[bbeery]

I am seriously considering a reciprocal power carver. Arthritis bothers me a lot when using hand gouges. I carve mostly walking sticks and caricatures. I need some advice on which ones to consider i.e. which one works for you?

[Alice in Wonderland]

I am doing only Power carving and I have mostly Dremel rotary tools, the Arbortech grinders as well as the Wecheer reciprocating carver, and the same as in any toolshop ( Kitchen as well) every tool has its purpose it all depends what you are after and how you start your carving, what kind of wood etc. I would not be without any one of those tools,
I don't know if this is much help for you ?? :-) this is just my opinion
Alice

[Doug Ridley]

I can't speak much about reciprocal carvers as I use only rotary tools. Among these I recommend the Foredom, Mastercarver, and even the Dremel with a flex shaft. The micromotors are excellent for fine detail. You can look at my picture trail to see some things done strictly with power tools. It is my belief that the rotaries are much easier on arthritic hands than the reciprocals. Just my 2 cents.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I do a lot of power carving using rotary and reciprocal. If you are getting into power carving and want to retain the hand tool look, then a reciprocal carver is the way to go. I also believe that it is easier to remove a lot of wood in a hurry with the reciprocal. It certainly is a lot cleaner. They are also the thing to have when removing wood from the harder woods. Rotaries leave a dull surface. OK if your painting, not so good if you are after a natural wood finish.

I do use my rotaries a lot more than I do the reciprocal. Nothing can compare with them for the ease of finishing a carving or getting into tight places. If you do not have a power tool, I would start by purchasing a good rotary.

When I decided to get my reciprocal, the store where I purchased mine had both Ryobi (no longer available) and Auto Mach. I was very tempted by the price of the Ryobi; but, it was a lot noiser and there was a lot more vibration transmitted by the tool to my hand. I purchased the Auto Mach and have never regretted paying the extra money, nor would I want to be without this tool. Since then, I have had an opportunity to try a couple of others and I still believe that the Auto Mach is the best as far as noise and vibration is concerned.

[wade clark]

Without going to the shop to check, I believe I have the Mastercraft with the reciprocating head too. Whichever I have, it's a fun tool. I use it when my project is near it or small enough to move near it. The rest of the time I use chainsaws equipped for wood carving (both electric and gas powered), then go to my gouges. I think I enjoy my gouges more than anything else!
Wade

[Callynne]

Bbeery, I use both reciprocating and rotary carving because of tendinitis in the joints below my thumbs. Both methods are a hugh help.

Paul is right, the reciprocating makes smooth cuts. The rotary, using the heavy duty burrs, makes fuzzy ones. Which is okay, because I handcarve all that away.

With rotary you are going to need a dust mask, eye protection (needed for the reciprocating too) and a dust collector.

Do you have a Dremel or similar tool? There are both rotary and reciprocating FlexShaft attachments to use with it. It may be a less expensive way to go, if you're going to be doing smaller projects.

I have the MasterCarver system, it has both reciprocating and rotary, I really like it, it's a 'heavy duty system'.

I totally agree with Paul about the AutoMach. Awesome little reciprocating carver! I also have the Proxxon, it's not as quiet and heats up more quickly, but cuts just as well and is a great little tool for smaller projects.

Hope this helps some, good luck! Deborah

[bbeery]

Thank you everyone! It makes me a lot more secure spending $300 for a piece of equipment when you have been advised by those with experience in the area. You people are super to take time from your schedules to advise someone you don't even know.

[Doug Ridley]

bbeery--- We know you alright. You're just like the rest of us,hooked on carving.