Power Carving Manual, Updated and Expanded Second Edition E-Book

David Hamilton

• Herausgeber: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 231

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

The professional advice and the sheer beauty of these projects make this title a "must-have" reference for every power carver. Improved performance, versatile attachments, and lower prices have placed power tools within the reach of every woodworker. Celebrating 20 years of power carving wizardry, this big book presents 22 all-time favorite step-by-step projects and patterns from Woodcarving Illustrated, the leading how-to magazine for carving enthusiasts. If you've been thinking about trying your hand at power carving, or are looking to expand your power carving skills, this powerhouse collection is exactly what you need. It features a stunning gallery of work and a complete buyer's guide to exciting new tools from Dremel, Foredom, and other manufacturers. Covering everything from the basics of safety to the strategy for texturing feathers, Power Carving Manual, Second Edition offers expert information, insight, and inspiration from today's top power carvers, including Frank Russell, Jack Kochan, David Sabol, Lori Corbett, Chuck Solomon, and Dave Hamilton.

Leseprobe

Reciprocating tools recreate the look of a handcarved project. See here.

© 2017 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy PA 17552.

Power Carving Manual, Updated & Expanded Second Edition (2017) is a revised edition of Power Carving Manual (2009), published by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. Revisions include updated tool recommendations and pricing, and new projects. The patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the authors and Fox Chapel Publishing, Inc. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

Print ISBN 978-1-56523-903-6

e-ISBN 978-1-60765-497-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Title: Power carving manual.

Other titles: Woodcarving illustrated.

Description: Updated and expanded second edition. | Mount Joy [Pennsylvania] : Fox Chapel Publishing, [2018] | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017044300 | ISBN 9781565239036 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: Wood-carving. | Power tools.

Classification: LCC TT199.7 .P675 2018 | DDC 736/.4--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017044300

To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free 800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at [email protected], with 9781565239036 and Power Carving Manual, Updated and Expanded Second Edition (Best of WCI) in the subject line.

Welcome

Woodcarving Illustrated magazine presents this collection of power carving articles and resources. Whether you’re just getting started in power carving or have been using power carving tools for years, the following pages offer resources and projects you’ll want to turn to again and again.

This book is divided into three sections. The first section goes over the basics of safety, tools, accessories, and anything else you’ll need to set up a work area and get started. If you’re just beginning in power carving, you’ll want to start with the first section. The second section is a set of articles focused on techniques, from basic cuts to texturing feathers. The last section offers projects to try out your newly learned techniques, hone your existing skills, or simply find inspiration for your next carving project.

Contents

Getting Started

Safety

A Guide to Power Carving Tools

Choosing the Right Bit

Carving Accessories

Collapsible Telescoping Rod

Power Carving Techniques

The Basics of Power Carving

Be a Pro: Safety Tips

Power Carving Bits

Texturing Feathers

Creating Hard Feathers

Texturing Strategies for Bird Carvers

Projects

BEGINNER

Turning over a New Leaf Carved Bowl

Making a Comfort Bird

Wood Wizard Cypress Knee

Power Carving a Polar Bear

Power Carving an American Bison in Relief

Santa Caricature

Contemporary Primitive Loon Decoy

Maple Leaf Earrings

Maple Leaf Pin

Carve and Paint a Killdeer

Carving Habitat: Twig

INTERMEDIATE

Roly-Poly Hedgehog

Carving a Cascading Ribbon Heart Pendant

Carving a Rattle Stick

Power Carving a Duck in Relief

Making a Realistic Bluegill Pin

The American Woodcock

Relief Carve a Whimsical House

Walking Stick Wizard

Decorative Cardinal

ADVANCED

Black Bear

Creating a Musical Mouse

Contributors

Getting Started

Carving with power involves the use of motorized equipment that rotates a shaft with a cutting bur mounted on the end. Because the rotating bur grinds away wood in a very controlled manner, power carving allows you to create delicate designs and intricate details that would be extremely difficult to carve with traditional tools.

Contributors to this chapter include Dave Hamilton, Jack Kochan, Frank Russell, Roger Schroeder, and Chuck Solomon.

Carving a gunstock with an air turbine tool, here.

