Metal Vs. Plastic Ball Tools For Working Gumpaste

Decorating By formerbuckeye Updated 9 Oct 2013 , 10:12pm by cupcakemaker

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formerbuckeye Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 3:24pm
post #1 of 15

Is there really that much difference between using metal vs. plastic tools for modeling gumpaste? icon_confused.gif Please explain. I have several sizes in plastic. Do I need to buy metal as well?

Thanks,
Sandra

14 replies
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kbochick Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 4:37pm
post #2 of 15

Well, I've just barely started doing flowers, so I'm not positive, but I think the big thing is whether your tools have a seam. I had the Wilton tools, but the seam would rip my gumpaste. I got a couple of seamless acrylic ones, and they work nicely, but they're pretty big - too big for most things I try to do. I got a small metal one for my birthday that I've used now for lots of stuff.

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formerbuckeye Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 4:48pm
post #3 of 15

Thanks kbochick. That makes sense. The tools I have don't seem to rip the gumpaste, so maybe I'm okay.

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miriel Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 5:46pm
post #4 of 15

I have both metal and plastic sets. When thinning petals, I prefer using the metal ball tool for its weight. Some of my metal tools also do not have a plastic equivalent. Mostly though, I use the yellow and white plastic set made by PME.

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formerbuckeye Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 10:58pm
post #5 of 15

Thanks Miriel. Hey, I'd like to see some of your creations. Do you have a website?

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miriel Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 11:14pm
post #6 of 15

I can email you some of my cake pictures.

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weirkd Posted 6 Jul 2007 , 11:25pm
post #7 of 15

Yah, I like the ones that PME have also. I still have a couple of my first tools left from Wilton but anything that you need to have weight to they snap in half! So I suggest the PME ones for plastic and miriel is right with the metal ball tool. It frills the petal better if it has a little weight to it. All what you get used to.

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ShirleyW Posted 7 Jul 2007 , 1:18am
post #8 of 15

Metal ball tools make all the difference in the world to me. Plastic tears the edges of your petals when you try and thin or ruffle. And I have had all of my metal ball tools for 7 years, I broke a Wilton plastic tool, snapped the head right off.

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Fairytale Posted 7 Jul 2007 , 5:12am
post #9 of 15

Metal for me. I like the weight and I have better control.

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wendy1273 Posted 7 Jul 2007 , 5:21am
post #10 of 15

I guess I'm going to have to buy metal.

Thanks!!

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redred Posted 7 Jul 2007 , 11:55am
post #11 of 15

Does anyone know where one can buy metal tools?

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ShirleyW Posted 7 Jul 2007 , 4:39pm
post #12 of 15

Global Sugar Art. Scroll down to Cel Cakes metal ball tool, medium and small.
http://globalsugarart.com/cat.php?cid=677

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redred Posted 8 Jul 2007 , 12:06am
post #13 of 15

Thanks Shirley!
That's the thing about CC - everytime I come on, I find out about something else I just "have" to have. (Fortunately the having of no money keeps things sensibly in check!)

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cakeart105 Posted 9 Oct 2013 , 7:33pm
post #14 of 15

I’m looking for a set of metal tools with multiple sizes (from extra small to extra large). Does anyone know who makes a set like that?

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cupcakemaker Posted 9 Oct 2013 , 10:12pm
post #15 of 15

AI got a cheap set of metal ball tools on eBay. Came from Hong Kong. Loads of sizes.

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