[TopKnot]

A little help here. Being a newbie and with Christmas just around the corner, I was thinking of asking Santa for a new Dremel tool. Problem is, I don't know which one to ask for or what attachments I need to get to help me get started in my wood carving. I know some may think using one is cheating, but the way I see it, if it helps acheive you final results, use it. Can anyone suggest a good model that's on the market today and the bits, etc. that I would need. Also, does Dremel make a tool that has the flex shaft like some of the others I've seen?

[Eddy Smiles]

Topknot.... First off, power tools ain't cheating! They are what they are what they are. We had a whole thread on this not long ago and for every one on the forum that hand carves there are an equal number that power carve and for a multitude of very good reasons.

With that said I have a Dremel 395 and as stated on another thread I love it to pieces. Yes it does come with a flexible shaft. I'm told that the 395 isn't available anymore and that its successor may not be as good. I have no knowledge of this.

I like my Flexcut because I use it around the house for other projects. If I was able I'd think about getting myself a Foredom. Perhaps something that you ought to look into unless, like myself, a Dremel is the top of your budget.

[Claude]

I also have a Dremel 395 with flex-shaft. It has it's uses, but I can remove wood more quickly and with better control with knife and gouge. I probably use it for various things several times each week, just most of them are not cutting wood directly. Would I give it up? Heck, no! I wouldn't give up my knives and gouges, either. Remember, he who eventually croaks with the most tools is the ultimate winner... ...and I've got a long way to go...

If you really want to get into power carving, there are a lot of good books out there that show you the techniques. Fox Chapel Publishing, owner of this forum, has several: http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/s...cfm?FullCat=42

Claude

[TopKnot]

Just found out my son-in-law has one. I think I'll borrow his and have a try at using it. Maybe I'll like just using the knives and gouges. Thanks for you help.

Chuck

[TopKnot]

I stopped by Lowes today but did not see one with the flex shaft. Guess I'll have to keep looking. My budget is about the same, Dremel is about all Santa can afford. Thanks for the input.

Chuck

[Eddy Smiles]

Topknot....

There are times and carvings where, although a cut may be possible with a hand tool, a power tool may put less stress on the wood and as a result turn out a better prodcut. Just a thought!

[TopKnot]

Thanks, I can see where it would come in handy.

[Ashbys]

Hi Top Knot ,

I just noticed this and thought it needed to be placed here instead where it was , sorry for not seeing it sooner.

Ash

[Donna_T]

Hi Chuck,
I agree that there's a place for power carving--even with die-hard hand tool carvers. A power carver is great for moving waste wood on a carving. I have arthritis in my hands so anything I do with power saves the hands and a whole lot of pain and Tylenol.

I also like my power carver for cleanup work--whether it's with a soft/flexible sanding drum or Scotchbrite to clean up the "whiskers" I've left on a carving.

I started with a Dremel with a flexshaft and still use it. I keep it hanging up over the shop bench all the time. I also now have a Foredom and a Ram micro carver--although I don't keep them out.

ONE WORD OF WARNING: Please use a good dust mask when using power carving tools. Wood dust is very harmful to noses, throats, and lungs. When I first started using power and didn't have a dust catcher, I had a hook on the outside of my garage door, next to the electrical outlet, and I let the wind blow the dust away. That wasn't enough--so put a fan next to me, blowing the dust away from me.

The Dremel is a good way to get introduced to power carving. As you get more experienced and want to get into heavy duty wood "hogging" or into fine detail work, there are more expensive and better tools.

As for bits, I like to use big Kutsall or Blue bits for the first shaping and "hogging"--then switch to finer bits for cleanup. Coarse swiss (fabric backed) sandpaper on a flexible/soft sanding drum can really move wood, but it leaves some fine grit in the carving that will dull your hand tools as you carve. If you like to sharpen tools, that won't matter!

Good Luck. Definitely being able to try one out before buying one, is a great way to go. Ask the Easter bunny and the birthday fairy to give Santa a hand.

Donna T