I ordered some chasing tools from them over 2 months ago, and I've
so far emailed them and rung them (they've assured me that they'll
be delivered 'next week') - but so far, no joy. I'm still waiting.
Hello Dave,
I’m in Paris so my situation is pretty similar in terms of shipping
times for stuff from the US. My experience has been that if stuff is
shipped Parcel Post or whatever --the bulk post, slow boat option–
then it always takes longer than you think it will. 4 weeks if you
are lucky. 8 weeks is normal. 10 or even 12 weeks if the postal gods
are on vacation/strike/lunch/etc. Parcel Post for overseas shipping
means “hurry up and wait”
FWIW, when I was back in North America I ordered from Shor
(shorinternational.com) several times and always received the goods I
expected in a reasonable time.
As to chasing tools in the UK I couldn’t say but I’ve recently
ordered a good set from ChrisWilsonStudios.com in the US and am quite
happy with them. I think I only paid about US$10 for shipping and I
had them in about a week.
You’ll notice that a number of people have suggested making your own
chasing tools which, at the right time and in the right place, is a
great idea. I’ve often made one-off tools for specific jobs. However,
when it comes to a set of tools like we’re talking about here I’ve
found it much more practical to order a set and then modify them as
you need to. Besides, almost any tools you order are going to need
some DIY finishing anyway so it’s not too far a stretch to mod them
to your particular needs while you’re at it.
My experience has been that unless you’re set up to go the full DIY
route --bench grinder, a makeshift forge, large anvil, etc-- it’s
often a lot more hassle than you’d expect, especially if you’re
planning on making a wide range of tools, and double-especially if
you’ve never done this kind of thing before.
Consider, for instance, that you’ve need to find good bar stock,
probably several different sizes, you’ll need to choose air-, oil-,
or water-quench, and for each of those you’ll need to learn how to
heat treat it. And so on. Sure, it’s not rocket science but if you
start down that path, particularly if it’s your first time, you’ll be
away from your jewelry making or whatever work it is that you do for
a little while, at the very least. First-time projects like this can
suck up an enormous amount of time … but once you’ve done it then
you know it and are equipped for it so it’s generally a cake-walk the
second time around.
Cheers,
Trevor F.
in The City of Light