Power Carver for Miniature Carvings

[ChrisLBren]

Hi Group,

Just thought Id ask what tool I should purchase. I primarily build wooden ships and need to carve a figurehead and sculptures at the stern. Most of these carvings are no larger than 2 inches long and some are as small as 1/32 filagree type decoration. I am using European Boxwood and have never carved before.

I am currently bidding on a used Foredom Flex System on ebay that includes 44B shaft, pedal for a max bid of 100 bucks. Would this be a good choice ?

[Mitchell]

The Foredom is a quality system = a good choice.

[brianrickman]

The Foredom is indeed a good choice, but for what you are doing, a Dremmel or similar cheap rotary tool with a flex shaft would also get the job done. The bits or burrs are at least as important then the device that makes them spin.

[ChrisLBren]

Thanks for the replies - the Dremel i have is old - so in order to make the flex shaft system work Id need a new Dremel tool as well - so Im still looking at least 100 dollars for this route (same price as used Foredom) before purchasing any burrs.

I just want to make sure the used Foredom is capable of this type of miniature work and the best choice for my budget.

[elwoodtoad]

Hi, you all. I am just starting Power Carving also, I purchased a Wecheer 1/4 HP carver with rotary and reciprocal handles. Now the big question is "What burrs to get to start off with?" I plan to do 12" and below character and animal carving. So I would like some assistance. I do want to have to buy 100 burrs to start. What is a good basic set to remove large amout of wood and to do fine detail? Thanks.

[susieq]

Hi Chris,
I think, more specifically, a micro motor would suit your needs better... Foredom sells the king cong of Micro motors. It is a high torque unit, brushless handpiece and 50,000 RPMs.

It is pricey though. Cheaper units that give good service are out there...not with brushless handpieces but that's not a big deal. You want something that runs at least 45,000 RPMs to do fine detail like you are talking about. I have the Foredom 1050. I also run a couple of Master Carver units that are great for the price, around $300. I did just have one of the power sources quit on me though. It was only 3 years old. I think it can be fixed but I have had much older Foredom units that have never quit on me. The handpieces need new bearings about every 5 years or so but otherwise, they chug right along.

A micro motor has the motor in the handpiece itself. No flex shaft to deal with. Just a fine electric cord running to the speed control/power box. This gives you the untimate in control..... for tiny carvings....I think this is more what you need. check it out.

[ChrisLBren]

Hi Susie,
Thanks for the advice - I didn't win the Foredom and so im still looking for the right tool for micro carving. Would this one work ?

Mastercarver MICRO PRO hi speed carver micropro + BONUS | eBay

Also this is the sort of work Im referring to - this guy is a master/artist

The Woodworkers Institute - Carving miniature figureheads (Print)

[susieq]

I couldn't load the link you posted....but in my opinion, it's better to buy your Micro motor new. They are a precision tool and easily abused. The little motor in the hand piece is not meant for heavy duty work. It's a detail only machine and you can burn the motor up by using it for things it was not intended for. Buying a used one is risky because you don't know how hard it's been used.
Repairs are expensive. Most of the lower end hand pieces are not worth fixing, it's cheaper to replace it.

A decent lower priced unit that runs 45,000 RPMs, will probably run $300. I know there are some ebay vendors who sell new micro motors.... I'd sure compare prices outside ebay though. Keep checking around.

[ChrisLBren]

Hi Susie,
This is a new unit listed for 279.00. Heres the listing

Create pro quality detail! Higher carving speeds give superior carving results, smoother texturing, plus improved detailing, stoning & feathering. With high torque & speed up to 46,000 rpm, the Micro-Pro has the power, speed, superior features & quality you want, priced far less than others!

Control box features:
dial speed control knob varies speed from 0 to 46,000 rpm!
lighted on / off switch
overload protection & overload warning light
6-burr storage holes
110/220 Volt selector
forward / reverse switch (directs chips away from you & reduces grain effects).
Handpiece features:
high torque, fan cooled micro motor
6' flexible cord for better control
sealed ball bearings
hanging loop
solid grip turn-ring for hands-free bit changes (1/4 turn releases or locks bits & collets)
Your purchase includes:
handpiece
3/32” & 1/8” quick change collets
variable speed power supply
long-life motor brushes
instructions
1-year warranty

[susieq]

Hi Chris,
The Master Carver Micro Pro is a good little unit for the price. That's just a little less than I paid for mine. If it's new, I'd go for it. That's probably the best price you will buy one new for. When you get it, make sure you read the dos and don'ts. Micro motors are fussy little things. Never close the collet without the bit or the dummy shaft in it. Never change to reverse while it's running. Never use it for even slightly heavier work. It is for fine detail work only. Gently blow the unit off with compressed air after a long day's use. I open the collet and unscrew the motor cover just a bit and blow it off.....gently. A harsh blast might bend the fan.

I will also give you a heads up on the fact that collets are a pain in the @#$ to change. I never use a 1/8 collet in mine but that's what the Micro Pro comes with. That and an adapter sleeve that slides down inside of the 1/8 collet to allow you to use a 3/32 shaft bit in it. Every time you pull the bit out to put a new one in....the sleeve comes out on the shaft of the bit unless you get used to hooking your fingernail over the edge of the adapter sleeve before you pull the bit out.

I hated that so I spent the extra $ to get a regular 3/32 collet to put in it once and for all. I also use a lot of dental bits with 1/16 shafts. I ended up with another unit just because I hate changing collets. Only buying a second handpiece is almost as expensive as buying the whole unit so that is how I ended up with multiple units..... but for starters, just to see how you really like using a micro motor, buying one and using it the way it comes, with the adapter sleeve and all, is probably your best bet.

I am very sure you will like it once you use one.