Are there rotary cutters that leave a smooth surface?

Stoney One · #1 01-05-2006, 12:52 PM

Are there any rotary cutters that leave a smooth surface on a carving without the need for additional sanding? I've just started power carving & I'm trying to understand what types of bits to purchase.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

BobD · #2 01-05-2006, 01:00 PM

I moved this thread to the tools section--I think you'll get a better response there.

From my experience, stump cutters leave a relatively smooth surface, but if you go into the ruby, sapphire and diamond burrs, you'll get a smoother finish yet. Another option would be to use fine-grit sanding drums or discs...

But there are much more experienced power carvers here who could help you out more.

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

Hugh · #3 01-05-2006, 07:39 PM

Bob about covered it, the carbide bits do a nice smooth job if you don`t cut against the grain. A cushion sander comes in three sizes from half inch to 1 inch, and used with the swiss sanding cloth, provide a good tool to remove wood, and with the 220 and 350 paper gives a nice smooth finish.

arbarnhart · #4 01-05-2006, 09:30 PM

Most rotary tips abrade the surface and the finer the grit or pattern, the closer to smooth it will be. Truly smooth cuts come from a blade. The only rotary blades are the router bits. You can only get a few profiles, none of which will go into tight spots and all of which are tricky to use freehand.

I prefer using chisels and leaving the facets (each tiny surface is smooth).

In any case, a gooseneck scraper will clean up a surface pretty quickly.

decoycarve · #5 01-05-2006, 10:22 PM

If your rotary too will run in reverse I have used some cutters that don't cut as much in reverse. All trial and error to find out which ones did. Also the higher the rpm the smoother it will cut. Pressure plays a big part at high rpms. We have a tendacy to hog wood out when we pick up a power tool. Try barely letting the cutter touch the wood and move it nice controled sweeping motions. Everytime you slow down stop ot change direction the cutter will cut differently.
Goody

Alice in Wonderland · #6 01-06-2006, 05:40 PM

yes there are bits available which leave a smoth surface they are made from stainless steel and I got them from the bit lady at the Ottawa woodshow , I don't know what you call those, below is her www.site the come im several sizes ,I really like them very much especially since I am using a lot of hard wood,I hope this help check her out
Alice

http://www.bitlady.com/index.php