Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

GaryG in MD

Can't beat the price.

As I understand it, the Hamlet "brand" is respected.

They appear to be associated with Henry Taylor now.

I don't have any Hamlet tools, but I have a number of Henry Taylor tools that have done very well for me over a number of years.

My one concern about this large tool is the smallish, weak tang design.

You wouldn't want to make a big mistake with this tool.

I always recommend Doug Thompson tools, but his big one is much more expensive and not in current stock. ...GG

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

Mike Brazeau

I have had a Hamlett ASP 2030 1 1/4" spindle roughing gouge for almost 20 years. Absolutely love it! The ASP alloys are no longer available but Hamlett now has M42 which has some Cobalt in it. Not sure if this gouge is available in M42 or not. I am sure the HSS version will serve you well and if used as intended strictly for spindle work there is little risk of the tang not being strong enough. The long wing of the 1 1/4" SRG functions almost as well as skew but much less likely to catch. Saw one advertised by a Canadian dealer for just over $60 Cdn which is an excellent price.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

JL

I've used my Sorby for many years - for the initial roughing out of spindles, a large roughing gouge works well.

As the "meat" of the chisel rests upon the rest - I'm not worried about the tang. The chisel bevel is usually no more than an inch or two from the rest - usually under an inch.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

Joe Meirhaeghe

I only have one Hamlet tool it's a 1" wide scraper. I don't use it often but really like it when I have the need to use it. I wouldn't be afraid to buy more Hamlet tools if I had the need & the price was right.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

John lucas

I bought a big roughing gouge. It just sits there. I e never seen the advantage. I thought it would be great for larger spindles. Even tried it on a 16" x54" spindle. I could t tell it had any advantage over my old 1". I think mine is at least 1 1/2" if not larger. It actually wants to take too big of a bite so you have to hang on.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

Don Orr

I think Hamlet tools are easily the equivalent of Henry Taylor, Crown, Sorby and other well known names. I have a few and they work as designed and are reasonably priced. Certainly better than Ben's and other lesser priced tools. They are not Thompson's though.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

david

I would have to disagree about the tang not being a factor in a SRG. Mine broke after a large impact withe the tool rest after cutting air when roughing out a large blank. Switched to a P & N 1" SRG because of the round tang, with great results.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

George Balock

The Hamlet tools I have, I like. If it’s a tool that is going to be a spare on not used very often, the shop by price.

broken roughing gouge

John K Jordan

David, just so we can understand, could you describe the circumstances? - the size of the blank, the grain orientation (parallel to the ways or perpendicular).

I like the round shaft roughing gouges too, I use a couple from Thompson. But in practice, I often rough with a large skew instead.

JKJ

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

David Walser

I have several Hamlet branded tools that I purchased through Craft Supplies USA when I first started turning. They're well-made. In terms of quality, I consider them on par with Sorby and Crown.

Would I buy Hamlet again today? It would depend on the price. I prefer the steel in Thompson, D-Way, or Carter and Son, and I also prefer to support USA businesses, but those preferences can be overcome by price. Having said that, I've not bought a Hamlet tool in a long time. I still have and use several of those I bought when I first started turning. I like them. I just like others better.

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

Joe Fleming

IMHO, if you are reaching over the toolrest with a SRG more than 2", you are using the wrong tool. The design of the tool is to cut the side grain on spindle stock. Any other use of the tool is potentially dangerous. Use a bowl gouge for longer reach - even on spindles. Joe

Re: Hamlet (from Craft Supplies) tools?

jorge

Hamlet were my first tools, I like them, eventually replaced by Thompson's.

Thompson makes a superb 1 1/4" SRG that I use to rough shape the outside of very large bowls, the stem is 3/4" so there is no fear that it will brake