Reciprocatiing

[Hexhead]

I just bought a reciprocating carver from Cummings tools (nothing but the best for me <grin>) and I'm a little dissappointed. It came with 6 Ryob blades. They seemed to be pretty sharp but they don't seem to move much material with out a lot of force and then not much. In hardwood it of course much worst. I was hoping for more, was I expecting to much. I saw a guy use the same tool I got on a turned bowl and it really seemed to work well, that's why I got it. Is it the blades? He did say had different ones than it came with. But I thought Ryob blade might be alright.

[Hexhead]

Wow 22 lookers and no replies. Ok. Well I sharpened the snot out of the blades and it works better. What I was trying to get out of this group is if the blades offered by Flex tool were worth the money $32 their asking or are these Ryob ones worth working with. I know I didn't ask that specificly I was trying to get some dialog and feedback going about reciprcating carving and the in's and outs. Maybe you guys just don't aprove of this method of carving but you could at least say that, I'm not easily offended. I'll probably get flamed for this but at least someone will reply maybe. Head Bange

[mikeg]

I can't help you with this question but I can reply. I don't have a recprocating carver so I didn't bother to venture an opinion. You may find some that don't like one type of carving or another but I know that there are many who feel that whatever it takes is fair game.

mikeg

[BobD]

Is it a ryobi carver too? Sorry...I've been really busy lately and hadn't had the chance to respond until now..

I've tried out the Foredom reciprocating carver, Flexcut's RPC, the Arbortech, the Skil, and the Automach...but I used the Flexcut chisels with each (except the Foredom, and that was just because I didn't have the adapter. I'm happy with the flexcut chisels. The only word of caution I have is when you are using the V-tools...don't dig in too deep because there is an enormous amount of pressure inside the V and it will cause the chisel to split. Take light cuts with the V-tools...but that would apply to any V-tool!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated.

PS, Colin Partridge uses his Skil to even carve pumpkins, so we don't have any problem with this method of carving!!!!! No Flaming here...if someone did flame ya, I'd delete it <Grin>

[Just Carving]

Sorry hex! I read your post, but forgot to ask you if your carver is a Ryobi using Ryobi chisels after I went to Cummings tools site. I was looking for more info. on your tool, but didn't find anything. I also wanted to know if you got the recip carver recently, because I thought Ryobi was out of the recip carver business.

Anyway, I have some Flexcut RG tools that I use with the Flexcut handle. They seem to be okay--they need sharpening a little more than my regular hand carving tools, but they work great as long as they stay sharp.

As far as the Ryobi chisels, I can't help you. But as a rule, any chisels, saw blades, drills, etc. that come with a power tool are usually not the best. They'll work, but they probably won't hold up for long.

Check back on your question. Some people don't get on here every day...some only once during the weekend if they're lucky. Be patient and persistent, and I'll bet you'll get your answer.

BTW--NO FLAMING ALLOWED...too much wood chips around!

[Colin-Partridge]

100% agree the chisels that come with the Riobi are terrible the Flexcut tools are great. I have no problems with them at all. I have five reciprocating carvers and use the Flexcut in all of them. Just be careful as Bob said with the V blades dont put too much pressure on them or they will break.
Colin

[wade clark]

I got the Ryobi set 3 years ago for Christmas. I was thrilled with them, though they dulled quickly. Then I got a Foredom and Flexcut blades and found out what sharp is! I think the Flexcut is far superior to the Ryobi blades. The Ryobi carver is not quite a toy, but it sure doesn't compare to the Foredom! My Foredom is reversible and has 2 rotary handpieces and a reciprocating carver. Of course it cost a good bit more too.
Wade

[santagibbs]

I have an Automach and have been happy with it . We got it about four years ago and have no complaints but I use gouges and knives most of the time or dremel .. but use the Automach to remove the large pieces.. Charlotte

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have the Ryobi carver with the flexcut blades, works fine, but flexcut being as thin as they are, watch the hard spots.....especially knots...it will ding your flexcut right now! And as for removing a lot of wood, you can remove a lot of wood, just don't try to do it in one pass! take multiple passes and light ones, let the tool do the work...you will also need to strop occasionallySmile

[Hexhead]

Now that's what I was looking for! The make is probably Ryob but it doesn't say on the tool but looks just like it. That was a good tip on the V blade spliting. When I first used it, it dug in on me but didn't split so I guess I dodged the bullet. I used it more today and I'm getting a feel of what it well and won't do. Sorry I got a little aggravated. I have a botch neck operation and yesterday was a very bad day. I was about to turn in and I knew the night wouldn't be good, sorry I took it out on the group. I really appreciate you input and with no retaliation, that tells me a lot about the group. Thanks again