power carver question

Chuck J

Chuck J

Well-known member
Been thinking about making the leap to a power carver, and was thinking of dropping some hints for Christmas. I have a few questions:

I know that most power carvers use Foredoms, does anyone use a Wecheer or other brand? How much difference is there? Is there a difference in noise?

What size motor do you have? Is this enough/too much/just right?

What features/options/accessories should I look for?

Any other advise or opinions are appreciated. Still not sold 100% on making the switch, I actually enjoy hand carving for the most part.

Chuck
 
I got a 1/4 hp Weecher from Willy at The Duckblind a couple of years ago and have been nothing but happy with it. I only carve a few dozen decoys a year, but as far as I can tell, it performs equally well as the Foredoms (I have used friend's). I have only broken one shaft (along with the obligatory ripped t-shirt) and I got the replacement shaft from Willy right away (now I keep a spare).
 
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I have a 1/4 hp Weecher from Willy at The Duckblind a couple of years ago and have been nothing but happy with it. I only carve a few dozen decoys a year, but as far as I can tell, it performs equally well as the Foredoms (I have used friend's). I have only broken one shaft (along with the obligatory ripped t-shirt) and I got the replacement shaft from Willy right away (now I keep a spare).
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Yup, What Jon said. Willy is DA MAN!
 
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I have 2 foredoms and a grizzly. The one foredom is 1/8 hp which I basically use for sanding. The other foredom is 1/3 hp and this is the main one I use for grinding . The grizzly is 1/4 hp and is a good value for beginning I still use it for around the bill and head. All are pretty quiet and all the hand peices are interchangable.
A couple recommendations if you are going to grind wear a glove on your head holding hand, wear a leather apron burrs can get caught in a shirt and wrap up which usually breaks the inner shaft. buy extra shafts for your grinder.
 
I bumped up to the 1/3 horse Fordum. I rarely use my smaller motor now. I think it is worth the extra money. Also My #1 bit is the typhoon coarse sleeve. 2 inch long by 3/4 diameter. You will have to get a mandrel for it. Sleeve is $30 and the mandrel around 3.50. Not sure if Willy has it or not?
Jason
 
I got a 1/4 hp Weecher from Willy at The Duckblind
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Jon and Duane, Are your Weechers variable speed. Looking at Willy's website, the model he has up there looks to be single speed. Is this the model you guys have? Chuck
 
Yes - It is variable speed, up to 20,000 rpms. It has the foot pedal control and a forward and reverse selection.
 
I bought a POS Fordom Knockoff Grizzly when I started and it's still going strong. I wish it were reversable. If I were in the market, I'd get one of the Weechers from Willy as Grizzly seems to have a different one everytime someone buys one. Willy will set you up with all you need. Keep it away from your T shirt unless you enjoy getting your tit caught in a wringer. Get an extra shaft when you order to keep as a spare.
 
I run a 1/3 hp foredom. The weechers seem just as good to me. Like other have mentioned buy an extra shaft and leather apron, you'll make your money back on the apron in saved shafts and tee shirts.....LOL. Typhoon burrs + Tummy = Friggin &^$^# OUCH!!!!
 
How many of you guys use the reverse on your grinders? Or if you don't have reverse, do you find yourself wishing you had a reversable grinder?

Chuck
 
I have a reversible, the only tiem I use it is to power strop and I wouldn't need to power strop with the foredom, but it is the closest 1/4 chucked power tool.

I;ve never carved backwards. It is most useful for lefties.
 
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