pneumatic power carving tool

[R. Basurto]

I saw a question on Woodcavering web and I did not see an answer to the question. I am also interested if anyone knows about pneumatic power carving tool. I am looking for a tool that is small like those used by jewelry engravers (the price for one of these tools is out of this world and I believe I could not connect the blades I would like to use). An example that I found on the web is sold by GRSTools, but you have to buy their system and their blades; all I want is the hand piece so I may connect it to my system. I have used the pneumatic power tools used to cut up cars on wood, but they are too big and I could not control the cut. I would like to use a veneer blade (from a palm tool). Any advice would be appreciated.

[workin for wood]

I am not familiar with a power carving tool that can use a veneer blade. Not sure how that would work with a blade spinning around. There's all kinds of pneumatic carvers, but I'm not crazy about them for use with wood. First off, I find the hose too bulky, heavy and cumbersome. Secondly and more importantly is the constant spewing of oil. The tool must be constantly oiled, oil leaks out the connector and sometimes out the head, most often leaks out the trigger. Oil and wood just don't mix, so even if some oil leaks out onto your hands and doesn't get drips on the wood, you will un-intentionally touch the wood with the oily hand...it just has to happen eventually no matter how careful you are.
In my opinion, the Foredom is the best power carver. It is electric, the motor is continuous duty and hangs off a hook. It has infinite speed control. It can handle all bits of all sizes, including jewelry bits which are no smaller than dental bits. There are several different styles of accessory handles that can be purchased seperately. You can get some very small skinny handles or large ones, and not only is the sizes different, but the ergonomics and trigger positions are different. Of course, there is the foot control too, which comes with the machine, eliminating the need to worry about switching on or off the hand piece. The cable attachment system can be upgraded for more length if need be. The cable is extremely durable and does not get hot. Motor is almost zero maintenance, and the cable requires very little maintenance, just some grease every 50 hrs, but it's real easy to grease this setup as well.

You are looking at 200-250 for a foredome power carver start-up set, which is the carver, cable, foot switch and a rotisserie with several bits and collets. That is a good price that gets you into the game pretty good. You do need to purchase a good set of gloves, something tight fitting, preferably chain mail, and goggles, and dust mask.

A different interpretation of your question makes me think "Fein". They have a very high quality tool, it is electric, does detail sanding with the little triangle sanding pad, can convert into power scissors and a power chisel I think.

[newscroller]

You might find what you are looking for at Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers. They are very helpful, and carry all sorts of carving supplies. They have a very good website. Just type the name in your internet search engine and it should take you to their home page. They are located in Townsend Tenn. I have attended a couple of their carving classes, the last was a power carving class. Hope this was helpful.
Hank Borman