AusBonsai

hi guys,

im in need of some carving bits, im going to be buying a die grinder, probably a makita or the like, variable speed of course, and i need some carving bits.

What are people using and where can i get them?

Gareth

I recommend Kaizen Bonsai. I have bought a few bits there and the service was very good, and the carving bits are great. Like all things of quality not cheap, but very good.
Welcome to the mad carvers!!!!

try to find the "carb-i-tool" brand of router bits, the one you need is "THS 12". I did this plum tree with it, works reasonably fast & about $35. cheers, miyagiman.

well....... I REALLY WANT A TERRIER!!!!!!!!!!

and some other bits from Kaizen Bonsai, however, cannot afford them considering im buying a new die grinder.

So i need a carving bit that isnt going to cost the earth.

Out of interest, what carving bits did you buy?

Can anyone also help with

1. avaiable die grinders on the market, which one is good, the differences similarities between them?
2. Anyweher in newcastle i can get a good price on one?

I bought a Terrier, worth every cent. Considering the exchange rate at the moment, its a steal.
I have an old Makita die grinder and it works great.

Hi Gareth have a look at rotary chisel in the US - it's a lot more attractive buying from the states at the moment. I am looking at those as well as some structured carbide cutters at another site that are cheaper than Graham Potters.


Tony

hi tony,

i would be interested in the site you are looking at.

Hey wAtto, what model makita is it, is it variable speed, how important do you think variable speed is?

http://www.gregdorrance.com/saburr-shan ... 9_691.html

and

http://www.rotarychisel.com/info.html

Mine is old so it is not variable speed. Variable speed would probably be an asset, but most carving is probably done at full speed?

Hi Gareth,

For $40 at jaycar electronics, you can get a mini grinder with flexi shaft and variable speed. Replacement bits are cheap but i might add i have never carved a tree before. I've noted that they have a store in newcastle. If you know what you are doing you could probably tell if it will work for you by seeing it in the store.

I bought one last weekend for fun.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.as ... rm=KEYWORD

ps i have had a look at the kaizen website and it seems the product looks very similar but different names. Not sure how different they are in terms of quality but mine seems to do what a rotary tool does. At least you can take it back to the store if anything. And jaycar works out cheaper i think.

Just thought i might share this.

I have a dremel. cost about $100 and works real good with Bretts Carving bits, as mentioned in this thread here
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7196&p=81386&hilit ... ter#p81352

and here is bretts original post that i got exited about viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5251&hilit=carving+ ... =15#p61106

Works really well and takes off heaps of wood real quickly

Ken

i have a dremal too, but i have heard pushing them too hard can cause early failure, i think im better to use it as a detailer, which essentially is what i bought it for, and light carving work.

Does Brett have these carving bits for sale, and will they suit both the dremal and a 6mm or 1/4" die grinder?

Gareth

I made a purchase this week from Kaizen Bonsai, a weasel and set of 5 or 6 termite bits plus freight from England cost me approx $60 AU

Thanks for the heads up on Kaizen, Gerard. I just ordered the Weasel 101 and sharpening tool for around $60 incl. delivery. Got a big Juniper to carve.

Gareth wrote:i have a dremal too, but i have heard pushing them too hard can cause early failure, i think im better to use it as a detailer, which essentially is what i bought it for, and light carving work.

Does Brett have these carving bits for sale, and will they suit both the dremal and a 6mm or 1/4" die grinder?

Gareth

Hi gareth
dunno if brett has any more so better ask him.

if one had access to a Metal Lathe, we could knock out a heap of them and they would cost less than $20 - $25 or so to make. The cutters are about $120 for 10 Pack retail but can be found online much cheaper.

Mine fits a 1/4 " Dremel Bit

Ken