Well, Sliver, I probably SHOULDN'T be around sharp objects, but wild horses can't keep me away.

And, Splinter, good 'ol Norm isn't cheating at all...he's simply using the best tools available to him to do the beautiful work that he does. Anyone who doesn't is simply cheating only themselves

I guess I'm out!
I got caught with the power :-[ :-[
I had to try the fancy 1/8' shaft bits. Didn't know you could blacken them when the wood starts to smoke. So guess who had a lesson on cylinders, diamonds and rubies. :P
Jim, put permant marker lines on his favorites, guess that means paws off.....
Those little bits are addicting!
Well off to the chip pile Michele

Yep, the cookie monster got me again and I cannot log in...

> Regarding the use of power tools, I don't use power tools to carve with but I find the router attachment for the Dremmel tool very handy when grounding a relief carving. The length of the bit limits you to a depth of about 1/2-5/8' but it covers most of what I carve. Try it, you'll like it!

WEBMASTER, SINCE THIS IS THE ONLY SITE I CANNOT LOG INTO, I MUST ASSUME THE PROBLEM IS ON YOUR END. IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF REGULARS FROM THIS BOARD, THIS IS A PERFECT WAY TO DO IT!

The saddest part, Captain, is I don't think anyone from WCI is even reading these posts. I've made notes directly to the administrator here...as well as e-mailing them directly. Never any response. >

Teri
SantaCarvinLady@aol.com
http://www.picturetrail.com/santacarvinlady
http://hometown.aol.com/santacarvinlady/santas.html

For power carving to rough out or detail, I always go ahead and use a carving glove on my holding hand. Â*Those bits can do more damage than a regular carving knife so you could say I learned the hard way. Â*

Anyway you look at it, whether you use hand tools or power tools, your carvings are hand carved. Â*
Donna T

Hey gang,
As far as the dremel goes I too carve with these and yes the first time I used any type of rotary tool it was a handdrill hung on a pole and a cylinder bit in a flex shaft. And yes I did get the gills look across the side of my thumb. However not to be out done, I resolved to learn the ins and outs of how to use the tools effectivly . The best way to use them is to hold it close to the end near the spinnin' part with your 4 fingers and place your thumb aginst the work piece for stability like you are slicing the surfice . But don't force the bit into the wood a light touch is all that is needed. And now I get more cuts from regular blades so I always keep the bandaids handy. Ever try to open those things while holding pressure on the wound, t'aint easy but I'm gettin' pretty good at it.

Also for a tip on bits I found that if your family Dentist is a fan of ur carvings then he might trade a carving for some of his old bits they are to dull for teeth but not for wood . I have been using the same set that mine gave me almost 10 years ago and they still cut like champs.


Keep the chips a flyin'.

8) I started with knives and chisels 5 years ago. Â*It was five minets of carving and fifteen minets of sharpening. Â*I thought to my self there has to be a better way, I turned to my Dremel. Â*Yes you can get cut with some of the bits if you're not cearful, but not as often as you will with knives or chisels. Â*I moved up to a heavy duty Dremel with a flex shaft. Two years after I started I did two mantels. 67' long, 8' high and 5/8 of an inch deep. Â*It took me a week and a half to do each mantel. Â*I got $2,000.00 for each of the mantels, they were very happy with the carvings and the price. The price was low because I had never done anything that big before. Â*I have no idea how long it would have taken me with knives and chisels.
So don't be put off by the purest, just play with the machine and each of the bits at diferent speeds until you know what each will do. Â*But most of all have fun.
Jack

Hello everybody
I have to comment on those post to aaaalllll the remarks on Power carving. I have never used anything else BUT ( arthritis)and I still have all my skin, fingers and the rest of my 4'11' body how about that ?????
I start with the chainsaw, Lancelot heavy duty craftsman and a few dremels , girls - it is the same in your kitchen you have to be careful with all your gadgets right??? and practice ,maybe I am duing bigger pieces? My husband tries very hard for me to think small but since I am just that I want to think big. BINGO, anybody have any questions on power I will gladly answer.
agkubas

[icarve2003]

I prefer to use the knife or chisels, but I find the dremel with a cone shaped bit is the perfect QUICK way to get those soft feathers on birds and ducks. If anyone knows a way to use the chisels or knife, I'd love to hear it. Like masker001 said 'whatever gets the job done' I guess.