[watercarving]

For power carving I love tupelo. It does not fuzz like basswood. I'm sure there are some other woods out there that don't fuzz but I haven't tried them.

[DaveW]

Thanks for the power carving tips - I used a rotary tool for some shaping a while back.

My current non-powered carving venture is driven by the need for (a) noise control as well as (b) sawdust control - so I can do it in the house while the kids are sleeping (but still be available if they wake up)

[watercarving]

Dust control is very important. Make sure you have a system for dust collection. You can end up with long term issues from microscopic saw dust.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Carving 2X4's???? Well, when you switch to a nice piece of basswood it will be like driving a Caddie after years of peddling a Big Wheel! Sweet!

[Chevi54]

Originally Posted by DaveW

Thanks for the power carving tips - I used a rotary tool for some shaping a while back.

My current non-powered carving venture is driven by the need for (a) noise control as well as (b) sawdust control - so I can do it in the house while the kids are sleeping (but still be available if they wake up)

For dust I made al box 12" high 22" deep and 24" wide. The box has a 3/8' plexiglass removable lid that sits on black weather stripping and all walls are siliconed in the corners. It has several holes in it. Two 8" holes with coat sleeves (with storm cuffs and part of the coat itself) stapled to the hole perimeter. Other holes are for flexable shaft and consists of inner tube stapled and cut in the shape of a star. I don't need to have a vacuum going while I carve however I clean up with a vacuum and I have the vacuum protruding through a hole in the side on a foot switch so if the visibility in the box gets bad I can start the vacuum to clear the air. Another feature is a light shining into the box through a glass covered hole. And next time I would make the top slanted to allow larger pieces in the box and I would paint the inside white for better light.