Dremel/Proxxon type carving/shaping ? OR Abortech?

[wizer]

Is anyone up on this? I'd like to do a bit of power shaping. I have an old Dremel and am trying to work out if it can do the biz. This has been prompted by the carving George did in thisthread. Can you use power chisels with a standard dremel? Or is that an independent tool? I had a quick look at the proxxon range and the arbortech. Abortech might be a bit much for me right now, I just want to have a play with it, see if I have any talent for ripping up chunks of wood in an attractive way.

EDIT: actually abortech might be a better way to do this. You can just fit the blades into a mini grinder?

 

[DaveL]

Can you use power chisels with a standard dremel? Or is that an independent tool?

Tom,
I think the answer to that is no. Standard dremels are a mini drill while a power chisel is an impact action not rotary.

EDIT: actually abortech might be a better way to do this. You can just fit the blades into a mini grinder?

You can fit some of the abortech discs on to a small angle grinder, just keep you self away from the sharp spinning cutter.

 

[wizer]

Thanks Dave. I looked into it further and I think I will indeed go for the abortech. You can buy either the attachment for the rotary carver or fit the power chisels. This is going on the xmas list, let's see which relative will be responsible for the carnage. (there is a mother in law joke there somewhere.. )

 

[dickm]

This is going on the xmas list, let's see which relative will be responsible for the carnage. (there is a mother in law joke there somewhere.. )

Don't joke about carnage - the Arbortech is a real brute! And, IMHO, not suitable for anything smaller than about half-metre cube. I found mine almost impossible to control in softwood.

 

[Grinding One]

Arbortech ,I have one and the key to its use is to go slow,do not try to hog off a lot at a time. Kind of like I do not want to take a lot off of there....

 

[Chris Knight]

An arbortech can be used to make fairly controlled cuts. Even better and something I used a lot for the rocking chairs is an angle grinder equipped with a smallish pad and some coarse sanding disks. You can control this really well to make fine cuts if needed. It is also a very cheap set up.

You do need a dust mask though!!

 

[wizer]

Thanks, I am am well aware of the dangers. I've already had my safety wake-up call.

Can't wait to have a play with it (assuming santa brings it). I have a garden bench in mind which is more carved than traditional joinery. Should be fun!

 

[duncanh]

It's possible to get a reciprocating carver add-on for the Dremel - Axminster sell it

It comes with some blades but the mini Flexcut ones are much better

 

[Mark Hancock]

There is the mini Arbortech. I use the Merlin cutter from the King Arthur range. Makes a very controllable and efficient tool.

With the Dremel you could try carving burrs but not sure if it has the power. I tend to use the burrs in an air powered die grinder.

With reciprocating carvers there is the Proxxon, Bosch and Ryobi. Flexcut do blades and attachments for these.

 

[dickm]

Having done enough damage to a half-made rocking horse with the Arbortech, I took the cowards way out and bought one of those B&D powerfiles. Does the same job as a sanding pad in an angle grinder, but possibly more controllable?

still don't think Proxon/Dremel size stuff is comparable to an Arbortech - they are in different leagues.

 

[wizer]

I really don't have the talent for intricate detailed carving. I need something to hog out material fast to create some nice sweeping curves and shapes

I'm also going to look at the King Arthur range.

 

[dickm]

I really don't have the talent for intricate detailed carving. I need something to hog out material fast to create some nice sweeping curves and shapes

... so go for the arbortech and chainsaw protection gear :shock:

 

[wizer]

s'ok, I have an impeccable safety record... :roll: :wink: