Barr Instruments, whose merchandise have obtained very optimistic evaluations on this journal, has redesigned a few of its traditional instruments, enhancing its forging course of and thickening blades for even higher power and energy.
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I labored with three of the brand new instruments: a broad gouge, a large bench chisel, and a carver’s drawknife. All three have been skillfully made and carried out very nicely. Additionally they felt nice within the hand, due to the cautious consideration paid to edges and transitions. Stout ash handles are completely fitted and aligned within the sockets of the gouge and the chisel, and their putting ends are protected in opposition to splitting with thick metal hoops. All three instruments have been sharp out of the field and held a wonderful edge very nicely.
The 1-1/2-in.-wide chisel is prepared for critical work like chopping massive joints in thick inventory, but it surely additionally supplies pleasing inertia for delicate paring cuts.
The gouge has a helpful medium sweep, near a #6. It got here with a 50° bevel angle, which was too obtuse to work with. However after I floor and honed it to 30°, it did a lovely job carving extensive flutes in dry cherry, in addition to eradicating heavy inventory with the assistance of a mallet.
I particularly loved the carver’s drawknife. The leading edge is prepared to be used, and the geometry allows glorious management. I used the software to form the outside of bowls and different items, and it left behind a lovely floor.
—Dave Fisher is an expert carver in Greenville, Pa.
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