. I did buy some of their handle wrap but it is simply medical wrap I am sure you could get in a pharmecy. This may solve that issue. I was afraid they would be a bit slippery but they are OK. Sam
The plastic dip may be a good way to go. Is it expensive?
Sam, what are your real thoughts of the metal handles vibrating, in turn causing nerve problems in your hands. There seems to be a reason most handles are wood or foam raped.
I do not see this happening with these handle AT ALL. They are heavy and fit well with the steel.
Sam
TIME WILL TELL,
I'm a bit new to all this...2 yrs into turning, but I've found D-Way very convenient to use which brings up a question on these. I have found that I like taking the tool steel out of the handle for sharpening. It is very quick to do this on a D Way tool. These tools not as convenient from watching you install the tool into the handle. However, this is not a showstopper for me. By reputation they appear to have excellent steel. A lifetime investment as long as the company stays in business and you can replace the tool steel when needed.
I have the 1/2 inch skew, and a 1/4 turn of the set screws is all it takes for the shank to slip out of the handle. Just as easy and quick to return to the handle. My skew will hold an edge for a long time. I intend to purchase future tools from Carter and Sons as the need arises, they are impressive.
I have 3 Carter tools and plan on getting more. They are great. The one negative I have found with them is that in the winter the metal handles are uncomfortably cold to hold. They can be wrapped with tape but that always looks bad after a short time. This winter I will probably just bring them into the house at night or leave them by a light bulb in the shop. Do you have any thoughts or ideas on a solution?. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.
I had the same concern on the aluminum handles. I've see a product on the market that might help. It's a liquid rubber or plastic dip. You can dip the handle or a tool in to cover it to the desired depth. It sets up to a smooth coating...very helpful for pliers and the like, perhaps it will work here as well. It might give you a little too much "traction" for a turning tool. It can be easily removed if you don't like the feel. It might be worth looking into. Just a thought.
this is my response on another comment with the same concern:
My shop is well heated so not a problem. But you may have an issue in colder shops. I did buy some of their handle wrap but it is simply medical wrap I am sure you could get in a pharmacy. This may solve that issue. I was afraid they would be a bit slippery but they are OK. Sam
I heat and cool my shop so I can work in comfort. I consider being comfortable as a tool. To me, it's part of woodworking.
Thanks Sam! I'm a big fan of yours and have found you to be if not the best, one of the very best teachers and answer many questions I have in your videos.
As for the Carter tools, do you find it necessary/preferred to hone your tools between sharpening and if so, what grit of diamond hone do you recommend? Thanks and Merry Christmas! KP
Yes I am a fan of honing. I do it more and more. I tend to use a 300-to- 600 grit diamond hone. I have several. Alan Lacer has one for ale on his website. I think it is the best you can buy. It WILL cost you, but I long mine. Sam
I see this video is from a year ago. Has your opinion changed since then?
Thank you,
John
No. I use the Carter tools more and more as I get used to them. I have MANY different brands so saying this means a lot. I mean for a particular tool gets used in my shop. I reach for them. Sam
A fair true Sam. How do you think the handles will feel in the depth of winter? It worries me that they would be too cold to hold! I have been tempted to buy a few unhandled for a while now.
Cheers
Tom
My shop is well heated so not a problem. But you may have an issue in colder shops. I did buy some of their handle wrap but it is simply medical wrap I am sure you could get in a pharmecy. This may solve that issue. I was afraid they would be a bit slippery but they are OK. Sam
Thanks Sam
Use the same gloves you use to shovel snow with. If that don't work move to Florida. We don't have that "too cold to hold" problem here.
If you have extras I will definitely take them!
Sam Carter is made from a harder steel. Is there any turning where a less hard steel is better? Perhaps on different hardness of woods? Or other situations?
So far I am a beginner and I have only bought Carter tools!
Kidak
You can never go wrong by buying Carter and son Tools. Their Tool steel is second to none. I have quite a few of their tools. The only thing I have heard about soft steel is that it can take an edge that is very sharp. But doesn’t last as long. And might be better for some scraping tools. But again just stick with Carter tools Sam.
just decided I need a new skew chisel, 1 inch Carter and Son on order.
Hey Sam My name is Bill Ellen I met you at the Utah symposium last year. In fact I sat with you during the banquet. I just finished watching your tool review of Carter and sons tools. One question is the steel too hard too sharpen with a regular grinding wheel? I really enjoy watching your videos and learn a lot from you. Thanks for doing them. I hope to see you in Utah again or maybe sooner in Oregon.
Why do you have the bottom edge of the english bedan chamfered?
