[Brian in Alabama]

To do intricate and detailed sculpted carvings, which is better to use power rotary tools or hand tools? Investing in which ones and what brands?

Brian

[AlArchie]

Brian, this is just my opinion, but I don't think it's an "either/or" situation. A lot depends on what you want to do and what you become comfortable with. I use a bit of both.....whatever does the best job for me. I use power for really rough work, then hand tools for most of the rest, and sometimes smaller burs and diamond bits to clean up some really tight areas. If I had an infinite amount of cash to part with, I might be able to get more hand tools to do this work, too. Power is pretty versatile for a fairly reasonable cost.

Stop to think about it, and all that detailed carving done up till about a hundred years ago was ALL done with hand tools, so they can definitely do the job! Power carving requires learning a whole "nudder" skill, as it is not at all like carving with blades.

Guess I said a whole lot of nothing.....sorry.

Al

[Brian in Alabama]

AL thanks for the info! I have been uncertain on how to approach the "style" of carving I need to pursue. I like relief carving but have no experience in using a gouge, and really no certain experience in using rotary outside of common sense. Where would I get gouges and what type should I buy and from who?

Brian

[wade clark]

Brian,
Al's right. You're going to want some of both. So buy the best brand of hand tools you can. Stubai is an excellent brand and readily available. I have Ashley Iles, and love them, but they're not easy to come by (I think the Company is still a family run company and turns out one tool at a time, as the orders come in, so you can get them...if you're patient!).
Rotary tools, go for power and convenience of bit changing, and of course a flex shaft rather than a hand held unit. Dremel makes an ok hobby tool, but a Proxon is like a Dremel on stearoids! It'll get it done right away!
Using hand or power, you can injure yourself! Be safe! Wear protective gear. with power, wear a good dust mask; most wood dusts are not good for your lungs and nostrils, some even related to nasal cancer. You don't have that problem with hand tools, but you can still cut the heck out of yourself with them! It usually happens when you reach in to pick one up or lay it down.
I have a set of Flexcut gouges too. They're good, but I prefer the Ashley Iles and most often grab them. Carefully.
You'll also want a few carving knives.
Rick has a great beginners set too, at Littleshavers, where I got my carving knives and love them!
Good luck! Have fun! Carve safe!
Wade

[Brian in Alabama]

Wade! I will certainly research them all! Is there any books on how to use these tools?

Originally Posted by wade clark

Brian,
Al's right. You're going to want some of both. So buy the best brand of hand tools you can. Stubai is an excellent brand and readily available. I have Ashley Iles, and love them, but they're not easy to come by (I think the Company is still a family run company and turns out one tool at a time, as the orders come in, so you can get them...if you're patient!).
Rotary tools, go for power and convenience of bit changing, and of course a flex shaft rather than a hand held unit. Dremel makes an ok hobby tool, but a Proxon is like a Dremel on stearoids! It'll get it done right away!
Using hand or power, you can injure yourself! Be safe! Wear protective gear. with power, wear a good dust mask; most wood dusts are not good for your lungs and nostrils, some even related to nasal cancer. You don't have that problem with hand tools, but you can still cut the heck out of yourself with them! It usually happens when you reach in to pick one up or lay it down.
I have a set of Flexcut gouges too. They're good, but I prefer the Ashley Iles and most often grab them. Carefully.
You'll also want a few carving knives.
Rick has a great beginners set too, at Littleshavers, where I got my carving knives and love them!
Good luck! Have fun! Carve safe!
Wade

[Brian in Alabama]

Which gouges should I start with to do sculpted carving or relief carving?

[wade clark]

Go to the top of this page, click "fox chappel publishing" over on the left, then click "woodcarving books". There are so many I wouldn't know where to tell you to begin! Pick out one or two that look like what you want. You can buy the rest later!!!Can't have too many!
You might also check the library.
There may be a carving club in your area. I've never been to one, none near me, but I'd sure go if I could! Glean some wisdom, save some wasted time and money!

Lots of People say don't buy sets, because you'll find you don't use some of the tools in a set, but I'd RECOMMEND a good starter set. I use all my tools, some more often than others, but sooner or later they all serve their purpose. All the manufacturers sell a starter set of 5 or 6 to 11 pieces. They're cheaper in a set too.
Do talk to Rick at littleshavers.com too. He has a great beginners set that will get you on your way.
Have fun!
Wade

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

I agree, that buying a starter set of chisels is good advice.

As for hand, over power. I've been partial to hand tools. Although I've used power tools. It seems like power tools tend to wear on your nerves, with the vibration, dust, & the noise.
I think doing things by hand is more relaxing & it doesn't seem like work. Also a cut with a knife, looks much better.

Although you can make some noise when you're using a mallet, it doesn't seem to bother the carver.

The main thing is to keep your tools sharp.

As for safety, its pretty safe if you have both hands on the chisel, & always cut, away from yourself.
Get yourself some good quaility tools, because there going to last you a lifetime. Its a small investment, when you think of all the years you'll be using them.
Dick

[Claude]

I agree that a dust mask is very important. Another thing I use when power carving is my mini-shop-vac. I sit at my work bench to carve, and hold the vacuum hose between my knees, pointed at my hands. Most of the dust and chips from the Dremel get sucked into the vacuum instead of ending up all over the floor and work bench. And don't forget to wear safety glasses or goggles!! That spinning bit on the Dremel will accelerate a wood chip to very high speed and you need to protect your eyes.

Claude

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You can get a desktop Grizzly dust collector box, single fan for 79.00 I believe.....I use it for dremel or foredom and also when woodburning.