power rotary carvers

[finlander]

All I have used are the fat hand held ones, first a Ryobi which just died, and now a Dremel. Sawdust looks like it will get into the motor on this one too. Now I am looking at the hanging motors, like Foredom. What is everyone's input on these? There are a few models. Which one is overkill? I have been carving for 12 years, using knives and gouges. Santas, Scandinavian flat carved figures, some birds and dolphins. I would use the power tool for clean up, and for doing very small birds, very dangerous using knives with birds 1 inch long or less, for me anyhow. Thanks for any help supplied, in advance. the Finn

[Mitchell]

I have used up two Dremels and one Ryobi. The Ryobi was a recipocator and actually held up pretty good. I just got a little aggresive with it.

I like the Foredom that I have, but have broken one shaft. I'd suggest getting a spare. This would be my recommendation based on personal experience, but I use it more for roughing out when I'm tired. I now have a Proxxon that I like too. It's not as powerful as the Foredom, but the flexible shaft is MUCH more flexible and seems to be easier to use. This may be the best bet if you want it for clean up and small birds.

[Marci MN]

Hi Finlander! I use a dremel and was worried about sawdust getting into the machine, so I had my hubby drill a hole into the shop light above my head. My dremel hangs up there with an S hook and chain. It sure made a difference as far as resistance on the hand piece I use with my dremel, now that its hanging and swings around with me.

I have thought about making a tiny tube of old nylons to slide over it to see if it helps even more with keeping the sawdust out of the machine part.

[Donna_T]

That's the problem--there's so many to select from. About all you can do is try to figure out what you want to use it for--roughing out, detail, finishing?

I started out with a Dremmel, then added a flexshaft to it. I think I'm on my third one. I have a 20-year old Foredom and I use it almost solely for hoggin wood during the roughout phase. It has more power and doesn't lug down while I'm roughing out a carving. I also like to use sanding drums with it to clean up carvings that are supposed to be smooth.

For fine detailing I have a RAM. I love it for what it can do. The handpiece and the adjustable direction and speed are very good.

Then, too, I have the little Dremmel mini-mite battery powered rotary tool. I like it for buffing with scotchbrite pads and doing minor cleanup that can be done without getting out electrical carvers. One word of warning....please use a good dust mask and/or a dust catcher when using power. The dust is deadly and as much as you don't want it in your carving tool motor, you sure don't want it fouling up your lungs. A good dustcatcher will help keep from getting too much dust in your power carver.

I like the blue typhoon bits for hogging wood. Have used Kutzall pretty effectively, too.

Good Luck.
Donna T

[Hugh]

I might as well jump in here. Foredom gets my vote, for hoggin wood as Donna says, they are top notch. My first foredom lasted me 15 yrs, and I sold it and it was working fine the last time I asked. If your buying a micro motor, A couple of my carving students have the Razer Tip Micro motor, and they would be my next choice. I have never had problems with the dust and the foredom tools. My tools are used almost every day but Sunday. Donnas post is very good information, if your using power your going to make dust.

[finlander]

I do most of my carving upstairs where it is warmer. I know about the dust as I make fishing lures from cedar. I plan on setting up a fan with a furnace filter in front to pull away the dust. I passed on the latest Dremel that came with bits and a flex shaft attachment. Now I wish I would have bought it. A hanging motor seems the way to go. Thanks again for your help.

[MDWine]

Great! Just great!! Now I have to look for a power carver! Man, you people are costing me a fortune! Sarcastic

I was thinking of the same question, but figured I would just stick with the knives... maybe doing some of the rough out work would save me a bit of time!

Thanks... (no, really, I appreciate your input!)

[Alice in Wonderland]

Hi everybody
I have used powertools entirely, Craftsman 1/4 horsepower with flexshaft it lasted well 12 years and going , Dremel all sizes, Wecheer with big and small handpieces as well as a reciporating handpiece with all the flexshaft chisels,
I have had no problem getting dust into the tools ,they are hanging and I use a dustmask (big time) as my husband tells me I am agressive with my tools , so if they lasted "thanks to the tools"
I hope this helps
Alice

[finlander]

My wife picked up a Ryobi kit with a rotary and a recip(?) from Sears several years ago but Ryobi doesn't carry the rotary on their website. I wonder if it was a last of its' kind type of deal.? Was in Sears the other day but did not have the time to go looking. I'll check out those Craftsman hanging motors before I buy. I like to position my hand close to the bit and that blocks the vents. i have more control with the hand there. Anyone else have a Craftsman?

[finlander]

Just visited Sears.com and came up with a Dremel look a like. How doeas the Dremel flex shaft attachment hold up? I am not even sure how many rpm's this unit is capable of. Good night.