Power Carving Vs. "Traditional"

[myork1967]

Hello all,

New to the site so bear with me if this is in the wrong area.

I am looking to try and learn wood carving but I am really cornfused.
I guess is what I am going to ask is subjective, but here goes..

Which is the best method for carving, a power carver or traditional hand tool method. I spoke with a co worker who does alot of woodwork and he was dead set against power carving tools, but i have seen work done with a power carver that looks great.

Since I am a complete NOOOOOB, can I get some opinions on this.

I have seen 2 webpages that sell power carving tools (scmart.com and profitiblehobbies.com) and have classes you can take as well.

Feel free to e-mail me at myork1967@verizon.net.

Thanks in advance

[bigEd_H]

Hi myork1967, welcome to the forum. You will get all sorts of answers to that query. Many who carve will use both hand tools and power depending on the wood and what they are carving. Whatever you use, have fun with it and be safe.

[Sharon of the Dell]

Welcome! Both types of tools take skill and practice.I use both. I get hurt way less and less severe with power tools! LOL Some folks use strictly a pocket knife, some mallet and chisels, some just power. To me some woods are easier to carve with power. There's no shame in carving with power tools, so if you want to,go for it!

[Donsexton]

I would say if you want to do traditional relief panels and family crests you know things like that, the best choice is hand tools. The reason is the sweep of the gouge leaves the profile a clean cut you need for that style. I can say that you can carve any style with hand tools. If you want to do large sculptures in hard wood then I think power is the way to go. I use both some days I want to carve with chainsaws and full size grinders and then I may want to use my 2” gouge with a 30 oz mallet to do the same thing. You can achieve extreme detail with both but you cant listen to music with the noise from power tools. I like to challenge myself from time to time and see how fast I can carve something using both. There is something real and honest about hand tools and woodcarving, that is how I see it.

[breezly]

Both power and traditional carving need skill to do i myself like traditional but some woods need a bit more persuasion to go to the shape you want . So really it's up to you to decide yourself what you are more comfortable with and go with it Mike

[DickB]

I've only been carving for about 5 years & I use both power & hand tools. Some projects just lend themselves better to one than the other. I received a micromotor for Christmas & I love it. It's like having a pencil or paint brush in your hand. I'm much more likely to pick up a piece of wood & just experiment, it's like doing sketches in 3-D. I still like traditional tools, especially for detail work. I feel I have more control.
DickB

[jimmy joe]

I use both . Mostly hand tools , but there are a few things that make it easier with the power . I haven't bought a micro yet but it is coming ! I went through the same thing when I started . I thought I was going to like the power and wasn't even considering hand tools . It kind of turned out the other way for me . It is a personal choice and both have pro's and con's . The do enjoy the peacefulness of chisels and knives . Quiet and you get chips instead of sawdust . On the other hand you can break out the chainsaw and get some serious carving done . I say invest in a decent beginners set of hand tools , maybe a dremel with flex with some decent burs and see what you like best . Then add on to that . Like we all agree on , what ever you do Enjoy it !

[Norm Forand]

Hi Mywork 1967,
I also use both Hand and Power tools.. Ed gives good advice above. I usually start with handtools, then use various powertools to hog-out. This saves a lot of time where there is less skill involved. Then a Dremel and various handtools for finish work. I'm just finishing a Boxer and will post it when completed.

Remember have fun with whatever you do. That's what it's all about as others have said.
Norm

[myork1967]

Thanks for the input. I was looking at the scmart.com website on there 400 sx.

I was also thinking if I got the 400 sx I could also try my hand at metal engraving also. Not to much worried about the noise level. I would have the ipod or police scanner to listen to anyway.

Thing is these cost around $300 bucks not including the compressor. SCMART does have a option for a beginner set with compressor for around $500.

Anyone got any reviews or opinions about these guys. As state you can also email me at myork1967@verizon.net.

No worry about spam, I get tons of please help me im an african who needs money transfer to viagra adds all day long...

[Callynne]

When I started carving Myork, I was adamant, no power for me, only hand carving.....did that last....no it didn't!!!! I still love hand carving the best, but for roughing out, I couldn't be without power, both reciprocating (that's like a power chisel!) and rotary (big burrs!) that remove the waste wood.

Then I switch to handcarving and almost finish the piece. From there, it's back to microcarving to get the last, final detail in. For me, and the way I choose to carve, both hand and power are necessary.

Good advice was given and I feel too, that you should start out with handcarving, you will quickly realize if it will be enough for the the style you choose, if not, then it's time to add power tools.....and you'll have a wealth of knowledge waiting here to help you choose what you need!! Deborah