The use of power tools became more common among carvers in the 1970s. About 90% of bird carvers use power for some or all of their carving. Carvers who specialize in mammals, fish, humans, and interpretative carvings also use power for carving.

In addition to affording you more control, power carving tools generally remove wood faster than traditional edge tools. They also let you create thin carvings and achieve highly detailed pieces. It is possible to accomplish similar effects using edge tools, but it is much more difficult. Power tools carve in areas, such as tight recesses, where it is nearly impossible to fit traditional tools. For example, it’s much easier to create a delicate hummingbird bill without breaking it, when using power; however, one small slip with a knife or gouge and the bird’s bill is destroyed. Power carving does not preclude the use of edge tools, but enhances your ability to achieve desired effects in your carving.

In addition to the effects possible with power carving tools, carving with power opens up a world of opportunities for carvers with arthritis or limited hand strength. You must be committed to taking the proper precautions when it comes to safety, but power carving offers rich rewards and can greatly enhance your enjoyment of carving wood.

Power carving can also be a boon to those who hate to sharpen. With power carving, you can easily carve the hardest woods without ever stopping to sharpen your tools.

If you’ve been thinking about using power tools for the first time or expanding your collection of power tools, this section can help you get started. Included here is what you’ll need to know to set up a safe work environment, find the right tools, and select the right bits and accessories.

Power Carving Pros and Cons

Power carving offers several advantages over carving with hand tools, but there are drawbacks. It’s important to weigh all of the factors involved and make an informed decision. When possible, experiment with the tools and techniques before investing in power carving equipment.

DRAWBACKS OF POWER CARVING

• Involves a higher initial investment

• Has specific safety concerns

• Creates noise

• Generates dust

BENEFITS OF POWER CARVING

• Removes wood quickly and with precision, especially when using hardwoods

• Minimizes splintering and fracturing of the wood

• Provides greater control than knives or gouges when carving fine detail

• Allows carving and grinding of metal and epoxies

• Provides quick and controlled sanding

• Eliminates the need for sharpening

• Provides an alternative for carvers who have difficulty with edge tools due to arthritis, etc.

Power carvers can create thin delicate carvings. This hibiscus was carved by Wanda Marsh.

Safety

Safety is the first consideration of this book, and it should be for any shop or working area. All types of carving involve some risks. Being informed and taking the proper precautions will keep you safe and enhance your carving experience.

Most woodcarvers have at least a table saw or a radial arm saw to cut carving stock into manageable pieces, and a band saw for blanking out. Many also have a jointer and/or planer in addition to a drill press to smooth out and assist with different aspects of joinery. Every one of the machines mentioned has the capability of inflicting permanent and debilitating injuries, and care must be given to each machine in its turn with respect to safety through use, location, surrounding area, accessory use/storage, safety devices, electrical setup, blade guards/guides, and waste disposal.

It is not the scope of this book to consider safety aspects of large machinery, but I would feel remiss by not mentioning these areas of danger found in the shop or work area. Safety can never be overemphasized.

The primary safety considerations for power carving are the quiet but deadly ones: dust inhalation and fire hazard resulting from improper dust collection and disposal. We’ll also discuss what safety items you should wear while carving.

Dust

The inhalation of dust is the biggest risk power carvers face. Cutting, grinding, and sanding all generate dust. The small particles of wood that remain in the air can cause respiratory problems when inhaled.

Asthma, allergic reactions, and long-term risks, such as lung and throat cancer, are all associated with dust inhalation. While the more serious risks are normally associated with exotic hardwoods, you should always take dust control seriously.

It is imperative that you use a good dust collection system. These systems operate like a vacuum, pulling air and dust particles into the system and trapping the particles in a filter. Dust collection systems come in all sizes and price ranges. Some are portable and can be moved easily. Others are larger and are incorporated into a complete workstation. There are also some large dust control machines that can be installed in the ceiling and operated remotely.

No dust control system will trap all of the dust particles generated while carving, so power carvers should wear a dust mask in addition to using a dust collection system. Whatever mask you choose, be sure it creates a good fit or seal between your face and the mask, has an exhaust valve, is made of face-friendly material, and has adjustable straps. Choose a comfortable mask and wear it when carving.

