Carving tools?

K

Kevin Puls

Well-known member
I pulled out my exacto knife and took to carving on a head today. I realized in 37 to 38 seconds there might be a better way.

What are my woodcarving power tool options? I presume they are rotary based? I have a dremel but the only thing it does is burn wood, though that might be user error or lack of proper bits.

I see a thingy that hangs up and has a hand held do hickey. I am guessing that is probably what I am looking for.
 
Google Foredom Tools... Really go dohicky for carving. Check with other carvers, maybe get a demo. Many handpieces and cutting tools... Amazon and Ebay are good outlets.
 
I have a couple of Foredoms but my main power carving tool for heads is a Dremel tool with a flexible shaft and the 1/2 inch sanding drums. I also use a small, blue, flame shaped carbide cutter for the eye channel. The key is to take it slow and let the tool do the work instead of trying to hog it all with the power of your muscles. I have used the same Dremel tool for 16 years for carving. You can pick them up pretty cheap at flea markets, yard sales and the like.
 
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Good stuff.

The foredom looks interesting. The dremel looks cheaper and more easily available.

How much do you get out of each sanding drum? Mine seem to clog up pretty quickly.
 
Kevin, March 14 & 15, get up to Strongsville Holiday Inn for the Ohio Decoy Show. Willy McDonald and other suppliers will be there selling carving supplies. Willy will be putting on a carving and painting seminar all weekend long. Great place to learn. And please make sure you look me up too!
 
Kevin, March 14 & 15, get up to Strongsville Holiday Inn for the Ohio Decoy Show. Willy McDonald and other suppliers will be there selling carving supplies. Willy will be putting on a carving and painting seminar all weekend long. Great place to learn. And please make sure you look me up too!
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Oh I wouldn't miss it. I plan to be there for the head carving seminar. Going to be spending Saturday night there with the family too.

Do I have to register in advance for the workshops?

I also plan to buy my family membership to the ohio decoy carvers association. I am guessing I can take care of that on site.
 
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Kevin,
Depends on what type of wood I am using, how hard I am pressing in, etc. I normally get over a dozen heads before it's time to replace it if everything goes right. Sometimes 1/2 a dozen. Just depends on a lot of factors. Like I said let the tool do the work. Don't force it.
 
Kevin,
Depends on what type of wood I am using, how hard I am pressing in, etc. I normally get over a dozen heads before it's time to replace it if everything goes right. Sometimes 1/2 a dozen. Just depends on a lot of factors. Like I said let the tool do the work. Don't force it.
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Thanks Lee. I have a dremel already. I'll check into the flex extension. I had read that those burn up really easy so never bothered. I also never thought of using the sanding drums. They always clogged up really fast, but in thinking about it, I wasn't using them on wood. Lol.
 
Kevin, March 14 & 15, get up to Strongsville Holiday Inn for the Ohio Decoy Show. Willy McDonald and other suppliers will be there selling carving supplies. Willy will be putting on a carving and painting seminar all weekend long. Great place to learn. And please make sure you look me up too!
Click to expand...

Oh I wouldn't miss it. I plan to be there for the head carving seminar. Going to be spending Saturday night there with the family too.

Do I have to register in advance for the workshops?



I also plan to buy my family membership to the ohio decoy carvers association. I am guessing I can take care of that on site.
Click to expand...

Kevin, Willy's seminars are free. Yup, membership table near the front entrance. Lots to see, do and learn. See you there!
 
Does anyone use a spindle craver??
My brothers a wood craver and they use spindle cravers
all the time. They don't look OSHA approved but they make
short work of a piece of wood
 
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