Powered Carving Tools
Carving takes a great deal of time, and power tools are one way artists have found to complete their project quicker. Sometimes these tools are used simply to remove large areas of material, but they can also be helpful when speed is necessary. While safety may occasionally be an issue, many carvers have learned how to use these tools safely to avoid the possibility of injuries. Saving time and effort allows the carver to devote more time to creating, and this is the main reason power tools are used.
Chain saws have become quite popular with modern carvers, and they come in a variety of sizes. Larger saws are perfect for cutting out giant chunks of material, and they are often used to form a rough outline of the piece. Smaller chain saws create details in large pieces, or they are fitted into smaller areas where material needs to be removed. They present the artist with a quick way to accomplish hours of work in only a few minutes.
Table and jig saws are two more power tools carving artists use during the creative process, and each one has its own function. Table saws cut in a straight line, and they can be used to quickly remove ends. One more function they serve is to gouge out an area in the material with multiple passes. Jig saws are a bit more flexible, and their small, upright blades are often used to create curves in wood. This can save time and help the artist get down to the small details quickly.
Powered drills can be fitted with a variety of bits, and these are also part of a wood carver’s tool set. Whether the artist is gouging, smoothing or cutting lines, drills provide a fast option to complete a project. Every power tool does have an equivalent hand tool, and they are simply used as a convenience for the artist.