Fire Hazard

Fire hazard is a danger related to dust, because it occurs where dust is not collected and disposed of. Uncontrolled and uncollected, airborne dust particles settle and build up on any exposed area or item. In a studio workshop, where all aspects of carving are dealt with, many situations can generate a spark.

A few worthy of consideration are:

• electrical motors and any heat- or spark-generating electrical appliances

• switches, outlets, and lightbulbs

• sparks generated from grinding metal when sharpening tools

• assembling metal armatures, bird legs, and supports with a soldering iron or torch

• heating elements

• torches used for soldering and bit cleaning

• improperly stored finishes

• spontaneous combustion from improperly discarded or uncared for finish rags, brushes, and wipes

• a tobacco smoker

Safety equipment, such as a leather apron, dust mask, and safety glasses, should be used with a dust collection system.

Where smokers are concerned, “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful,” isn’t enough when a good portion of my livelihood can be affected by someone else’s accident or carelessness. I have several highly visible “Absolutely No Smoking” signs prominently placed in my studios, and they have never been challenged.

Anywhere dust has settled, a fire path exists from the spark or flame source to anything combustible within the shop, and finally to the building itself. The answer to this type of hazard, of course, is to treat dust immediately as it is generated, direct it to a location for disposal, and not allow it to settle anywhere but where we want it. Even then, the shop should be inspected and cleaned whenever casual dust is observed, and dust from partially uncollected or uncollectible sources, like a table saw, should be cleaned.

Face and Eye Protection

When using any power equipment, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. It is particularly important for power carving because the rotation of the bur is usually toward your face and therefore will propel particles in that same direction. Safety glasses or goggles, especially ones with side shields, will protect your eyes from dust and wood particles as well as particles of metal or material from the burs. Very rarely, the bur fractures during carving and pieces of material are thrown into the surrounding environment. Some carvers prefer real glass to plastic lenses because they find that glass doesn’t have as much static electricity that holds wood dust to the lens the way plastic does. Some also prefer to wear a full face shield for some or all of their carving.

Body Protection

The greatest potential for injury occurs when large carbide or steel burs are used to remove wood quickly. The tool can slip or jump, especially when cutting into end grain. Carving with the grain is the safest way to use power and to minimize the potential for accidents. Clamping your project down when using large aggressive bits is also a good idea.

A leather apron protects power carvers and their clothes from cuts and tears. Avoid loose fitting clothes and tie back long hair. The use of a carving glove is not recommended because it can be dangerous if the fibers get caught in the equipment. Most newer micro motor carving equipment contains breakers or fuses that will stop the machine from rotating in such cases.

Creating power-carved sculptures like this one can produce flying debris, which the power carver must always be protected against.

A Guide to Power Carving Tools

You need a basic understanding of the tools before you can begin carving with power. The majority of power carvers use flexible shaft machines and micro motors. Both of these tools use a rotating bit or bur to remove wood. Flexible shaft machines have greater torque, but less speed, than micro motors. Specialized tools, such as angle grinders and air turbine machines, are also available for artists seeking specific results.

Flexible shaft machines have the power necessary for roughing out carvings as well as doing detail work. A flexible shaft machine is usually the first piece of equipment purchased by new carvers. The micro motor is primarily used as a detailer, although with a little patience it can be used to do rough shaping on small carvings. Many carvers invest in a micro motor as they gain experience. The higher speed of the micro motor produces cleaner cuts when carving fine detail.

It’s impossible to say one model is better than another because it depends on what you want from your equipment. Think of it as buying a new car. Many people have brand preferences and each individual weighs features differently.

Some people value gas mileage and efficiency, while others are looking for performance and durability. Some tools make it easy to get started in power carving because of low initial cost. Other tools allow you more flexibility with a variety of available accessories. This article provides an overview of the equipment available and focuses on the models recommended for beginning carvers.

Basic Rotary Tools

The Dremel Moto-Tool came out in the 1930s, and it was touted as the Swiss Army knife of tools. These rotary tools are still marketed as useful for cutting, sanding, shaping, sharpening, grinding, and polishing. They also are a good way to start power carving. A Dremel or similar tool can be found in hardware stores, home improvement stores, and most larger retailers anywhere in the country, usually for less than $100.

