Carving Router at a GOOD PRICE ! (UK)

mike_p

Speaking as a retired professional mechanic, and one who started tree carving in 1981, don't buy cheap tools, They will always let you down.
All these "Dremel" sized machines are made to do fine work on small objects. For the most part, unless you specialize in shohin, they have limited usefulness. A die grinder with a 1/4 inch chuck is usually the best.
About flex shafts, they can be power robbers in an already weak system. Convenient in some respects, but there's always some friction in the shaft, especially if it's not kept properly lubricated.
Important advice. Always be sure that the carving tool you use is rated for the speed of the motor driving it. Most die grinders run in the 25000rpm range.
For instance, several years ago when the "Samurai" carver hit the market, I bought one. When it arrived, and I looked at it, I thought it was too big around to use in a diegrinder, because it's not only rpm's that count, but peripheral speed of the tool. I tried it in the diegrinder, and knew right away it was running too fast. I put it in a bigger maching that runs at 14000rpm and it worked perfectly. I see that now the Samurai is rated at that speed. I wonder if there were accidents at the too high speed of the die grinder.

Mike

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John Dixon

Mike,

Great points you make there. I forgot to mention about the true "flexibilty" of the flex-shaft. It does indeed have limitiations. Matching the rpm's capability of the bit with the motor is also wise. To over-rev say a wire wheel of 15,000 max. rpm to 35,000 rpm is inherently dangerous too, which leads me to mention this:

Always where safety goggles/glasses when using power-carving tools on bonsai!!!

I would still like to implore that bonsaists NOT approach carving with speed as a main concern. Power tools are great implements to have and use, but not at the cost of bad results. Proceed cautiously. Yes, it's fine to have bits that remove gobs of material, but they can also destroy a fine job just as quickly. I have lost count of the times where, using router-type bits, I have changed hands and inverted the motor of the device. All of a sudden, the momentum of the bit changes where in will "run away". Where it was counter-clockwise, it's now clockwise, or visa-versa. Without warning, you just sharied the whole length of trunk!!! Once again, caution is prudent and cannot be overstated. Technology won't take the place of talent.

Once again, be sure to protect those eyes!!!

John

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mike_p

John, you make a very important point about over-revving rotary wire brushes. The wires can start flying around like shrapnel,
The worst example I ever saw of this was at a major convention. The "master" was using a die grinder with a wire brush, and I could see the individual wires flying loose. I got the interpreters attention and warned her what was happening. That put a stop to it before someone was hurt. Later I found that the brushes they were using were made to be used in a drill motor at a max speed of 4000rpm. The "master" was running it at 25000rpm
So, power too users, ALWAYS check the rated speed and don't exceed.
Even if you're not exceeding the rated speed, sometimes the machine may start to vibrate excessivly, which may indicate the rotating tool is out of balance. Discard it immediately!

Mike

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Bonsai is not a hobby.
Bonsai is a way of life.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha

Ian_Homer

Mike_p,

Thanks for your comments. I agree the motto "You get what you pay for" applies to such items, but at £ 29, ($55) for the Drill, Stand, Flexi-drive and 150 piece kit - it CAN be classed as disposable !

If I carve 2 trees a year at the moment that is it. Most of the time, it is simply a case of tidying up or just putting extra tweeks into an existing design. For this type of work, this will be more than adequate for my needs.

Cheers,
Ian.

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Arnie

Ian,

these tools are great as they force you to work at a steady pace by not removing too much wood, ideal for refining....On the other hand one slightly heavy kiss with the makita die grinder and Tornado bit removes a lot of material!!

Treebeard

Ian,

You might want to have a listen to it running before you stump up the cash...

These B&Q own brand items tend to be rather noisy.

Regards,

Chris.

P.S. Did I say 'rather noisy'? I meant to say 'scream like a banshee'...

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Walter_Pall

May I add that i regard Dremel size power tools as 'toys'. I use them for very fine carving on very small trees and on big trees which are very much refined and still need this terminal refining touch. I also use them for rubbing off bark from junipers to get this smooth, sammet like brown bark.

For serious cutting on big trees I use either a Makita type die grinder or usually a professional big one which is made for professional work. It does not get hot even after hours and it is 1500 Watt, which is quite strong. And it has ADJUSTABLE speed. But it costs around 2 grand all together.

It was mentioned that it is VITAL to know the maximum speed for your bits. Yes, there were incidents with the Samurai because people did not bother about speed restrictions. There were incidents withthe Ninja, which once flew through the audience, at the thick plastic tent wall and right though it like a bullet. Marco Invernizzi used it for the first time at a Gingko Award demo and this tought him a lesson. But this does not say anything against the Samurai, the Ninja and related bits. It says everything against reckless users.

I, as all Tyroelan mountain farmer's sons, have always regarded myslef as invulnerable. Well, I have grown older and have learned to use goggles while working with power tools and I regard them like dangerous weapons. A big Makita type grinder at full speed is like holding a hand grandade in you hand.

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Ian_Homer

Chris,

Oh well, I have my Ear defenders from my petrol Garden strimmer if its too bad. Can't hear the Wife, Doorbell, Phone or anything else then - so it helps with concentration at the vital time.

Best regards,
Ian.

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John Dixon

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This should be required reading!!!

Here is a well-known and respected man telling us to use caution. Heed his remarks!!!!

I would like to thank Mr. Pall for saying this publicly. It carries a lot of weight and hopefully will save a tragedy from occurring.

Mike and others solidifiy that same stance with their significant opinions.

These tools bite, and they eat anything!!!

I have the wise teachings of my father for the reason I protect my eyes. He only has one - due to no fault of his own - but because he only has ONE, he realizes the value of a precious and non-replaceable gift. I have taken that lesson to heart and I hope you all do too.

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.