Can we talk power carvers

[Scrappile]

I have a Dremel I bought off of Ebay for around $30.  It has been serving me well for what little I use it.  I have for many years I have wanted a power carver like the Foredom, but unless power carving is you main hobby, to me they are just too much, price wise.  There are others much less expensive line under $150 but I and do not know anything about how good they are. Working on my first intarsia project, I think I see where one would come in handy for shaping small pieces.  Does anyone here have a none Foredom, but a setup from a Dremel?  If you do is it any good and do you use it for intasia work?  There are those out there that look like the Foredom, but a lot less expensive.

[don in brooklin on]

I have a Dremel which hangs from the ceiling.  I have a flex shaft that I got from Harbor Freight.  (Came with a cordless rotary tool that died quickly but flex shaft works just fine,) I don't know if they sell it anymore but it was cheaper than the Dremel flex shaft.

I also have a foot pedal which works great.  

 

[Scrappile]

My Dremel is giving out on me.  The threads that you screw the chuck on are wearing.  I tried to put the chuck for the flex shaft on today and had a real difficult time getting it screwed on all the way.  It's been a good tool and I have used it a long time.. Don't know how old it was when I got it. 

THANKS FOR YOU INPUT.. 

[Jim Finn]

I have stopped using Dremel rotary tools.  For a simple self-contained tool similar to a Dremel I use the version of this tool from Black and decker.  It has two speeds instead of variable, that in my opinion, works better than the Dremel variable speed.  (Dremel bogs down WAY too much at slower speeds.)  Black and Decker does not.  I bought my Black and Decker rotary tools at Walmart for 1/3 the price of a Dremel. I use my Black and Decker rotary tool to make starter holes for my double bevel inlay projects and for power carving. I also use "Master carver". It works well in the carving/sanding rotary function and in the carving using gouges function.

[Sycamore67]

I have a Dremel, Wecheer and a Foredom.  The Dremel Is fine at high speed.  The Foredom has great power at all speeds.  I like the size if the Dremel hand piece on its flex shaft.  it is comfortable to use for details.  I use a reciprocating hand piece for carving with the Wecheer.

[rafairchild2]

I have a WEN rotary tool.  I burned out the original flex shaft and then bought a replacement on Amazon for $12.  I like this one much better as it is just a little bigger than pen size. Really comfortable in the hand and easy to maneuver.

On the left of the photo, you can see the box I keep frequently used bits in.  I have carving bits and kutzall bits too.

 

Edited June 9, 2023 by rafairchild2