It's worth pointing out that, for the foreseeable future, I intend to buy pre-drilled blanks with stems. I'm considering a way to start carving some pipes while at work and the idea of a single tool is more reasonable than trying to set up a shop down here, which is neither practical nor possible.
I've watched a ton of videos and read piles of articles on pipe carving. I'm seeing some commonalities in the tools used by some of the more experienced pipe carvers. Drill presses, bandsaws, belt sanders, bench grinders, and lathes seem to be fairly pervasive in the craft. I have a few questions about finding an alternative that might provide me with an effective, short-term solution. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel and I understand that there's definitely a reason that nearly all of them are using the same tools. I also understand that doing it differently will likely come with compromises in both efficiency and efficacy. I think those are compromises I'm willing to make right now in order to scratch the itch while also stifling some of the boredom associated with a two month (and counting) stint at work.
In the past, I've done a little waterfowl decoy carving and have always wanted to upgrade to a serious rotary tool for working on decoys. I'm wondering if something like one of these Foredom kits that folks use for decoy heads would also be useful for pipe carving, particularly in this situation. If I can find multiple uses for it, I can more easily swallow the price tag.
Apart from the accurate drilling of the bowls and airways, it seems like you might be able to accomplish everything else with it. Obviously it's nowhere near as good as having a dedicated shop with a lathe, bandsaw, drill press, belt sander, bench grinder, etc. However, it seems like you'd at least be able to remove material, do some rough sanding and rustication, and be able to buff/polish with it. At this point, I'm willing to make some concessions in order to have a simple, compact, versatile set up that I can use while I'm at work and then also use for several other tasks/hobbies once I get back home.
Just looking for some feedback from folks who have experience with all of this.
I've watched a ton of videos and read piles of articles on pipe carving. I'm seeing some commonalities in the tools used by some of the more experienced pipe carvers. Drill presses, bandsaws, belt sanders, bench grinders, and lathes seem to be fairly pervasive in the craft. I have a few questions about finding an alternative that might provide me with an effective, short-term solution. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel and I understand that there's definitely a reason that nearly all of them are using the same tools. I also understand that doing it differently will likely come with compromises in both efficiency and efficacy. I think those are compromises I'm willing to make right now in order to scratch the itch while also stifling some of the boredom associated with a two month (and counting) stint at work.
In the past, I've done a little waterfowl decoy carving and have always wanted to upgrade to a serious rotary tool for working on decoys. I'm wondering if something like one of these Foredom kits that folks use for decoy heads would also be useful for pipe carving, particularly in this situation. If I can find multiple uses for it, I can more easily swallow the price tag.
K.5240 Woodcarving Kit
Foredom K.5240 Woodcarving Kit Multiple plug and volt options available. 230V options include the necessary corresponding speed control and motor components. PrePackaged Tool Kits take guesswork out of product selection, offer the best value, and feature smart tool combinations for specific...
www.foredom.net
Apart from the accurate drilling of the bowls and airways, it seems like you might be able to accomplish everything else with it. Obviously it's nowhere near as good as having a dedicated shop with a lathe, bandsaw, drill press, belt sander, bench grinder, etc. However, it seems like you'd at least be able to remove material, do some rough sanding and rustication, and be able to buff/polish with it. At this point, I'm willing to make some concessions in order to have a simple, compact, versatile set up that I can use while I'm at work and then also use for several other tasks/hobbies once I get back home.
Just looking for some feedback from folks who have experience with all of this.