These types of tools feature a high-speed motor with little torque, which means they depend on the speed of the tool to do the work. That makes them useful for light-duty carving, but you cannot expect them to remove a great deal of wood, even with a carbide bit.

The speed control, motor, and handpiece are combined into a single unit about the diameter of a drinking glass, so the overall size and bulk of the tool make it a challenge to carve for long periods of time. Some of these entry-level tools have a flexible shaft attachment with a handpiece that makes the tool more comfortable to use.

In general, these entry-level models are a way to get started power carving, but most serious power carvers will quickly move on to larger flexible shaft tools to remove wood quickly and to micro motors to add the fine details. Then, these basic tools end up being used to cut off stuck bolts, sharpening lawnmowers, and other tasks you wouldn’t want to do with more expensive tools.

Foredom is a popular manufacturer of power carvers. The unit above is equipped with a flexible shaft, a handpiece, and a convenient foot pedal. Bits and burs, such as the ones pictured to the right, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.

Basic Rotary Tools At-a-Glance

Below are a few selected basic rotary tools. All are available for under $100, and many can be found right on the shelf at home improvement stores and large retailers.

All of them can be ordered online from a variety of sources.

DREMEL 3000

• 32,000 rpm (max)

• 1.2 amp, 120 volt motor

• Weight: 20 oz

$$$

Dremel has less expensive units with less powerful motors, and more expensive units with more powerful motors and perks, such as tooless bit changes.

GYROS POWERPRO

• 32,000 rpm (max)

• 1.2 amp, 120 volt motor

• Comes with a flexible shaft attachment

$$

Gyros features an on-off switch separate from the speed control, so you can set your speed and not need to reset it each time you turn the tool off.

WEN 2305

• 30,000 rpm (max)

• 1 amp, 120 volt motor

• Comes with a flexible shaft attachment

$

The Wen 2305 is the least expensive and most widely available unit presented here.

PROXXON FBS 115/E

• 20,000 rpm (max)

• ⅛ hp motor

• Comes with a keyless chuck for bit shanks from 1/64" to ⅛" (.4mm to 3mm)

$$$

Proxxon’s FBS 115/E is shaped to be more comfortable to hold for long periods of time. It features a slower but more powerful motor.

$ = $0–25

$$ = $26–50

$$$ = $50–100

Flexible Shaft Machines

The flexible shaft machine is the mainstay for power carving. Many power carvers use a flexible shaft machine for all of their power carving needs. We recommend you invest in a flexible shaft machine unless you plan to carve mainly small or miniature carvings. For small carvings less than 3" in height, a micro motor may fulfill your equipment needs.

The flexible shaft machine consists of an enclosed drive motor attached to a 36" or longer flexible shaft. A handpiece is attached to the shaft, which is covered by a polyethylene or neoprene sheath. Benchtop units are available, but the motor unit is about the size of a softball. Most carvers opt for the hanging units to free up space on their workbench. The rotational speed of the bur is controlled by a foot pedal or a dial.

The speed at which the shaft turns the bur is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). The higher the rpm, the faster the bur will remove wood. Torque is the power behind the rpm. Flexible shaft machines range in power from 1/15 horsepower to ⅓ horsepower. Higher horsepower units will keep the machine from losing rpm while you are carving. If you plan to carve primarily hard wood, such as maple, choose a ⅓ horsepower machine so the bur does not get bogged down in the dense wood.

Most machines have a forward and reverse setting. You want to keep the bur rotating toward you for maximum control. Reversing the direction allows you to carve with the grain when its direction changes, and it helps remove a stuck bur or drill bit. The reverse setting is also handy for directing dust away from you, toward the dust collector, while sanding.

Flexible Shaft Machine Handpieces

Handpieces come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Many manufacturer’s handpieces are interchangeable with different brands of flexible shaft machines. The handpiece is the part of the tool you hold, and it should be comfortable to grip.

The handpiece connects to the flexible shaft on one end and secures the bit or bur in a collet on the other end. The bit or bur is the part that does the actual carving.

Most, but not all, handpieces accept varying size bits by changing the collet. Burs with large diameter shanks are primarily used for roughing out. Switch to a smaller collet or handpiece to accommodate burs with smaller shanks for shaping and detailing.

