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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.
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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
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.
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Air
Hammer
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.
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