[maryjo]

I've got another question on the new foredom I got.Can I use it to rough-out the background of a relief carving and if so what bit would I use. Maryjo

[Doug Ridley]

I don't see why not although I think a router with a straight bit would be better and would give a more level surface to your background. Having said that, I think a large Typhoon or Kutzall ball bit would work and then finish up with chisels. If you do this be sure and stay well away from your foreground lines. Others may have different ideas and suggestions.
Doug

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Doug Ridley

I don't see why not although I think a router with a straight bit would be better and would give a more level surface to your background. Having said that, I think a large Typhoon or Kutzall ball bit would work and then finish up with chisels. If you do this be sure and stay well away from your foreground lines. Others may have different ideas and suggestions.
Doug

Hi Doug and maryjo, I've wondered the same thing as maryjoy too. My thought was a typhoon 1/4 rough cylinder shape with the smooth top. I think you would lessen the risk of chewing right tough the back of your relief. My other thought was a stump burr, but haven't really checked them out yet.
I started a relief carving several months back and by the time I received my Foredom I already had the hogging of the background done. So I'll be interested to see how others solve this question.
I'm learning a lot from you all as I'm a power carver newbie! I received my Penn State Industries dust collector last week and so far it's everything I hope it would be and more. Incrediable the amount of wood dust it collects--now my cars and lungs will stay cleaner.
Kathy

[squbrigg]

I use a small coarse Rotor Saw burr to rough out the background, on the Foredom or a Dremel. Works like a charm and by using the small one, you can control your depth better.

You can finish up with gouges and chizels or continue using finer grade burrs.

Bob

[maryjo]

Thanks guys,It made sense to me but it's very reassuring to know others have tried it.The smoothtop Typhoon is the one that made sense to me as well.I don't have a Router,I guess I should get one but there pretty large and a little intimidating.

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by squbrigg

I use a small coarse Rotor Saw burr to rough out the background, on the Foredom or a Dremel. Works like a charm and by using the small one, you can control your depth better.

You can finish up with gouges and chizels or continue using finer grade burrs.

Bob

Hi Bob, sounds like you may have the solution for me anyway. I looked at my Foredom catalog and I see they have 1/8 Rotor Saw burs in course and fine ($15.00ea.). I think it's worth ordering both and giving them a try.
Will report back!
Bob what size Rotor Saw bur/s do you use?
Kathy

[fishcarver2004]

hi guys if you dont mind i will add my 2 cents worth. for roughing out a trim routor is the way too go, they are realy small i can hold it with one hand but most of the time i use 2, you can get very small bits too cut with. the fordom is nice to rough out 3-d stuff but it is a pain trying to cut anything like that with a cable on one end, i haven't figured out why alot of people think this is such a great tool, as its only realy good for roughing out 3-d projects, but thats just me, as there are such better tools to get the job done. i do have a fordom and mostly it justs hangs there. there is a pic of one of my routors
in my post ( power relief a door) well just my 2 cents worth
stacey

[Doug Ridley]

Stacy, I agree with you, a router is the way to go. All I was saying was it can be done with a Foredom. There is more than one way to skin a cat, just so you get the hide.
Doug

[GeorgiaCarver]

Doug and Stacey

I agree with both of you. A hand held laminate router can be purchased from several places (lee Valley, Harbor Freight etc.) for about $20.00. I have a foredom and like Doug says, it works but, leave lots of room. It is hard to control, likes to wander and is prone to jumping if the cable gets twisted or tight.

You really might want to consider another $20.00 on the laminate router. Not real powerful but if you are taking an 1/8" or so per cut works fine.

Just my two cents as well.

p.s. The foredom with a roughing ball is a dangerous piece of equipment! When it jumps around it can bite you, be carefull.

Greg

[squbrigg]

Kathy....I use the 1/8 shaft 7/16" head diam. 3/16" thick rotor saw, you can use the bigger 11/16" too, but I find it harder to control depth.

Take your time using it, and you'll have no trouble controlling the depth or "skip". I find it less difficult to use roughing out a relief background, than using it to rough out a round carving. Still have to use catuion!

Bob