For woodcarving/whittling is an expensive power carving tool better than the cheaper Dremel brand?

Question

I'm just getting started in woodcarving small sculptures and I'd like to get a power tool to help out. I see that there are some that cost $300-800 (like the "Mastercarvers Micro Pro") and then there is the Dremel tool and flexishaft accessory for less than $100. I don't mind spending the extra money if it's better product--I plan on using it a long time. Does anyone know the benefits of the more expensive products? What's the difference?

Answer 1

Are you sure that you want to use a dremel tool?
Until you have tried it, you do not know whether you like or hate it.
I would buy a real cheap cheap-brand tool to check whether I like it or not. (In fact I did buy one although not for wood use.)
Sometimes the cheap tools run for years with no problems, sometimes they are crap, but all will not be worth trying to repair when something breaks.
And sometimes the bits and extensions only fit this cheap machine so you will have a hand full of bits left when the machine breaks, or when you run out of bits for this machine you can not replace them.

Cheap tools from proper tool shops are worst in this respect, better go to the real cheap shops, you pay little but you know you buy crap, if you go to a good chain you will pay more but still get crap.

When you are ready to buy an expensive tool, make sure it uses standard bits and extensions, and that it has a repair service for when problems develop.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Hi:

Here are some books that are available at any library or bookstore and some websites for it :

Whittling and Woodcarving
by Elmer J. Tangerman, E. J. Tangerman - a most excellent book on the subject - Get this one if nothing else


Manual of Traditional Wood Carving
by Paul N. Hasluck (Editor)

The Beginner's Handbook of Woodcarving: With Project Patterns for Line Carving Relief Carving Carving in the Round and Bird Carving
by Charles Beiderman, William Johnston, William Johnston

Woodcarving: 20 Great Projects for Beginners and Weekend Carvers (Weekend Crafter Series)
by John I. Hillyer

Little Book of Whittling: Passing Time on the Trail, on the Porch and under the Stars
by Chris Lubkemann

Woodcarving: Tools, Material & Equipment, Volume 1
by Chris Pye, Dick Onians (Foreword by), Gino Masero (Foreword by)

Woodcarving: Tools, Materials and Equipment, Volume 2
by Chris Pye

How to Carve Wood: A Book of Projects and Techniques
by Richard Butz, Laura Cehanowiez Tringali (Editor)

Carving for Kids: An Introduction to Woodcarving
by Robin Edward Trudel

The Book of Wood Carving: Technique, Designs, and Projects
by Charles Marshall Sayers

Carving Classic Female Faces in Wood: A How-to Reference for Carvers and Sculptors
by Ian Norbury

Carving Green Men and Wood Spirits: Instructions & Patterns for a Classic Art Form
by Lora S. Irish, Chris Pye, Shawn Cipa

Carving Signs: The Woodworker's Guide to Carving, Lettering, and Gilding
by Greg Krockta

1001 Designs for Whittling and Woodcarving
by Elmer J. Tangerman

Fundamentals of Figure Carving
by Ian Norbury

Carving the Human Figure: Studies in Wood and Stone
by Dick Onians

The Complete Woodcarver's Handbook
by Graham R. Bull

Figure Carving in Wood: Human and Animal Forms
by Sara Wilkinson

Carving Santa and Mrs. Claus
by Ken Blomquist, Jeffrey B. Snyder (Photographer)

Carving Found Wood: Tips, Techniques, and Inspiration from the Artists
by Vic Hood, Jack A. Williams, Jack A. Williams (Photographer)

New Techniques and Approaches for Wood Carving
by D.V. V. Semenick

Sculpting Wood: Contemporary Tools & Techniques
by Mark Lindquist, Bill Byers (Photographer), Bill Byers (Photographer)

A Woodcarver's Workbook #2: More Great Carving Projects
by Mary Duke Guldan, Mary D. Guldan





Some websites:

http://www.carvingpatterns.com/...

http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/...

http://www.woodcarvers.org/faq.htm...

http://www.carvingpatterns.com/wood.htm...

http://www.chippingaway.com/woodcarving/...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/wood_carvin...

http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/...

http://www.woodcarvers.org/index.htm...

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_decorat...