[SeaChips]

I would like to rough out a shoe blank using power, but I don't know what to use to rough out - tool/bits. Can someone advise me please? I have reciprocating capability as well as rotary, so I would welcome any suggestions that would help me get started in power rough outs. Prior to this, I've only roughed out by hand. Good advice is appreciated.

[Mottles]

For roughing out carvings I like Foredom burr's 1/4 and 1/8 rough (red) smooth (blue) the cylinder burr and flame work well. Also another good burr is the rotosaw. Carbide burrs work well too.
For roughing I also have a Ryrobi power chisel/gouge that is a real work horse for hogging out wood.
Hope this helps,
Kathy

[Bill]

I have found that the double cut carbide bits work really well for me, 1/4
and 1/8 in. I have never tried them on soft woods but on hard woods
they work.
Bill

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Do you have a bandsaw? cut the profiles and do the rest with a knife.