Some handpieces have a quick-change lever to expedite changing burs. However, most handpieces with this option will only accept a single shank size. Several manufacturers produce handpieces that utilize a geared three-jaw chuck. Similar to the three-jaw chuck on a drill press, these handpieces can hold any size shank accessory up to 5/32" (4mm) diameter. This feature is quite useful for drill bits and other bits of nonstandard size.

As technology improves, handpieces are becoming more versatile. Some handpieces have an attachment that transforms them into mini-belt-sanders. Several manufacturers make a specialty handpiece that houses a reciprocating hammer-type mechanism. These handpieces accept a range of chisels used for power chisel or gouge carving. Reciprocating handpieces should only be used with the motor rotating forward.

A variety of handpieces, such as these units from Foredom, allow you to rough out your carving and add final details using the same flexible shaft machine.

At-a-Glance: Flexible Shaft Machines

Below you’ll find an overview of the models we recommend for beginners from each manufacturer. Important factors to consider when shopping for a flexible shaft machine are reliability, availability of parts and service, speed, accessories, warranty, and cost.

FOREDOM 5240SR

• 18,000 rpm (max.)

• ⅙ hp motor

• Wide variety of accessories available

$

Foredom also makes a ⅓ hp TX series. Both SR and TX series offer benchtop and hanging units.

MASTER CARVER BASIC

• 26,000 rpm (max.)

• ⅓ hp motor

• Moderate variety of accessories available

$

Master Carver offers Pro and Ultra units that have identical motors, but include additional handpieces.

PFINGST CH

• 14,000 rpm (max.)

•1/10 hp motor

• Limited accessories available

$

Discontinued ⅛ hp units manufactured by Pfingst may still be found at some retail locations.

WECHEER MODEL 340

• 26,000 rpm (max.)

• ¼ hp motor

• Moderate variety of accessories available

$

DREMEL 9100 FORTIFLEX

• 23,000 rpm (max.)

• ⅕ hp motor

• Three-jaw chuck accepts bit shafts up to 5/32" (4mm) dia.

$

Dremel’s interchangable hand-piece is compatible with other flexible shaft machines.

$ = $200–300

$$ = $300–500

$$$ = $500–1000

At-a-Glance: Micro Motor Machines

We have listed the model from each manufacturer that we believe is best suited for beginners. Many manufacturers offer a range of models.

Major factors to consider when shopping for a micro motor machine are reliability, diameter and weight of the handpiece, rpm, service and parts availability, warranty, and cost.

BRASSELER MIO

• 35,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates 3/32" (2.5mm) shank bits. Optional collets include 1/16" (2mm) and ⅛" (3mm).

$ $ $

Brasseler produces four units marketed mainly to the dental industry.

FOREDOM 1070

• 38,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates 3/32" (2.5mm) shank bits. Optional collets include 1/16" (2mm) and ⅛" (3mm).

$ $

Foredom provides a second model with a maximum rpm of 50,000.

$ = $200–300

$$ = $300–500

$$$ = $500–1000

Micro Motor Machines

Micro motor machines achieve speeds up to 50,000 rpm from a motor housed in the handpiece. Power is provided through a control box that includes an on/off switch, a dial or digital speed control, and a foot control/manual switch. The most expensive models have digital output. Although digital output is great for speed consistency, the cost may not justify the feature.

All of the machines outlined above include forward/reverse settings, overload protection, and a foot pedal. Some manufacturers only include one collet with their units. The additional collet may cost up to $60. Carvers seldom use a foot pedal to control the speed of the unit. Instead, most carvers set the speed manually so they can later repeat a specific speed to ensure the consistency of their carving and texturing.

Micro motor machines do not usually have high torque compared to flexible shaft machines and should not be used for roughing out large carvings. Micro motors operate at much higher speeds than flexible shaft machines. The handpiece on a micro motor may look heavier than the handpiece on a flexible shaft tool, but it is actually smaller and lighter, making micro motors easier to control. The connection between the handpiece and the power unit on a micro motor machine is a lightweight electrical cord as opposed to the heavier connection of the flexible shaft machine. These features make it easier to use a micro motor for extended periods of time.

