Long anticipated Mini Glaser gloat/review

[Bill Wyko]

I think I've been more excited about these tools than I was for my lathe way back when. Upon opening the box, I found a very sturdy canvas case to hold each tool in a dedicated pocket. To some you may think what for but for me, I have a lathe at work and one at home now. The first time I had to take an arm full of tools to work to make some table legs, I found it very hard to carry all those tools. Now I can just roll them up and off I go wheather it's across the shop to sharpen or across town to go to my business. My other concern was going to be how tight the fit was of the tool into the handle. What I found is, a very tight fit but not so tight as to be difficult. It actually has a slight vacuum pop when I pull the tool out of the handle. As a matter of fact, I can change a tool in about 1 second. No allan head to hunt down and no more time than grabbing another tool off the rack. When it comes to the quality of the tools, the only thing I could to think of to compair them to would be a surgical instrument. The attention to detail and the quality of the materials are something you really need to hold in your hands to appreciate. I can't think of any other tools I own that even come close. The feel of the tool in my hand feels very comfortible and extremely well balanced. Now I need to get on the glue up for my next segmented turning. I plan on using these to do the entire build. So far I can say that these are built to the highest quality one could expect. Another concern I've heard and that I also had, is the size of the tools. What I realized though is, the weighted handle and the rock solid metal that the tools themselves are made of, are just as heavy or heavier that my wood handled full size tools. Of course the proof will be in the use of the tools themselves so stay tuned. I'll be starting the glue up for my next turning tonight. Should be on the lathe this weekend. I'll have more pics soon too.
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23971405/400045859.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23971405/400045866.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23971405/400045867.jpg

[Steve Vaughan]

Very cool and congratulations on having them! I look forward to your report. One of these days I'm gonna be able to upgrade some of my tools and these are certainly on the radar!

[Bill Wyko]

Actually I just talked to Paulo, he's going to release smaller sets to build on too. What's cool is, we just talked about this on a post last week and he's already on it. A company that actually listens to its product users, what a concept.:rolleyes:

[Scott Hackler]

Bill, what is the length of the handle in that set? Thanks

[Bill Wyko]

Here is a size comparison. The wood handled tool is crown parting tool. it weighs 8.0 ounces. The Glaser weighs 1lb 1 ounce. over twice as heavy as the wood handled tool. This should translate into a little tool working like a big tool. Needless to say, I can't wait to get on the lathe. The handle is a little over 8-1/2 inches by itself. Overal length will vary slightly depending on the tool inserted in it.
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23971405/400048848.jpg

[David E Keller]

I'm interested to hear your impressions after using them, Bill. I could be wrong, but that handle seems to be on the short side for my tastes generally. I would imagine that Paulo could be persuaded to incorporate the cam lock mechanism into a longer handle... 16 inches would be more to my liking. I may be wrong, but I think there is a larger version in the works... 'synergy' or something like that? No doubt you've got a great set of tools there, but I'm afraid I'd find myself wanting for a longer handle. I'm looking forward to seeing your next project... I seem to recall that it was gonna have something like 9.5 million pieces!

[Bill Wyko]

The one with a bazillion pieces:D won't be started until after the first of the year. I'm still doing the math for the patterns right now. As far as the handle goes, it's about the same size as 1/2 the tools I've used to make everything I have ever done. Plus the weighted handle makes it a wholw different tool in your hand. I think pictures don't do it justice. You can bet as soon as the Synergy are available I'll be on it. With segmenting I really don't need a long reach because the pieces are turned in 1/2's top & bottom. When I need to go deep I have a Keith Clark Hollowing system. I rarely ever need it though. I can use my 15V or my Crown/Elsworth. I'm still finishing up a humidor right now. All I have to do is some touch up on the underside of the lid and it all goes together. Unfortunately it's been raining for days here so I can't spray any finish. Good news though is that I can start another turning. As Budwiser says "Here we go!"

[John Keeton]

Bill, there were some profiles in there I couldn't identify, but was able to see the list from the website. Very nice looking set! I look forward to a full report.

