Knot head carving-what bits to use???

[Whimsical Woodworks]

I am getting ready to order a Mastercarver 1/3 rotary tool. I specifically want to carve pine knots and driftwood (I work on the Ches. Bay and have an endless supply after every storm). I have always used hand tools in the past to carve walking sticks and small carvings. I don't know what bits/burs I should be buying to do such carvings. There are an endless stream of bits/burs in the different catalogues. It has taken me a long time to save up to buy this tool. I don't want to order a bunch of bits I will never use (lesson learned from carving with hand tools).

Sooooo.... can anyone suggest a few bits that are a must have to carve pine knots and found wood? Oh yeah, what's the best way to CLEAN the resin off the bits once finished.

Thanks,
Jerry in MD

[Bill]

I would say double cut carbide will give you a smooth cut and not to many
fuzzys. as for clealning the resin, I use a small tourch, but they do make
a comercial cleaner for saw blades etc that will clean them also.
Bill

[BobT]

Smoky Mt Woodcarvers used to sell a Video (and still may), by Mel McDaniel on carving pine knots. He used those tiny router bits. I watched that and it scared me. I like sharp tools but that looked plumb crazy to me. If you want the Video, send me your address in a PM and I will get it in the mail to you. I will never watch it again. My interests lie elsewhere.

About your question, the pine knots are obviously full of pitch, however dry it seems. When you hit them with a high speed bit things get a sticky buildup on them in a hurry. I believe that is why Mel used the router bits. Kep the diamonds and rubies away from that stuff. Since those Typhoons come in Fine, Medium, and Coarse these days I think that would be the tool to use. Look at Frank Russells collection at the Foredom site. http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundat...p?nav=3,21,295

I wouldn't say to buy that set but there are some things in there that you would find handy. By the way, if you are new to Power Carving, you really owe it to yourself to buy the Frank Russell, Power Carving Fur, Fins, and Feathers video. You will learn more there than anywhere else on the planet. He is the premiere power carver and a great instructor. The video quality is very high also. Much to learn there.

Bob

[whittlewomen]

Hi,
I have carved over 700 pine knots and find the old Dremmel bits work the best for me. The one that is shaped like a rounded oval tear-drop does a good job of roughing out the features after cleaning off the old weathered wood. Then, I use the more pointed one and for a final cut, use a pointed tree-shaped one (this simulates a "V" tool.) I will attempt to download one of my knotheads....but, don't hold your breath!!
Sharon

[whittlewomen]

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...64080100773754

This page has one knothead....I'll try to get some more.
Sharon

[Donna_T]

I've carved some pine knots and the pitch build up is tough to clean off tools (as well as hands and jeans!) I'd use a steel stump cutter and clean it with a little blow torch and some pitch cleaner. The pitch cleaner works on a flat blade or shaped carving tool.
Donna

[Whimsical Woodworks]

Thanks for the tips. I can't wait to get started. Anybody else out there have any suggestions?

[mateo]

Sharon,
Your knot head carving shows a great degree of skill and talent nicely done.

[bullchittbulldoo@yahoo.co]

im learning also to do spirits,i find the dremel tools are good for me.