Post #186099 by Benzart on Mon, Sep 12, 2005 6:09 AM

Hi Doubravsky, Sharpening is an art all by itself that we All should spend more time with.

1. you sharpen the bevel side of the chisel, but the flat side sometimes needs to be flattened too. Also as you go through the different grits, there will be a Bur edge created on the flat side that needs to be removed I usually sharpen the bevel edge and give the flat side a stroke or 2 on each grit.

2)Yes I use the chainsaw all the time to debark. Also I usually don't debark first. I jump right in on the carving because you will be removing big chunks of wood that has the bark on it and why debark sections that are going to be removed anyway???

3. The recrip carver for me is a Fantastic tool. The first time you use it, you will be grinning from ear to ear, it's that great. Your first use will bring to your mind a multitude of ways to make carving easier. It is one of those Magical tools. If you will be carving mostly large pieces I would go with Bigger versions, as the dremel/foredom versions are pretty wimpy for big stuff. It will work but it will die a very early death.
   Auotomach makes a nice one: This is the one I want. It would be a nice X-mas present to me...
   http://automach.com/pages/frame31/prod2-e.html

as does Arbortech:
http://www.aloghomestore.com/tools-power-carving.shtml#power-chisel

The foredom has a bit more power than the dremel and that is the only difference there..
And yes those carbide wheels come in various grits and will last a LONG time if cared for properly. It might be a good idea to get a "router speed control" to slow your grinder down. That will prevent the wood build-up from burning and clogging the teeth. Which, when that happens, you can burn it out with a hand torch and wire brush.

Good luck with all these questions and I hope this helps.