Carving power tool recommendations

[Gareth]

Hi guys,

Im thinking about buying a die grinder/router.

I have looked at the dremals, which are cheap enough and everyone seems to have used one from one time to another. But there are also the makita die grinders and i am sure there are others.

My questions are

- what are the most common collect sizes, 1/8", 1/4" 5/16" etc
- which is the best all round tool
- what features are recommended for general carving i.e variable speed, flexible shaft attachment for fine work etc

any other point people want to raise that are important please do.

[miyagiman]

Hi Gareth. I purchased a makita die grinder off ebay for about $85, keep an eye out, they pop up from time to time. 5/16 (6mm) is the best size because bits are more readily available in yhat size. I use various router bits in mine that are 6mm. Mine only has single speed, but I find it ok for what I need. cheers, miyagiman.

[Leevers]

Miyagiman, that Bonsai looks beautiful! I must say I really don't know how it managed to survive such an intense carving. Looks great!

I'm a big fan of the dremel as it has muilti-purposes around the home, and can be used for varied applications.

[Gareth]

hi miyagiman,

do you mean 1/4" bits are more common as this is 6mm, 5/16" is closer to 8mm.

[miyagiman]

You are right Gareth, 1/4 '' is 6 mm. that is the size I meant. All the wood carved on this tree was already dead, the live vein was not carved at all. miyagiman.