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Re: Powercarver vs Turbocarver

I have both the Powercrafter and the Foredom. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. The PowerCrafter is a high RPM-low torque tool (air powered) which excels in things like piercing because the high speed (400,000 RPM) makes it less prone to grabbing and moving about in the cut, and you can use it like a pencil. On the downside you have to proceed more slowly sometimes in thicker materials as it will bog down due to the low torque. I love it for piercing. You really need that high speed for piercing. The Foredom is a lower speed - high torque tool which is more suitable for hogging out material. It is an electric cable-operated tool that excels in larger wood removal projects and is great for detail sanding due to its variable speed pedal. Neither tool will do it all, so choose the one that does what kind of work you'll be doing. If you're going to mostly do piercing, the PowerCrafter is excellent.

-Jim Gott- San Jose, CA

Reply to
Jim Gott
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Just for clarification, the Foredom (350K) in the Wood magazine article I referenced is a high-speed, air-driven unit (I'd assume by the model number, it likely spins at 350,000 rpm) and different from the electric cable-driven tool most of us are familiar with.

_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____

Reply to
Owen Lowe

Yes these tools run fast but not that fast, the Foredom run from 5000 to

20 000rpm for the flex cable units, the $945.00 Micro motor at a max of 45 000rpm and is used with diam> I have both the Powercrafter and the Foredom. They each have their strengths
Reply to
Leo Van Der Loo

====================== Leo, The units he's talking are essentially modified dental drills, operated by an air turbine. The RPM is determined by air pressure, but spees up 400,000 RPM are obtainable and usable with them. Of course, the bits are usually in the 1/8 " range. much larger, aned they could begin vibration and self destruct. (Think Dremel at 30,000 RPM with the bit extended almost all the way out. Then take that up X10).

Ken Moon Webberville, TX

Reply to
Ken Moon

Yes Ken you're right the dental drills do run those speeds but they sure are no wood hoggers, I was commenting on the Foredom units and did not think of a dental instrument. Never to old to learn I hope

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Ken Mo>>Yes these tools run fast but not that fast, the Foredom run from 5000 to

Reply to
Leo Van Der Loo

In answering your question, Powercarver vs Turbocarver, the main difference is that the Turbocarver is made primarily of plastic while the Powercarver is stainless steel. I own the Powercarver and it is outstanding for piercing and fine carvings. I can't say whether one is better than the other but I opted for the stainless steel as it appeared more durable and comes with a lifetime guarantee on the handpiece, one year on the turbine. Hope this helps...good luck.....Ralph

Reply to
Ralph J. Ramirez

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