Looking for Help with power carving

[paul821c]

The bits and burrs is there any place were I can find descriptions on what they are used for regarding carving wood. This type is used for.. etc.
Are there common ones to get and do they sell sets.
Thanks,
Paul

[Hugh]

Hi Paul, that is a difficult question to answer, but I'll give it a try.
First the Foredom machine, a coarse typhoon bit, I buy the Red typhoon bits, this is for roughing out the carving. Then use a cushioned sanding drum, one that you put the sandpaper on. Starting with coarse sand paper, then the medium, then the fine sandpaper. This is done to take out all the marks before starting to detail. Good quality Swiss sandpaper is a must!!.
When starting to carve muscle tone, feather groups etc, use a Micro Motor, or the foredom with a small Typhoon bit, usually a blue typhoon bit, the blue typhoon cuts a little smoother, and rough out the feather groups etc with that. There are several bits in this category, tapered, cylinder, round. Each bit is used according to the cut you want to make, you should have all three shapes, the same with the larger coarse bits. I have many bits and burrs, a lot of them I suppose I could do without. The three basic shapes are a good way to start.
Next use a bull nosed tapered carbide cutter to clean up the cuts made with the blue typhoon bits.
Also when you buy certain Foredom model grinders, included is a package of typhoon bits.
Stones are another way to detail, white, blue, and red stones. They are not expensive, and are great for carving small detail, etc.
Lastly bird carvers use a burning pen to detail their feathers..
Hope this helps, Cheers.

[squbrigg]

You also might check out LittleShavers web site, Rick usually has an explanation on each type of burr, and he has a pretty good selection. Good place to begin.

Foredom has a nice chart on burrs, showing all the various burrs that can be used with their tool.

Sets of burrs.......usually only the smaller burrs (diamond, ruby, stones) come in sets, though a few others like the Dura-carvers do too, but most of the carbides come individual. Be careful .......you can spend a lot of money on burrs very quickly and not really need some. Build your collection slowly, get a few basic shaped in several grits and work from there, then identify what else you need as the need comes up.

Depending on what you carve, I started out with Blue Kutzall Typhoon burrs(carbide, 1/8" shank), then go to silver typhoon , then gold ones. (coarse, medium, fine) Then to diamond/ruby burrs and sanding drums/discs of various grits. I have a couple of big 1/4" shaft, extra coarse typhoons, brown and blue, but don't use them much. There are also some steel carving burrs or cutters, they can be handy in some applications.

Lots of supplier out there for burrs, but take your time and try a few at a time. Better yet, find a carving club and see if someone will let you try theirs, or a show where they might be demonstrated. I'm sure a local carver could also offer you the benefit of their experience.

Bob

[ejjjohns]

Originally Posted by paul821c

The bits and burrs is there any place were I can find descriptions on what they are used for regarding carving wood. This type is used for.. etc.
Are there common ones to get and do they sell sets.
Thanks,
Paul

Well -Paul, my experience has taught me if the bit looks like it will do the job that you need done, use it...

They do sell sets Paul, but be carfull, you may never use half of what you pay for in that set, I buy the bits I know I will use...

The information that you are looking for is out there somewhere.
good luck

ejHead Bange

[paul821c]

Thanks for all your help. The info given is very helpful.

[GeneWebb]

I have been teaching power carving for 17 years, and make my living power carving.And carry most of the supplies If I can help anyone with questions feel free to give me a call.I can carve and talk at the same time,but its hard to carve and type at the same time.You have to have the right bits for the job.865-660-1110