Reciprocating chisels

Chancemn · #1 02-08-2008, 09:33 PM

Chancemn here I noticed a reciprocating carver in a magazine. I was wondering how good they were. I would probably use them for the mundane removal and shaping of a project. Anyone out there have any experience with them???

Callynne · #2 02-09-2008, 10:03 AM

Chancemn, I love mine!! I started with the Proxxon and Automach, both excellent for use with smaller blades and removing the waste wood on small carvings (I do prefer the Automach, quieter and runs longer before heating up).

For larger pieces, I use a reciprocating handpiece with my rotary system. I use one inch blades with it. In my opinion, you simply can't beat reciprocating for quick removal of waste wood, if you're looking for an easier, more joint friendly way than mallet and chisels.

I'm definitely for getting off that waste wood and getting down to serious handcarving as fast and easily as possible!!

Deborah
</IMG>

Mottles · #3 02-09-2008, 12:09 PM

I picked up a Ryobe (spelling) power chisel and blades just recenly at a garage sale. I understand they don't make these anymore, but for $25.00 One of our carving club member's has one and loves his. I used it to remove some wood from for a small carving and it worked really great.
I have a Foredom Powercarver and there is a reciprocating handpiece I will probably buy at some point. Only because of the ease of using a smaller handpiece. But for now, this will do just fine.
Kathy

Chancemn · #4 02-09-2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the feedback, I have only had two replys but they have both been positive. Bob

Definitely Wood · #5 02-23-2008, 05:04 PM

I am also interested in a power carver and almost ordered the Foredom model with the chisel set. Kathy, did you purchase the Foredom carver yet? I know it has only been a couple of weeks since you posted your comments but I would like to know how it performs, etc if you got one.
Thanks,
John

Colin_Partridge · #6 02-23-2008, 05:49 PM

I have just about all of them but I prefer my Skil RPC that they dont make anymore. I actually have four of them but only one works and it is hard to get parts for them anymore. I agree with Deborah I like the Proxxon but it tends to heat up really fast the Automach is a better RPC in my books only problem is that it costs twice what the Proxxon costs. Flexcut make an excellent product SKX 100 has ten speeds I have had occasion to use one. I love it but it has a price ticket of $550.00 plus S&H and taxes so probably over $600.00 when all is said and done. ArborTech also make a great RPC the problem with it is that you are limited to profiles. You have to oil the reciprocator every 15 to 20 minutes but it is a real work horse and removes wood very fast.
Hope this has helped.
Colin

Curly Early · #7 02-23-2008, 05:54 PM

I bought an Automach and for sure do enjoy using it. To me, it is a rough out tool, I would find it hard to do detail work with. Just guessing, I would say it takes maybe 1/10th the effort that my hand chisels do. There is the place for both with me, it will get you close to where you need to be, as in roughing out, then I work mostly with palm chisels to finish. I would say you will enjoy using one as I do. Earl

Mottles · #8 02-23-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Definitely Wood

I am also interested in a power carver and almost ordered the Foredom model with the chisel set. Kathy, did you purchase the Foredom carver yet? I know it has only been a couple of weeks since you posted your comments but I would like to know how it performs, etc if you got one.
Thanks,
John

Hi John, sorry I just saw your post...I have a Foredom power carver, but not the chisel set. As for the Foredom power carver I love mine it's a real work horse. I would recommend when and if you purchase one buy and extra shaft. I buried a roughing bit into an indoor/outdoor piece of carpet I was using as a work surface and broke my shaft. Didn't have a backup, so had to wait for a new one. NOw I have two as backups. Haven't done that again and thank goodness it wasn't my skin in the way of that burr.
Hope this helps,
Kathy

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #9 02-24-2008, 09:30 AM

I have one of the Ryobi reciprocal carvers and the flexcut chisels......I rarely use it, I use the chisels once in awhile, thinking of making handles for them.

arbarnhart · #10 03-07-2008, 08:41 AM

I have the Weecher handpiece and I use it with a fairly standard Dremel controlled with a router speed switch. I like it for bulk removal without the dust. For certain types of carving (caricatures, for example) you could use it for nearly everything, but it leaves a faceted surface. But for very hard wood like hard maple, you can actually do some detail with it. A foot controlled hanging motor is on my wish list.