Gourd carving tools are numerous and can get expensive. To carve a gourd, you will need a Dremel, or micro carver, and a variety of bits and burrs. In this review I will share what most gourd artists are buying and tell you why.
To carve a gourd takes time and durable gourd carving tools
Carving a gourd has the unique ability to move you from just a decorator of the gourds to an artist who can organically change the gourd structure and allow it to become an art sculpture. But without a doubt, it is one of the most difficult skills to learn in gourd art.
In the end, this skill is an effective way to create an impressive art piece that can bring big prices and ribbons at competitions and galleries. Carving is a powerful skill to have!
Tools we use to carve a gourd
Each skill needs time and patience to master and it is to the beginner’s advantage that they go slow and learn each process correctly. Let’s take a closer look at the tools first.
Most gourd artists use a Dremel or a Micro carver. Something with controllable high speed, and durability. In addition, you should have the ability to add many different accessories to the tool you select.
The Dremel is recognized as the “workhorse” for gourd carvers.
Dremels are great for thick gourds and cleaning large areas of skin. Readily available in “box stores” they come with more accessories than you will need, so keep your focus on bits and burrs for woodworking. Undeniably, the best thing about a dremel is its ability to work in metals and surfaces found around the house. Also, keep in mind that power is the quality we are looking for.
The most popular recent Dremel is the Dremel 4000
I would recommend the 3000 and the 4000. The 4000 is a better option since it offers a better grip and more control over speed. The Dremel 4000 comes with a dedicated on/off toggle switch. This solves two problems.
Firstly, the new variable speed dial can be adjusted in the steps of 1000 RPM instead of the speed selector button. More importantly, with its separate ON/OFF switch design, the spindle lock button cannot be pushed down when the toggle switch is in the ON position.
Why is the Dremel 4000 the preferred gourd carving tool?
The 4000 is arguably better in terms of grip and handling. If you have a sensitive wrist or simply want a little better control, the 4000 is your choice. On the otherhand, if you are looking for a cordless model, you should see Dremel 8220.
Watch a video review of this tool.
Consider the Flex Shaft
Most gourd artists prefer using the Flex shaft attachment which you can buy separately for around $35 .
Both of these Dremels tools are available on Amazon and Home Depot.
Keep an eye out at the woodworking shops for sales during the holidays.
Or you can buy a kit with it included.
Dremel 4000-2/30 Rotary Tool Kit with 160-Piece Accessory Kit and Flex Shaft Attachment 418 at $125.00
Most gourd carvers own a type of Micro Carver
The Micro Carver is the most popular brand to buy. Actually, this gourd carving tool runs at such high speeds, that it outperforms the Dremel in detail work! Carving waves, flowers, and animals into the flesh of the gourd is where these carvers shine. But at a price. They range from $160 to $800. And the prices change, so you should do your research and decide on a tool and watch for price cuts, especially around holidays
Important Parts of a Micro carver
This gourd carving tool has two parts, the handle, and the power box. The cheaper Chinese models have plastic parts and will not last. Pay for quality and be happier!
Look for the brush
Inside, near the motor, is a section called the “brush” which is a plastic or metal square that keeps the shaft moving. They need to be replaced about once a year.
Instead, consider the a “brushless” version. That means it has no brush and this motor section is permanently encased in metal. This prevents the handle from vibrating and cuts down on the noise.
The Handle Matters
More importantly, look at the handle. This is the part that will determine if you like it. Hold it in your hand. Is it comfortable? Can you easily move it around? Turn it on and see how much it vibrates. Can you stand the noise? How heavy is the cord?
Fortunately, you can buy the box and the handle separately so keep that in mind as you look around or just go ahead and buy a kit with the box, handle, foot pad, and bits.!
Why buy two hand pieces for this gourd carving tool?
Master carvers oftentimes buy two handles. Most burrs and bits come in two shaft sizes, so they keep a different size collet in each handle. More about this topic later.
What Should You Buy?
I will begin with the brands I see most often at gourd classes. One is sold by Welborn Farms and the other place I like to buy carving supplies is Mountain WoodCarvers. both are family businesses and often attend and support gourd festivals here in the United States. By the way, both are very friendly and helpful.
Welburn Farms is selling the
MICRO-PROTM CHAMPION DELUXE SET. $289.95
The new Micro-Pro Champion features an 11% increase in torque (power). With higher torque and speed up to 46,000 rpm. The Micro-Pro has the power, and speed you want. For better control, power flows to the handpiece by a 6’ flexible cord. The dial varies speed from 0 to 46,000 RPM!
The control box features a dial speed control knob, lighted power indicator, on/off switch, overload protection, 6-burr storage holes, 110/220 Volt selector, and a forward / reverse switch which directs chips away from you and reduces grain effects.
Mountain Woodcarvers have one with a foot pedal.
MicroPro™ Champion DELUXE SET
269.95
This High-speed (0-46,000 RPM) Detail Carver is by Mastercarver®. Simply rotate the blue turn-ring for instant burr and bit and accessory changes. It has a selectable forward/reverse rotation and; variable speed up to 46,000 RPM.
The tool will accept 1/8″ (3.15mm), 3/32″(2.3mm), and 1/16″ (1.6mm) shanks. The set includes an on/off foot pedal and a variable speed power supply, 8- Diamond Burrs, and 3-Collets/Adapters.
In addition, it has both a tabletop and box-mounted handpiece holder. it also has long-life motor brushes, instructions, and 1-year warranty.
Or look at their Marathon 3 Champion Set – Micro Motor
At $170. No foot petal
They also carry the Foredom Woodcarver kit at $360 which is the top of the line for professional gourd carvers.
