[MelNM]

Hi guys have any of you guys used the Proxxon Power Carver for Roughing out. Also which blades did you use to do it. I also have a stump out back I want to put a couple of wood spirits and was thinking of attacking it.
Mel

[rick-in-seattle]

I have not used the Proxxon; I have used the Ryobi and the Automach.
I would not suggest using a reciprocating carver for roughing out large projects.
I would use a mallet and chisels, or rotary power.

I used the Ryobi to rough out a 3 foot red cedar figure and wore it out.
The Automach is more powerful, but gets pretty warm with extended use.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have not used the Proxxon; but, use an Automach on a regular basis. This is not the tool (reciprocating) to be used in tackling a stump. As Rick said it would soon be too hot to hold.

I have thought about doing some very large projects and when I do undertake it, will go with the Arbortech. I have watched it being used and it seems to offer quick wood removal and control at the same time. I think of a chain saw; but, use one all the time for firewood and tree removal here on the ranch. I have had enough near misses to wonder about the wisdom of these things as a carving tool. I would also have to buy a lighter one; I use a wide kerf chain and 20" bar to get through wood in a hurry.

I would suggest that you describe the stump, what you would like to do with it, and post a new message in the area of general carving. There are a lot of tree and stump carvers on the board that may miss this one.

[Callynne]

Mel, I have the Proxxon and it definitely isn't for something like that, it would heat up way too quickly. The AutoMach runs longer before heating up but I wouldn't use it for something like that either. With both these carvers I use blades half an inch and under.

For larger roughing out (and the biggest carving I've done is 17") I use my Dremel with the FlexShaft reciprocating attachment or my MasterCarver system with the reciprocating attachment and up to 1" wide blades. Neither system would I use for roughing out logs. I do plan on using them to finish up one hubby chain sawed off the waste wood on, but I won't be doing that till springtime....I HAVE to get it done this year or hubby's going to burn it! I'm a little concerned about trying to finish it up, he made some pretty deep cuts. I'll post pictures when I tackle it.

Anyhow, hope this helps, good luck! Deborah

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I would think maybe the "merlin" or one of the woodcraft? chainsaw bar attachments that you can get with as small as a dime or quarter radius tip! thats more like it I think for a log. imho

[Alice in Wonderland]

For my big jobs I have one tool which beats all it is the Arbortech Pro4 it comes after the chainsaw it leaves clean cuts and has very little kick back
Alice

[MelNM]

Thanks guys and gal, this will keep me from burning it up, I played with it the other day, and liked the amount of control I had with it. I plan on using it on the smaller carvings 6-12 inch range. The other thing I was planning was what Rick said attack with a mallet, for roughing out.