arbortech mini grinder opinion?


duckkisser

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im looking to upgrade to a more powerful tool for hogging away wood.  this will be used mostly for carving but in the immediate future I will use it to hollow out a mask and use it for a little carving on the face.  but before I bite the bullet and spend the money I was wondering if anyone had this grinder and could tell me what they think of it. both its pluses and its negatives. king Arthur tools also makes a long neck grinder but it seems more like a finesse carving tool rather then a hogging tool. (on the list for future buy) and foredoom has a angle grinder attachment but im worried it wont have the strength of a grinder for really cutting into the wood.

 

here is what im thinking of buying

 

http://www.arbortechusa.com/view/woodworking/mini-grinder/query/product/min-fg-300-20#tab3

http://www.woodcarverssupply.com/2-CARBIDE-DONUT-WHEEL-EX-COARSE/productinfo/259861/

http://www.woodcarverssupply.com/2-CARBIDE-DONUT-WHEEL-COARSE/productinfo/259862/

http://www.woodcarverssupply.com/2-CARBIDE-DONUT-WHEEL-FINE/productinfo/259863/

http://www.katools.com/shop/2104mw-merlin2-disc-tooth-carbide-disc-p-68.html

 

im not sure about the chain saw wheel for the number of teeth. I think the fewer you have the quicker it cuts but the rougher the surface.

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The Arbor tech is a good tool. I have the Arbor Tech turbo plane that I use on a DeWalt angle grinder and it works great. You could save a little by buying the mini-turbo plane and a cheaper angle grinder. With practice, the turbo planes can leave a very smooth surface, but they hog material out fast if you need to. If you have the bucks, go with their grinder.

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Duck, I use a Kutzall disk, similar to the second and third links above. Even at 'medium' grit, it removes wood fast. It is also easy to control for lighter stock removal and shaping. Those chainsaw wheels are scary.

One tip: for a hollow form like the mask you mentioned, hog out the bulk with a big forstner in the drill press, and save the grinder for smoothing it out. Your lungs will thank you.

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The turbo plane can give a smooth surface with practice. I'm using a full sized turbo plane and at times I still dig in a little, but I can usually blend it back in with the turbo plane. For inside work I follow up with their sander and I can clean up the surface quickly. I think the mini turbo comes with the sanding pads.

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I ended up just geting the mini turbo I'll give that a try then decide if I need something else like the sander or decide if I need the grinder. I am thinking about geting a set of flex scorp carving knives and spoon carving knives that are on ebay for 108.00 or might get some carving bits for foredom.

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