[Woodcarver] Re: Power Question- Chat

[chipz]

> I would like to thank John, Vic, Jan, Wayne, and Thomas for their
responses to my question about power carving and reverse capability.  The
responses seemed to be split almost 50/50 concerning the importance of
reverse.  I have since decided to keep the Wecheer that my lovely wife gave
me and work with it.  Besides, I am somewhat of a tool collector, and the
saved money can be used for the purchase of more tools I really don't need.
I can't seem to get enough tools on my bench.

Hi Al.. let me weigh in on this issue.  I apologize if someone already
covered this.. but I just got back on the Woodcarver List.

IMO, power carving is similar to knife/gouge carving in that you have to pay
attention to grain direction.  In my experience, it doesn't make any
difference if you are using a fluted cutter, stump cutter or ruby/diamond
type burr (or even a sanding drum).  You still have to pay attention to
carving w/ the grain vs. against the grain.  I've found that, even using a
non directional burr, if you carve against the grain vs with the grain.. you
raise undesirable fuzz and worse.  This is especially bad when you are doing
your finishing smoothing.

That is when I find the reverse especially useful.  As an example.. consider
making the fiinishing cuts up the side of the nose on a face.  With the burr
turning in the same direction you will be cutting with the grain on one side
of the nose and against it on the other.  This can make for some
undesireable fuzzies or chips that you'll have to work on later by hand.

I only use my single direction for roughing out a carving, if at all, now...
I spend most of my time with the reversable and then go to the micromotor..
which is also reversable.

Hope that doesn't put too much more cloud in the picture.  I could have
probably condensed this much but.. I'm repetitious.

Bill Splaine