Opinion of MASTERCARVER Carving System

Callynne · #1 01-25-2005, 09:28 AM

I've given my MASTERCARVER System over a week of 'testing' now, so I thought I'd share my opinions with you. First, let me say I am comparing it to my Dremel with the Flexshaft attachment, both rotary and reciprocating action and my RAM 45 Microcarver.

So far, there's no comparison to the Dremel, which would heat up almost immediately, especially using the reciprocating attachment. With the MASTERCARVER my arm got tired and I was ready for a break before it even began to feel the littlest bit warm! It definitely out cuts the Dremel one, more power and really moves the wood!

Using the small handpiece that accepts the 3/32" size shaft burrs, nothing heated up, no matter how long I used it. The handpiece is so comfortable it's a joy to use, it's very, very small and can be held like a pencil.

The other small handpiece that accepts the 1/4" size shaft burrs I had a bit of a problem with, there was a vibration in it. I called Timothy at Wood Carvers Supply, Inc, figuring perhaps something needed adjusted, he said no, they are set at the factory, to send it back and he'd send me out a new one. No problem and very courteous!

I can say, being the owner of the RAM 45 Microtool, which just can't be beat for detail work, I find the size of the MASTERCARVER handpiece to be more comfortable for longer periods of use. My hands just never bother me using it, so I'm very anxious to get the new handpiece back and see if it compares, detail working wise to my RAM. The vibration in the handpiece made it not as smooth cutting as the RAM, and who knows, maybe even correct it won't...that RAM is something else for detail!!

The other handpiece is MASTERCARVER'S new Stealth Handpiece, which I have referred to as the 'hogging' out one...it really does work great, the coolest feature with it is that it's a key-chuck one that accepts all size shafts without using collets. The little experience I've had with collects, I've found them to be a bother to use, when I'm carving I want as little 'interruption' as possible. The MASTERCARVER people seem to think the same as me, with the different handpieces snapping in and out I find I can go from detail, to hogging out, to reciprocating without missing a beat. Since I like working on more than one piece at a time this is turning out to my 'dream' machine!

Okay, think I've covered everything. I'll let you know what I think of the new handpiece when I get it, if the vibration problem is taken care of. So far, obviously, I'm very pleased with my purchase!

Callynne

MADA · #2 01-25-2005, 10:22 AM

Hi Callynne.
The Dremel you are refering to, is that the handheld type or the hanging type?
I have them both (thei have served me well so far) but the big one have gone out of production so i am looking around for a new one before this one wears out.
Can never ever get to many tools, right?

Magne

Kenny_S · #3 01-25-2005, 01:35 PM

Thanks Deb for honest opinion on the MASTERCARVER. Been looking at it but that is about all I have done is look. Nice to know the service is good and prompt also. Was wondering after the bad review on it from another carver. It takes one time of bad service one to undo a lot of good service.
Keep those chips flying gal.

Plain_Ol_Ed · #4 01-25-2005, 06:57 PM

Well, regarding the bad review. Remember, he said he was using it as a replacement for the die grinder on his air compressor? He is also an avid motorcycle rider. Might just be he wasn't carving wood with it, then maybe he was. He also had similar problems with Harley Davidson's service. Wasn't gonna say anything, but might as well, I guess.

Callynne · #5 01-26-2005, 01:54 PM

You're welcome, Kenny S, that's what is great about this board, finding out what's best to spend our hard earned money on, because Magne is right, we just can't have too many tools!!

Magne, the Dremel I have is just the little hand held regular Dremel, it has a wire at the top so you can hang it but I think you are referring to more along the line of a 'real' rotary motor type one, right?? By the way, Welcome, it's great to have you with us!

True, Plain Ol Ed, hard to tell how the tool was being used or abused....not that I ever abuse my tools....opps, Rick in Seattle may be reading this, he KNOWS how I abuse my hand tools since he's sharpened some of them...and will be again!!

Callynne

oldbearx2 · #6 01-26-2005, 05:28 PM

Hey Callynne one question what is the rpm on the Mastercarver. I have the small varible speed Dremel with the flex shaft and have not had a bit of trouble. Only thing I had to do was replace the shaft and handpiece. Which brings me to a word of caution with most handpieces. They are sealed at the factory and require NO lubrication. I learned this the hard way. I fugured if the flex shaft needed lube why not the handpiece WRONG. I ruined the one on the Dremel and on the Foredom. After I did this I did read in the booklet that they shouldn't be lubed. What's was Tim Allen's favorite saying "real men don't read directions" Live and learn. oldbearx2

Harold

Callynne · #7 01-27-2005, 08:30 AM

It's 0-26,000 rpms, Harold and it's got 1/3 hp motor. My problem with the Dremel was the handpiece getting very hot, very quickly with the reciprocating carver. When I used the rotary flexshaft attachment it heated up pretty quickly, not in the handpiece but up near where it attaches to the Dremel. By hot I mean, really hot to the touch!

Now I did notice if I reversed the inner cable that the situation was reversed. I tried replacing the inner cable and it still did the same, also used the proper lubricate on the cable. My own opinion is that the Dremel works wonderfully well for light carving for short periods of time. That's not what I'm doing, I want to work all day (if I'm lucky enough to get the time!) and so far this new system looks like what I need to do that!

Callynne

Oh yes, and I always read ALL the directions, unlike the male members of my family!!

MADA · #8 01-27-2005, 11:20 AM

Callyne.
Yes i am refering to the big one, found it strange that it heated up.
My choice (really need one more..... i think) now stands between this one and the Foredom.
Wonder if the vendor is willing to test the handles before shipping them out.
What was the name of the vendor again, WCI?
Another question, who of you girls had the lion head on her picture trail?
It was really great.
Magne

Callynne · #9 01-28-2005, 05:12 PM

Magne, the place I got mine from is Wood Carvers Supply, Inc. They have a website, it's www.woodcarverssupply.com

They do carry Foredom also, I decided on the MASTERCARVER system because of all the handpieces that came with it and the larger horsepower motor (okay, that part was hubby's idea!). I find the more I use it the more I like it so I continue to be very happy with my choice!

I know, I'm such a shy, quiet person you probably hadn't figured that out yet that I like it!

Callynne

Callynne · #10 02-15-2005, 08:36 AM

I said I'd let you know when I received my handpiece replacement and let you all know how things worked out. I've had it for almost two weeks and have really been giving it a workout, things are great! The more I use it the better I like it and would recommend it to anyone. Both the machine and the service from Woodcarver's Supply get gold stars from this happy carver!

Callynne