Micro motors are used primarily for detail carving and texturing. The majority of bird carvers use micro motor machines for the highly detailed texture characteristic of that style of carving. The higher speed of micro motors produces cleaner cuts.

The handpiece on a micro motor machine is connected to the power supply by a lightweight electrical cord.

GESSWEIN MARATHON HANDY 700

• 50,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates ⅛" (3mm) shank bits. Optional collets include 1/16" (2mm) and 3/32" (2.5mm).

$ $ $

Gesswein offers three additional units ranging from 35,000 to 55,000 rpm.

MASTERCARVER MICRO-PRO

• 46,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates ⅛" (3mm) and 3/32" (2.5mm) shank bits.

$

Mastercarver also produces a woodburner/micro motor combination unit.

NSK V-MAX

• 35,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates 3/32" (2.5mm) shank bits. Optional ⅛" (3mm) collet.

$ $ $

NSK produces three additional units ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 rpm.

OPTIMA 2

• 45,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates 3/32" (2.5mm) shank bits. Optional collets include 1/16" (2mm) and ⅛" (3mm).

$

PJL Enterprises also manufactures the Ultima, a combination woodburner/micro motor unit.

RAMPOWER 45

• 45,000 rpm (max.)

• Accommodates 3/32" (2.5mm shank bits. Optional collets include 1/16" (2mm) and ⅛" (3mm).

$ $

Ram Products manufactures ten different units ranging from 20,000 to 45,000 rpm.

$ = $200–300

$$ = $300–500

$$$ = $500–1000

Specialized Equipment

Flexible shaft and micro motor machines are the most common tools used by power woodcarvers. However, there are several self-contained handheld rotary tools including the models manufactured by Proxxon. There are also several types of specialized power tools employed by woodcarvers with specific needs.

Air Turbine Machines. Air turbine machines operate at up to 400,000 rpm and require the use of an air compressor. A foot pedal regulates the speed of the bur. Kits generally include a handpiece, regulator/filter, foot control pedal, hose, and lubricant. The handpiece accepts only 1/16"-diameter shaft burs. Only special friction grip burs rated at 350,000 to 400,000 rpm should be used in air turbine machines.

Air turbine units remove a small amount of material quickly and with great precision. Do not try to rough out a carving with an air turbine tool. In addition to wood, air turbine machines are used to carve egg shells, glass, ceramic, bone, antler, and metals. Air turbine machines are highly specialized tools and are generally purchased by carvers with specific carving needs, such as gunstocks.

Several manufacturers, such as Turbocarver, SMC, Powercrafter, and NSK, produce air turbine machines.

Angle Grinders. Angle grinders are used to remove a substantial quantity of wood quickly and efficiently using a large carbide disc or toothed chain (similar to a chainsaw). Several manufacturers, including Arbortech, Friction Coatings, and King Arthur Tools, manufacture these types of discs, which can be used in nearly any angle grinder. Most tool manufacturers, including Black & Decker, DeWalt, and Bosch, make angle grinders.

Using an angle grinder requires the use of both hands to hold the grinder, so the wood being carved must be clamped securely. It is important to wear safety glasses, a dust mask, leather gloves, leather apron, and other protective clothing when using an angle grinder. Chainsaw carvers frequently use an angle grinder to detail their carvings.

Air turbine units provide precision control for carving materials such as wood, egg shells, and glass.

Carvers often use angle grinders to create detail in large chainsaw sculptures.

Choosing Your Power Carving Equipment

Whenever possible, test drive several different brands and models before making a purchase. Many stores and woodcarving shows provide consumers with the opportunity to try before buying. Pay attention to the comfort and weight of the handpiece. Try carving both hard and soft wood to determine the tool’s ability to remove wood quickly. The equipment should not lose power even at low speed. Neither the handpiece nor the motor should vibrate or generate uncomfortable amounts of heat. Make sure the noise level is acceptable and determine how easy it is to remove and replace the handpiece and bits.

In addition to the overall quality of a tool, research the availability of technical support as well as parts and service. Does the manufacturer offer a toll-free number to call if your tool stops working? Is there a website you can visit to find tips and techniques for using and maintaining the tool? Be sure to think about what happens after the initial purchase.