power chisels and gouges

[wayne from maine]

i would like some ideas and comments on the pros and cons of using reciprocating power gouges and other power bits such as the flexcut brand.

[carvingbarn]

They are good for removing wood. The one I have is not real good on hard woods. But I love it for roughing out projects I do with cypress knees.

[Donsexton]

I have two Automach reciprocating carvers along with the box set of Flexcut blades. Here is how I use mine sitting in my recliner I can carve projects up to the size of a car battery. You don’t need a holding device like you would if you used a mallet. The other great thing is no dust just chips easy to clean up. Here are some detractors as I see it they are pricey my Automach $300 each and they are noisy. Another thing is if you only have one tool they will get hot in your hand after 30 minutes that’s why I have two of them. Don’t force the thing to cut and it helps if you can slice just a bit sideways with the larger blades mine will cut well with 1” gouges.

[Inadv]

Wayne,

If you are already using a flex-shaft arrangement a reciprocating hand-piece is a good addition. As both Randy and Don have already said however, it is great for roughing out. Detail work, in my own experience, is nearly impossible. Also be mindful that using a reciprocating hand-piece requires a lower RPM (around 5K or so) to avoid overheating the tool. I have done some pretty heavy duty stock removal with a fairly wide gouge blade for extended periods, and not had an overheating issue.
The Flexcut RG series blades (also in my opinion) offer the best bang for your $$$. As an added bonus you can get palm handles for them to use as a hand tool.

L.P.