How to get started using power

[Old Crow]

I am a relatively new wood carver who presently carves mostly hiking staffs with long bearded wood spirits. Sometimes the beard will spiral down the length of the staff. I have been using only a knife and a few palm tools. As you all know, excess wood removal becomes tedious, especially around the long beard. I would like to try power to remove some of this wood but don't know where to start. I was thinking that I could use my Dremel tool if I purchase a reciprocating attachment but what do I use for the business end? If anyone can enlighten me I sure would appreciate it. Are there bits,burrs, chisels that will work in the Dremel? Thanks for all of your help in the past few months.

[Doug Ridley]

There are literally hundreds of burrs that will work in your Dremel. Get any good carving catalog and look for burrs with 1/8" shafts. For a start, if I understand what you are trying to do, I would suggest a cylinder shaped blue typhoon bit. Talk to your supplier and explain what you are carving and ask for some suggestions.
P.S. I believe your local Lowes might carry a small selection of 1/8" blue Typhoon burrs. Mine does.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Here is an adress they have everything you need for powercarving they mail all over the World, They are in Kitchener Ontario Canada and give good advice to ask for "POP"
I hope this helps you
Alice



http://www.chippingaway.com/

[Grandma Teddy]

First of all, heartfelt thanks to all who posted re my request "attaching photos to message" Want to attach my "third" power carving a hummingbird, done at class in Wahpeton......I really am falling in love with this using Power to carve..................now with winter approaching should be able to spend more time learning more........Grandma Teddy

[carver33]

Dremel also makes and adjustable chuck that will hold any shaft 1/8" or smaller. I particularly like using it on the flex shaft to drill holes as small a 1/32" in diameter.

[Claude]

If you're going to buy burrs for the Dremel, buy carbide burrs. The high speed steel are cheaper but last just long enough to get started on the first carving. The carbide burrs, especially the Kutzall and Typhoon, are long-lasting. You can clean them, if they get clogged, with a propane torch, Easy-off oven cleaner, or whatever... The heat from the torch will burn off the clogging wood but won't hurt the burr, and the Easy-0ff will then clean off the carbon.
Monster is another good brand of carbide burrs. I've bought several from Wood Carvers Supply, Inc..

Claude

[big dave]

the first thing you have to do is plug it up ( just kiddin wit ca )

[Donna_T]

Hi
As the others have said, it is very doable. I agree with the Typhoon bits and most of the wood carving catalogues in the US have bits to sell. Try to keep them all with the same sized shank so you don't have to change collets all the time.

I'm sure you've followed other posts on this topic, but please be careful with the wood dust. Wear a mask AND use a dust collector if you're inside a building; wear a mask still even if you're outside when you're power carving. I prefer the flex shaft when doing work--it allows you to have much more control over the bits as they work. I have cup hooks to hang my dremel outside every door on the outside of my house where there's an electrical outlet, and depending on which way the wind in blowing (I want it to blow the dust away from me) that's where I go to do power carving outside. But I still use a mask.

Donna T

[Donsexton]

I use every type grinder made that can be used for woodcarving. I am a big fan of the carbide burrs every one told you they use. You mentioned that you may install a reciprocating attachment on your dremal. I dont know what your budget is but the best reciprocating tool is the Automach Power Carver. You can get loads of gouges for it and run it for hours it wont get hot. I can tell you from experience that some of those attachments get hot fast.