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks John. They are going to get a torture test. I just dug up a piece of Ironwood. Most tool would shake in their boots. Lets see if they're up to the test. I'll try to turn a piece of it tonight. I've been pretty sick with a respiratory problem the last few days and its been raining cats & dogs so not sure what I can get done. I'll take better pictures of the profiles asap.

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

Congratulations and good luck with the new tools. They look beautiful and I have a hunch thay will perform as good as they look. I own a few of Paulo's tools and I couldn't be happier with them. I think you will find that handle to be sure to grip and very comfortable and if not, my experience with their company tells me Glaser will do whatever is necessary to make it right for you. Get that math done so we can see the results and hear about the experience.
faust

[Ryan Baker]

Great gloat. Let us know how great they work!

[Bill Wyko]

Well, I wanted to do some Ironwood but I had no tenons made and I've been pretty sick for days. But I had to turn something, I looked around the shop and found a roughed out, very punky turning made of Quilted Maple. I had roughed the outside of this blank about a year ago. It was still solid though. BTW the first thing I do with all new tools is sharpen them on the wet sharpener. Once I started turning with the oval bowl gouge it took about 2 minutes to get a feel for it when I realized, this tool has Napoleon syndrome. It's little...but it doesn't know it's little LMAO. This thing was cutting and working just as if it were 2 feet long. I then used a detail gouge and a round nose scraper to do the entire piece. Something else I realized was that I could use it with one hand, I had to remind myself to keep 2 hands on it anyway. One more thing I was happy to find as well was that it was very easy to do delicate cuts which almost eliminated the checking this piece of wood had been shelved for in the first place. Bottom line is, these tools worked beautifully and are down right fun to use. BTW I was able to turn down to an 1/8 inch just like I do with my bigger tools. I need to vacuum chuck it tonight and turn the bottom a bit but I should be posting it tomorrow. All in all, I think they are a great investment. I'll probably use them every bit as much as my bigger tools. They're just really fun to use.

[Bill Wyko]

I forgot to bring a very important feature to my posts. Probably one of the most important features too.......The handle won't roll away!!!! I can't tell you how many times I've set other round handled tools on the lathe bed and they just sit there.....until you look away and they roll off and just out of reach. Then you turn everything off and go under the lathe to get it. LMAO A small, simple feature with a huge purpose.:D

[Joe Landon]

Great looking set of tools, Bill. I have my eye on a set. I don't turn much small scale stuff. Is this set strickly for small turnings or can it handle some larger turnings?

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks Joe, The first thing I turned is about 7.5 inches in diameter and it really worked well. It's posted here too. IMHO if you can get the tool rest in the proper place and you're in no danger of the handle contacting the up side of the turning, I think they can be used in ways bigger tools can't be used. I actually felt comfortable using the tools one handed, then I reminded myself that that's not a good practice. So I put my other hand on it anyway. I was also surprised that I could reach out past the tool rest about 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Again, not something I would make a habit of but if needed I still felt comfortable. I think it really has to do with the weighted handle and the fact that they really holds their sharp edge. I had mentioned before that they seem to have what I call "Napoleon Syndrome" They really have a lot of characteristics you would find in bigger tools in a very compact size. Let me know if you get a set, I'd like your opinion as well.

[Bill Wyko]

Another moment of weakness, there's a 10V on the way to put under the tree. Afterall, I have 2 lathes now, one at home and one at work. I need more tools wouldn't you guys say?;):D

[Steve Vaughan]

Dang Bill! I'm just a 'tad' jealous, but I'm thinking you must have signed up for the tool a month deal???:eek:

[Bill Wyko]

I have to confess, I sold a turning I did in 2006 called Monsoon. Tough one to let go so gotta re-invest to do it again.;)
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/21728499/359101245.jpg

[Joe Watson]

... so gotta re-invest to do it again.;)
NOPE, sorry have to respectfully disagree.... if you glued and turned that with your old clamps and gouges, you can do it again (with your old tools) and send me your new stuff :D

