Power carving bits and burs RPM rating question

[woeco]

First of all I'd sure like to say thanks to all those who use, comment, and provide a great deal of extremely important information to us who usually haven't plowed the same grounds yet !!! I have asked a half dozen questions here and have received nothing but sound advice ----- THANKS.

Now for my question.

I bounce around from traditional to power carving. For power carving I use flex shaft machines rated at 20,000 RPM or less. I use all the standard bits, burs, carvers, and stones generally in the 1/8' shaft size. I recently bought an air driven "pencil grinder" that is rated at 60,000 RPM max.

My question is --- is there a general rule of thumb, website, etc. that indicates what maximum RPM bits, burs, etc. are rated at so i can determine if a particular bit or bur can be used at 60,000 rpm. I have visited many websites that sale bits and burs but as yet haven't found much on the RPM ratings. Any help will be appreciated.

Have a great day --- WOECO

[rick-in-seattle]

Go to this website and type "RPM" into the search box.

http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundations/store/home.asp

[AlArchie]

I was a little afraid to answer that question, but after looking at the site Rick gave, I'll chance it and go ahead.

First and foremost, check the package the burr comes in.....most have a maximum RPM listed on the package or with a packing slip.

As a general rule, and it looks valid from that Foredom site, if you have a burr with an applied abrasive, stay below 30,000 RPM. Larger diameter cutters made from one solid piece of machined tool steel may be run to about 45,000 RPM.

The only ones rated for the higher speeds are the machined, small (tiny) one piece steel burrs.

Dental drills and burrs are of the high speed variety.....one piece with no applied abrasive.

One final word of caution. Especially when using the high speed burrs, make sure the shanks are perfectly true and inserted fully into the chuck. If a shaft, spinning at even 30,000 RPM, is bent or becomes unstable it will warp over 90 degreess to the rotation instantly, and become a virtual weapon. Lots of vibration, and the possibility of the shaft fracturing and sending the tip flying is pretty high. Only had this happen once, but don't care to try again!

Al

[ohioweaver]

Boy am I starting to feel REALLY DUMB! The reason I spent almost $400. for a MasterCarver power carving tools, apron, lap dust collector was after reading a variety of comparisons, it just seemed it would be the best for me to purchase!
Welllllllll, nnnnooooooooooo! After I got it all I had to call them and ask where my owners manual was that would tell me how to operate them each! THE GUY TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE ONE! I was stunned, I was angry and I feel I've made a big mistake but all I need is a picture or an explanation (which I have sent them an e-mail request about). If someone has never seen one of these things before, how does this company think we are supposed to operate their tools? I mean, what ever happened to these people with their elevated view that only "experienced power carvers" will buy from them? Don't they realize the value of sales in their business that if they feel they have the best products, then promote them so "newbies" would be interested in buying them instead of just "professionals"! I really hate being left with the idea I just blew $400. and I don't have a clue on how to use them! I can't go to a meeting or a class anywhere because I can't drive at night! If anyone who has this companies tools, I could take a digital pic, send it to you and then all I need at this point is how to insert, crank, turn and unhook each piece. I know what a collet is, I just don't know how to insert one or take it out again! There is even some important little thing that has a ring on one end that you can put on a key ring---but there is nothing that tells me WHAT IT IS! Ok, I'm tired now. Time to take a nap. You can do that you know when your 70. Diane

[BobD]

Diane,
Timothy, the president of Wood Carvers Supply, who handles the Mastercarver tools, posts on our message board on occasion. I've asked him to address your questions.

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

[MASTERCARVER]

Dear Diane
First a clarification, the Mastercarver® Pro-Flex machines do include a basic owner's manual but not a book on how to carve. In case you have misplaced the manual supplied with your machine I have sent another to you attached to one of the four emails that we have already exchanged. If you have any questions please call the toll free number that I have previously supplied. Please have your tool nearby when you call (this is faster and easier than email). You may reach me for any questions Mon-Fri 9-5 EST. We will do all that we can to assist you and answer your questions. If you decide you would rather return your tool, you may return it for a full refund under the terms of our standard money back guarantee.

However, many of your questions could better be answered with some hands on instruction. Since you are apparently house bound perhaps one of the nice carvers in your local area would be kind enough to visit you. Just a footnote in April, I did offer to write a book for Fox Chapel Publishing on the Care and Use of Flexible Shaft Machines. My offer still holds, if you think this book is a good idea please contact Mark Vogel at Fox Chapel and tell him your thoughts.

Happy Carving!
Timothy

[BobD]

Actually, Mark is working for Fox in a different capacity now...so you can contact Peg Couch.


Thanks for stopping by Timothy.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I think an article on the care and feeding of flex shaft tools would be a great idea....I have a foredom but seldom use it, but when I do, its all greek and I have to refresh myself....would be nice to have the information on one of two pages I could put with the tool!

[BobD]

We had one in one of the Power Carving Manuels...let me check...


Here it is: Power Carving Manue Volume 3, Page 91. By Jack Kochan.

Bob

[woeco]

Diane

Not sure if you subscribe to Wood Carving Illustrated (WCI) and receive the Power Carving Manuals - if so Volume 3 has a really good article by Jack Kochan that is titled "Maintenance on the Flexable Shaft Machine". If you don't have a copy and are interested contact me via private message and we can share information.

As you can tell by responses to your post - this is a great site for seeking help from knowledgable sources that are very willing to share from their experiences.

WOECO