Power Tools
Pistol grip sander
This similar to the angle grinder just not as powerful or aggressive. If you want to buff or polish your sculpture than this is the tool. You want to use Automotive sand paper (green or blue in color). You will have to modify the tool to use for ice, this is for the serious ice carver.
Angle grinder
with 36 grit paper or wood carving attachments
You can find a variety of grinders at different prices, from $15 - $150. It is good to have more than one if you carve in the cold because they can freeze up. They are
great for sanding surfaces and removing over cuts and tool marks. Use 36 grit
sand paper with a rubber backing
pad. (metal discs and nail discs also available.
Chainsaw with
14” bar and chain
You want a bar that will cut through a 10” block. This 14” actually has an 11 1/2” cutting surface when placed on the saw. If your bar is 17” or more you will find yourself further away from your sculpture and it makes it more difficult to make straight precise cuts.
Die Grinders
Dremel
You should have at least one die grinder. Thre preferred brand of most sculptors is the Makita which has a longer life span and more versatility with bits. Some carvers use the Chicago or other generic brands, which can be a cheaper alternative. Most die grinders can also be changed to accept an 1/8” collet. It is also good to have a Dremel for those smaller harder to reach places.
Lumber mill with
E/220 chainsaw
The bigger stihl electric can push a 26” or 28” bar that can be attached to an Alaskan Lumber Mill. This is used to cut even slabs of ice at a specific depth. The bar needs to be long because the mill has to go around a 20” block to make the cut. So in this case bigger is
better.
Large Makita Die Grinders
Comparable in size to the
Chicago brand but that is
where this comparison stops.
This big boy can hum through
ice. Replace the shaft and
attach a Zip cutter or a super
bur and this baby will cut and shape like there is no tomorrow. This is more for the serious carver. If you are a chef carver or simply do this for fun this may be over kill.
If you know of a tool that should be listed in this section please contact us. You can take a picture of the tool write a brief description and tell us if you recommend or do not recommend it for other carvers. Email it to us and we will be happy to put it on the site.
