Getting into carving.. what is the minimum power tools needed

[ChainsawAl]

Hi there

I've just started getting into carving, I've got two chainsaws now, one 40 and the other 46cc. I'm waiting to get a smaller one with a carving bar on. But was wondering what's the minimum of tools you need to get going with carving, to make them look vaguely good. I watch these YouTube guys and they have, die grinders, normal disc grinders, dremels, flame torches, gougers and so on.

 

Do I need all these? Or what is the minimum I need for budget conscious, but still wanting the carvings to look half decent?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[gobbypunk]

Hi a total must is a 4 and a half inch grinder with a backing pad that you can put like a 24 grit pad on ideal for rough shaping die grinders are also cool but I think my filling sanded would be another must but dont get the black and decker one they are crap 

[ChainsawAl]

Ok cool, I have a 4.5 inch grinder, but not a backing pad. Been using those flap grit sander on mine, but they do plug up quickly.

 

What's the filling sanded?

[gobbypunk]

Hi you can get a backing pad and discs from screwfix so much better than a flap disc filling sander other people call them power file its like a small belt sander but you can do so much with one the makita one is the best but not cheap ,where to in the country are you based ,you are welcome to come visit and have a gander at the power tools I use and do some carving it would be a good excuse to do some carving havent done any in like ages .Cheers Mark

[doobin]

Backing pads are way more economical than flap discs, which are a gimmick in my book except for some specific weld finishing and blending applications. 
 

 

[billpierce]

klingspor fibre discs with the smaller white plastic  115mm backing pad is best combo, found the cheap discs wear out really fast

[billpierce]

oh and get a 1/4 carving bar  not 3/8

[gobbypunk]

I think I pay like 15 for 30 discs from our independent tool shop 

[ChainsawAl]

Cheers lads. I'll have a look out for those klingspor fibre discs then. If you say they're good. 

 

@gobbypunk, I don't think I'm at that good yet. I've literally just started, done a dodgy mushroom and some Halloween pumpkins that's about it. But thanks for the offer 👍

[ChainsawAl]

Are these backing pads hook and loop design like a random orbital sander? Won't they come off at the speed that a grinder goes?