Power Carving Abrasive Cutters

About the different types of cutters...

There are so many cutters made today that it's hard to know which ones to use. We have "whittled" down from a selection of thousands to the cutters on the following pages (just one of our many suppliers has over 1,200 different cutters to choose from!) All of the cutters we sell represent excellent value and long life if used properly. All cutters are first grade, true running, and have proven useful for bird and fish carvers. They fall into two broad categories: Abrasive cutters and Sharp cutters. For bird and fish carving, abrasive cutters are more commonly used than sharp cutters.

Abrasive Cutters

Abrasive Cutters are, as the name suggests, cutters that remove material by grinding it off in small particles (dust or small chips). They are generally easy to control, and they cut equally well in forward or reverse. Coarser abrasive cutters like the Typhoon burs can remove wood very quickly. Finer abrasive cutters like Ruby carvers cut slower but leave a smooth finish. Very fine abrasives include stones as well as sanders.

Typhoon™ Tungsten Carbide Burs

Typhoon™ Burs are ideal for use on hard and soft wood, acrylic and fiberglass. The Typhoon burs unique structurally aligned tungsten carbide points leave a smoother finish than other types of tungsten carbide burs. They last longer and do not load up as quickly. Maximum speeds: 1/4" shanks 25,000RPM; 1/8" and 3/32" shanks 35,000 RPM. Available in course (red) for rapid stock removal and fine (blue) for more detailed work
Dura-GRIT™ Tungsten Carbide Burs

Tough tungsten carbide burs for tough jobs. Very aggressive yet leave quite a smooth finish. We rate them between a Ruby Carver and a Typhoon bur. They are very controllable and they last and last. Grit will not tear loose and the edges stay sharp. All have 1/8" shanks, use at Speeds Up To 35,000 RPM. Most Dura-GRIT burs are available in your choice of several grits.
Ruby Points and Burs

These are possibly the most popular rotary bit used by carvers. They consist of a metal core with small particles of ruby bonded to the surface. Originally designed for carving certain plastics, they work well on many types of wood including basswood, butternut, cedar, jelutong, pine, cedar and tupelo. They are durable, controllable and reasonably priced. 3/32" shanks.
Diamond Points and Burs

Just like the Ruby carvers above but instead of little bits of ruby for abrasive, they use small diamond chips. They cost a bit more than the rubies, but can last up to 5 times longer, making them good value for the professional. They can be used on wood, some plastics, many metals and soft stones (e.g. Soapstone). 3/32" shanks.
Sapphire Points and Burs

Sapphire points and burs are the latest addition to our selection of abrasive cutters for bird and fish carvers. They last considerably longer than Rubies. They are available only in coarse. 3/32" shanks.
V Stones

Very aggressive vitrified aluminum oxide stones, they can be used on almost any material including all metals, ceramic tile, porcelain, wood, acrylic, glass, marble and many types of stone. On softer materials like wood they can be used for shaping, carving or texturing. Very cool-running and long-lasting, they are the most aggressive stone made. An economical alternative to diamond burs. 3/32" shanks.
Ceramcut Blue™ Stones

Ceramcut Blue™ Stones made from ceramic and aluminum oxide, they are very uniform and hard, and dress to a very nice shape. Most of our customers use these for general texturing and smoothing of all types of wood. They also work well on hard metals and porcelain.They cut better, last longer and are generally more aggresive than natural (white, brown or green) stones. 3/32" shanks. 45,000 RPM Max Speed.
Brown Stones

The brown aluminum oxide stones are more aggressive than white stones but not quite as aggressive as green. A good choice for general texturing and delicate shaping/carving in basswood and other medium carving woods. Reasonably aggressive for texturing. 3/32" shanks.
Green Stones

The green stone are very similar to brown stones - usually just slightly less aggressive, but a good choice for general texturing in medium carving woods and for gentle carving/shaping in softer carving woods like tupelo. 3/32" shanks.
White (fine) Stones

High quality white (fine) stones are great for texturing and smoothing. Most often used for texturing tupelo and other soft carving woods. On Basswood they texture gently - ideal for subtle texture, especially on miniature carvings where texture needs to be subtle. 3/32" shanks.
Ceramic Texturing Sticks

Depending on the grit, you can use these sticks for everything from carving harder woods (i.e. holly or ebony with 120 grit) to very delicate texturing on a soft piece of tupelo with the 1200 grit. For starters try a 300 grit and an 800 grit. For many carvers Ceramic texturing sticks have become one of those "must have" items. Solid 3/32" diameter will fit directly into your rotary tool.
Sanding Cones

You will wonder how you ever did without these handy miniature sanding cones. They are quick, convenient, and economical. Best of all, they do an incredible job of fine sanding and blending in those hard-to-reach areas that all wildlife carvers encounter all the time. They are all quick and easy to change, and the wrapped paper design exposes new grit as the cones wear down. Also known as Guge sanding cones as Bob Guge uses and demonstrates them in his classes.
Razertip Cushion Sanders

Razertip Cushion Sanders. Cut your sanding time in half or less! These sanders use cloth-backed sand-paper and give a super smooth finish. Intended for finish sanding - not designed as a carving tool. Supplied with paper, key and a spare foam pad, ready to go.
Ceramic Sanding Bands

3M's patented Cubitron™ ceramic aluminum oxide mineral sharpens itself with use, for an abrasive band that lasts 2 to 4 times longer than traditional bands. They provide faster stock removal with less heating and loading. Available in packs of 10 bands; 60, 80, 120, or 220 grit.
Scotchbrite™ Radial Bristle Discs

Scotchbrite™ Radial Bristle Discs are perfect for fine smoothing and polishing almost any material. Flexible plastic discs with embedded abrasive follow contours and smooth gently. Properly used, they will outlast most other abrasives. Great for de-fuzzing most woods as well as for polishing harder woods and metals.
Polishing Abrasives

Ceramic Polishing Wheels, 7/8" x 1/8" thick with 1/16" center holes, uses ceramic grit in a rubber-bonded abrasive. Available in various grits; fine (500 grit), medium (320 grit), medium coarse (180 grit) and coarse (120 grit) for metal reduction and de-burring and 1 each of super fine (1500 grit) and extra fine (1500 grit) Helpful for sharpening small edge tools as well.

Foredom 5300 Bench-Mount Woodcarving Kit

Foredom's most popular motor is now available as a bench-mount kit. This kit includes a 1/6HP SR reversible motor mounted on a speed-control base, #44T handpiece, 3 collets and a 12-piece woodcarvers accessory kit. Free DVD.

Razertip Cushion Sanders

Cut your sanding time in half or less! These sanders use cloth-backed sand-paper and give a super smooth finish. Intended for finish sanding.

Carving Supplies Catalogue

Download our latest Carving Supplies Catalogue #19.