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A Word About Tools
First
I must say a word about tools. Since 2000, I have used good tools.. This has made a world of difference in my
carving and carvings! Prior to that I used Exacto knives. They can be very sharp, however, they do not stay
sharp for long. The length of carving time that a knife stays sharp primarily depends upon the grade of steel that makes
up the blade. Exacto grade materials, need to be sharpened continuously. Now many tools are available that are
extremely good, however, I really think that FlexCut brand tools are the best for your money. I use FlexCut roughing
and detail knives, along with FlexCut SK Travel tools. I originally purchased a starter set with 10 gouges and one handle.
Since, I have added approximately 10 more profiles to the collection and also purchased 2 additional handles. One of
the things I am always asked is “Do the tools stay on the handles?” The answer is yes.. I have used them
continuously for 4 years and they have NEVER became loose. Furthermore they fit in a universal adapter that can be purchased
for approximately $20.00 that will allow them to fit in all reciprocating power carvers including Ryobi’s, Weecheer,
etc. They also have an adapter that makes these SK tools fit in a Skill Power Carver too. I have the Skill carver
too. It really removes material. I understand that Skill Power Carvers are not made any more
Reciprocating Power Carving
Now if you are wanting to stay with power carving systems less than ¼ horsepower,
then you probably have a standard Dremmel Rotary tool. If you have one, you can convert the Dremmel for approximately
$60.00 or so to both rotary and reciprocating ability through a Weecher Kit. The kit comes with a superior flexible
shaft and two interchangeable heads, one for rotary (with a chuck) and the other for reciprocating carving. I had two
Dremmel motors, so I purchased a Weecher Kit for approximately $30.00 containing a flex shaft with a permanent mounted reciprocating
head. The Weecher Technology is fantastic. Now if you don’t have a Dremmel motor, then get the Weecher package
with a great motor, shaft, and 2 interchangeable heads. I recommend seeing Dallas, at the Old Texas Wood Carvers Shop
for these systems. He currently has the best prices around on these systems. I will say that the Weecher Kit with
a Dremmel motor or the Weecher Set, is very powerful. Note that the Weecher heads take the SK hand tools with
a universal adapter. The head take FlexCut RS tools with no adapter. However, I have found that MDI Carving Supply
has the best prices on most all FlexCut tools and most all of my general carving supplies. Both of these vendors are
listed in the Carving Links Page. In closing about power carving for now, I currently only use rotary for sanding, and
for some shaping when it is nearly impossible to get a gouge or knife at the material to remove. I do however, use rotary
Kutzal or Typhoone bits to shape flowers or inside curves on spoons etc.
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Sharpening Compounds
For all of my sharpening, I use a sharpening compound. I either use Isomax 81033 Buffing Compound by easypower
for stainless steel or FlexCut Gold or Zam. Zam is the hardest and by far the best for using on power strops.
However, I have also use the Isomax on a power strop too. The Isomax is green waxy based material similar to the FlexCut
Gold. These materials readily adhere to leather. The Zam can usually be purchased though carving vendors.
The Isomax can be purchased at most good hardware stores. FlexCut Gold can be obtained through most carving supply houses.
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