Joe Watson
123 Pity Lane
Needgoodtools, ME - 46789, USA

_

[Bill Wyko]

You would laugh if you saw the tools I used to make Monsoon. I had some Shopsmith turning tools (Very soft metal) and I think one or 2 Crown tools. About the middle of the project I invested in a Keith Clark captive hollowing system. That was the 15 turning I ever put on a lathe. I must have been crazy. Took me 6 months to build that piece. I'll truly miss it, that's why I have to step it up on the tools. I have to go above and beyond that piece to overcome the sorrow.;)

[David DeCristoforo]

Yeah... that's kinda cool. No big deal. I could probably use a set like that but it's not like I'm drooling over it or anything. I mean, I'm not like, you know, envious. Not much anyway. Well Ok, maybe just a bit. What I think is that you should send this to me and let me try it out. I might need to keep it for a while to really get a good take on it but I wouldn't file your name off the handle or anything like that...

[Bill Wyko]

Alright now, don't make me go long finial on you (35"tall).:eek::eek::eek::eek: (Here's a link to this)https: www .woodworkersinstitute.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10445
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23975002/400113306.jpg

[Steve Vaughan]

35"???? Are you kidding?:eek: I'd think you need some support pieces coming in from the sides, just the slightest breeze from the ceiling fan is gonna topple it over. WOW!

[David DeCristoforo]

What? Only 35" tall? That's it?

I don't think I even have wood that long anymore!

[Jerry Wright]

Bill: I was rereading the entire thread to find the part where you talked about the tool length. Actually at about 15-16" overall, it is by no means a mini tool for mini turnings. That length is quite comfortable for a lot of my decorated bowl turnings. An additional question - is it the lighting or do the Mini QR tools have a gold or yellow cast to them? Do they appear to be coated? Glaser tools have always been clean and sometimes shiny, but these have a different look to them.

[Ron Bontz]

I don't know about the QR system. But the 1/2" 10V Bedan I just purchased had a gray film on the tool I had to clean off before honing. It would gum up my diamond hone. The tool itself is quite nice with a tool length of 10" and a 14" handle.

[Bill Wyko]

I believe the coat has something to do with the cryogenic process they are put through. I'll look into that though.

[Joe Landon]

Thanks for the reply Bill. I typically don't turn anything too large but thought I would ask the question. It sure is a nice looking set of tools. If it performs like the other Glaser Hitec tools I have, this would certainly be well worth getting.


Thanks Joe, The first thing I turned is about 7.5 inches in diameter and it really worked well. It's posted here too. IMHO if you can get the tool rest in the proper place and you're in no danger of the handle contacting the up side of the turning, I think they can be used in ways bigger tools can't be used. I actually felt comfortable using the tools one handed, then I reminded myself that that's not a good practice. So I put my other hand on it anyway. I was also surprised that I could reach out past the tool rest about 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Again, not something I would make a habit of but if needed I still felt comfortable. I think it really has to do with the weighted handle and the fact that they really holds their sharp edge. I had mentioned before that they seem to have what I call "Napoleon Syndrome" They really have a lot of characteristics you would find in bigger tools in a very compact size. Let me know if you get a set, I'd like your opinion as well.

[Jamie Donaldson]

Jerry- that yellow/orange color on the tools is from a tungsten light source reflected off the tools from behind the flash field.

[John Keeton]

It would appear Jamie is correct (whoda thunk it!!?? - the guy has just been doing this photography thing for 125 years, or so!:D) This is an image from the website.

[Bill Wyko]

I'm not ashamed to say, my photography skills are somewhat lacking.:(

[Bill Wyko]

I found out that the the finish on the tools is a proprietary coating to prevent rust and add lubricity.

[Ron Bontz]

Bill, I found out the gray coating I referred to earlier is an anti rust coating that is applied to the tool. Enjoy the QR system.

[Bill Wyko]

I sure am. So much that there's more tools on the way. I'll review them as soon as I put them to work. The 10V I have on the way will get an Elsworh grind. With that I'm going to try to do a segmented vessel from beginning to end. Another test of the tools and my skills.