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Carving
Tools (3)
Power File |
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These
tools come in air powered powered versions for running off a compressor
as well as the well known "Black and Decker Powerfile" pictured
here. There is no denying that this is also an indispensable tool for
the woodsculptor producing finely, finished items. It gets into the corners
that the angle grinder doesn't. This machine also removes a lot of wood
quite quickly depending on the grade of abrasive used. Especially suitable
for finishing after the angle grinder.
Die Grinder
Die
grinders are usually used for high speed metal grinding using shaped grinding
heads. They accept 1/4" or 6mm tool shanks. It is important not to
use tools designed only to be used in electric drills.
Some die grinders have additional handles attached near the front and sticking out to one side. There are a range of burrs and various cutters available for use in these machines:
Selection of "Percival Plus" cutters from the KATs company for use in the likes of die grinders. Chainsaw chain held between washers. Cuts very quickly but requires a lot of care in use.
Carbide Kutsals made from structured tungsten carbide particles. Good in dry wood but tends to clog in wet or resinous woods.
Router Bit. I have found these types of router bits to work quite well mounted in the die grinder. It is important to use this type only, as other styles of router bit can dig in and kick around quite fiercely. The harder the wood the better these cutters work.
Power Carvers
There
are quite a few examples of these tools on the market. They range from
lightweight versions, that are only really designed for relatively occasional
use in softer woods, to heavier duty, professional machines that can carve
a variety of materials, including stone. They all work by transmitting
a hammer action to conventional style woodworking gouges and chisels through
a tool holder designed to accept various different types of tool shank.
Below are a few examples of power carvers.
This
power chisel is quite good, though I don't yet know how it'll stand up
to sustained use. Below is the official sales line and a link.
"The Arbortech Power Chisel combines power and control making it a versatile tool for wood carvers, sculptors, and tradesmen. Ideal for creating and enhancing woodturning, woodcarving and sculpture, the Power Chisel will also create precision joints, easy recesses, and precise corners in minutes!"
"The Arbortech Power Chisel combines power and control making it a versatile tool for wood carvers, sculptors, and tradesmen. Ideal for creating and enhancing woodturning, woodcarving and sculpture, the Power Chisel will also create precision joints, easy recesses, and precise corners in minutes!"
The
blade looks a bit short to get into holes and tight spaces. I do like
the fact that it converts an angle grinder into a carver. Saves buying
a completely separate, purpose built tool. The next power chisel I have
tried and have been very impressed with. It is well able to tackle the
heavy cuts required in large scale sculpture.
Bordet MC720
Craft Supplies stock it as well as sets of chisels designed to be used with the machine for work in stone or wood.
Once again here is the official sales line:
"The Bordet carving machines consists of a high quality continuously rated flexible shaft with a comfortable tool holder. The carving machine acts by the high frequency vibrations transmitted through the action of a cam mechanism driven by a flexible shaft. The machine will take robust roughing out cuts but will easily adjust to produce the finest of detailed work. Various tools can be mounted to the holder with ease and speed. The Bordet machine is suitable for wood, stone and metal and also for sculptures, modelling, instrument making and engraving."
This is an air powered tool. The body is a one handed air hammer. It used to have a chisel for stoneworking and texturing with it. The whole thing lay in the bottom of a cupboard for years as I could think of nothing to use it for. When I obtained a compressor (main purpose being the blowing off of woodchips from carvings) I discovered that the tool actually worked. I then forged a gouge from a piece of 1/2" octagonal tool steel bar and tried it out. The results were excellent. The tool removes wood very quickly and efficiently, plus the weight of the whole unit helps to absorb a lot of the uncomfortable vibration. I think it would be possible to find a range of inexpensive air hammers that could be used with woodworking tools. To forge the blades it would be worth consulting the book "Tool Making for Woodworkers" by Ray Larsen, ISBN 1-86108-050-6, Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd.
There are a number of other power carvers out there, most are for lightweight work. I will post further information as I find out more about individual tools. The emphasis being on large scale woodcarving.