That is just the way the tool came. In the video I had not sharpened any of the tools. I am not sure....Sam
well good for you getting free tools wish i could aford them
Yeah right? Like they say, the rich get richer
Um using bowl gouge to coves? I guess flutes don't matter
Great review Sam as always! In my opinion these are overpriced tools for the kind of steel.
You may be right. I just don't know enough about tool steel and what effect the price or cost. Oneway is another tool that is right up there. I like them as well and will only buy their gouges with the two ended cutters. But compared to some other makers, (if you only look at the steel and not the handle/combo) they be 10- or 20% more expensive. So that is your call or anyone else looking for a tool. Sam
I don't think they sent you the tools out of the goodness of their hearts. The cost for them is nothing compared to the money they will make with your positive review. Having about 28000 subscribers for Carters to reach through your UA-cam channel, they should do a lot better then 4 tools.
As much as I respect Sam you are the first person I have seen a post that hss had the guts to say it. Kudos to you sir!
I agree Kuma San. I knew this going into the venture. Carter and I both agreed on the terms. I tried to be nuetral and not say, "oh you all have to buy these tools." But they are good tools and YOU must decide on whether they are worth it. But on my side of the agreement, I spent between 25 and 30 hours making this video. So the tools were good payment. I would think more about future deals.......Sam
WYOMINGWOODTURNER here's my perspective... Carter (or whatever company) temporarily employed you to work for them. It's an honour really... you have skills that they recognise may improve sales. There are a few turners around who I think are not talented enough to warrant the sponsorship but yet they do get it, for example one that I saw turned food (biscuits) on his 'American Beauty' dream lathe! That said, Eddie Castelin for example does not seem to carry any sponsorship and spends most of his time showing us how to make tools cheaper which normally cost stupid money to buy. I really respect him for this, he's a legend in the turning trade. I really like your demos, you are clear and love the art, you don't hide mistakes and give an honest perspective. If a lathe company offered me a shiny new lathe to review, I hope I could keep my integrity and highlight both negative and positive features, a balance like you do. Good luck to you, in a few years I'll be good enough and rob sorby may give me a call 😉
I disagree with you Sam on the handle weight. To me the handle is too heavy. It would be nice to be able to add or subtract weight from the handle. They are definitely high quality
Good point and that may be a good feature for the tool in the future. I think you are right as far as the detail gouge. It could be 8 inches long and weigh little less.
C&S do not provide Tormek sharpening instructions for their products. It would take a day for them to develop these instructions. At the prices they charge, perhaps someone over there could get off the chair and get this project done.
I'm just curious which tools you're interested in sharpening. I have many Carter and son tools maybe I can help. However, I don't have the tormek system. Sam
Sam, you're giving Carter and Sons to much credit, I've heard that they stole most of the metallurgy info they needed to make tools from Dave over at D-Way tools. That being the case, I'll buy D-Way tools instead of these ones.
Len
I also have close to 10 of the D-way tools. I have several gouges with handles. I have one of his hollowing tools and 3 of his beading tools. I agree his tools are great tools. I have also done 1 or 2 reviews of his tools. When I do a review I will not attempt to compare one tool with another. That would be an impossible task, at least for me. I said in the video it was not my goal to tell folks to buy this tool over another.
I also agree that the steel in Dave's tools is also the best. But, if anyone "stole" the metallurgy from Dave that would mean Dave invented it or was the originator of the chemical make up of that tool steel: maybe he was, I don't know.
I believe you can only steal an original product or idea. Is this steel original to Dave S? I have done many tool reviews and had a hard time hiding the fact I loved the tool. Same with Carter tools. IF....I do not like a tool or product, I will simply not do a review. Sam
Sam, the steel is readily available. It was not invented by Dave. A two second Google search turned up a site selling it (www.hudsontoolsteel.com). You can purchase 1/2" bar stock in 12" lengths for ($13.28). Knife and tool makers have dozens of varieties of tool steel to choose from and there are a number of "super steels" readily available. Doug Thompson uses A-11 Powdered Metal steel which is also an excellent steel (and costs almost twice as much).
Thanks for your comments! Actually, I (David Carter) have been using M42 high speed steel for my entire career, 40+ years. M42 was first developed in the early 1900s and as a metallurgist and engineer I've had a lot of experience with this common steel. When my son Paul, a woodturner, asked which tool steel would be best for cutting wood my experience kicked in and I suggested M42. Thanks again for your comments, and happy turning!
Thanks Paralogia, this puts things in better perspective. Sam
Thanks Dave Carter. I also appreciate your input on your own tools and how they were developed. Sam