The Ram Micro Carving tools for gourd art
Many gourd artists are finding the Ram Brand of gourd carving tools. The advantages are less vibration and less noise. Here are two popular ones to look at.
Ram Mystisa Pocket Ram Mystisa Pocket Carver Set $269.95 Hummel Carving Company
Take note, if you work outside or like to travel for classes, then follow other gourd artists who praise this tool.
Have Carver-Will Travel!
You can carve anywhere with this portable cordless power carver for 5-7 hours on a full charge. Take it camping, classes, and even to your gourd patch classes. This Ram Mystisa Pocket Carver Set comes with five-star ratings. Made for light work and polishing. Ram Mystisa Pocket Carver Set features include 0-30,000 RPM., and 24 Watts.
Plus, it is a sealed unit with a Forward & Reverse switch. The set comes with Handpiece Controller. Charger. Pouch & Handpiece Stand. Standard 3/32″ Collet.
$179.95
The RAM iCube Micromotor offers the same new and improved technology as the larger models, but at a lower cost. Best of all, it is small and easy to store and pack. You’ll enjoy the variable speed dial control with a digital readout for precise speed control. The Icube is ideal for light work such as finishing up woodcarvings, gourd carving, plastics, and even light metal and stone work.
Lots of power in a little case!
The RAM ICube Micromotor features 0-45,000 RPM., and 50 watts of power. Additionally, it has a standby mode and LED functions and display, plus a and Forward and Reverse. It comes with a Hand Or Foot Control (foot control sold separately) and touch panel buttons for durability with safety overload protection. On the box is a 7 Piece Burr storage on top and a right side hand piece Holder.
The Set Includes: Control Box With Digital Display,45,000 RPM Handpiece.3/32″ & 1/8″ Collets.Handpiece Cradle.Collet Wrench. Spare Motor Brushes.
Now for the top of the line models
What the Master Gourd Carvers Use
Here are the gourd carving tools for gourd artists that spend most of their time carving. Those willing to spend long hours holding the high-speed handpiece and wanting to work effortlessly on a technique they know well. Unquestionably, these models will tolerate a heavy hand and precision carving. Those who own them praise them highly.
My grandfather once told me, that the better the tool, the easier the hand work. I think that applies here. So if you can afford one, makeone of these your final buy when you know you love carving gourds!
$474.95
The Hand Piece
The handpiece is slim (11/16″ Diameter and 6″ long with a flexible coiled cord. The handle also has a security lock and runs very quietly and smoothly. Its sealed rear motor eliminates dust. The handle piece weighs 3.43 pounds and has 7.2Ncm of Torque with up to 50,000 rpm which is 3 times that of other brush-type units.
This one is on the “wish list” of many gourd artists!
This Is a heavy-duty bearing and spindle design. The model features high torque and pure power and effortless performance. The brushless motor is sealed which eliminates noise and vibrations by utilizing a magnet motor shaft in a sealed motor case exuding massive power.
The BP50 Includes an Input of 110V. Output: DC 0-36V. A maximum Amp: of 0.35A. It has 50 watts of power and speeds from 1,000-50,000 rpm. Also, an LED Display and a Speed Dial to limit top speeds. Plus, the variable foot pedal adjusts the speed with your feet by adjusting foot pressure on the control. The set comes with a 1/8″ collet and 3/32″ adapter. Plus, a Forward & Reverse switch.
MSRP: $435.71
$399.95
This top-end tool runs up to 38,000 RPM for fine detailing. Includes MH-170 Micromotor Handpiece with 1/8″, HP4-917. Controlled with switches on the front for ON-OFF, Forward-Reverse, and Manual or Foot Speed Control, HP4-960 Foot Control, HP4-933 Handpiece Cradle, Spare Motor Brushes, Spare Fuse, Collet changing wrench.
What I like and Don’t like
Beaware, the collet changing is not a quick change procedure. Also, the Control has a selector switch for 115 or 230 volts. Along with a quick-release rotary chuck on the handpiece to change burs.
MH-170 High-Speed Rotary Handpiece 6.2″ overall length, 5/8″ grip diameter, 1″ motor diameter 7.3 oz Quick release rotary chuck, permanently lubricated.
Buying Burrs and Bits for your Gourd Carving Tools
In power carving, the burr or bit is the part of the tool that does the actual wood removal. Power carving bits go by names such as burrs, cutters, carvers, stones, and discs. Namely, the larger the head, the more wood it will remove. Larger bits are generally used for roughing out a piece and smaller bits are used to add details. Coarse bits work best at slower rpm and finer bits work best at higher rpm.
Many of the shapes have very specific purposes, but we tend to use the ball, cylinder, flame, and pear-shaped bits the most.
What do the experts look for in a carving tool?
Popular Power carver artist, Jack Kochan , asks himself the following questions to help determine which bit to choose:
- How fast do I want to remove wood?
- How much wood do I want to remove?
- How smooth do I want the wood to be when I finish this section?
- What size bit is best suited for the area I want to carve?
Therefore, when buying bits and burrs, you must keep yourself in reign because there are thousands of them! But remember you are looking for woodworking bits and burrs. Welborn has a few that are specific to gourds, so check them out on their site.
What Type do You buy?
The shaft fits into a collet, so the shank size must be your collet size.
Be aware, if you find a machine that takes a smaller shaft, then you know the tool is for nail technicians and not for gourd carving! Prices of bits vary with the metal used. Most gourd artists will steer you to the carbide burrs and bits. The carbide bits are more durable and will last you for a while. Likewise, the carbide bit is great at cutting, it allows you to do both bulk cutting and more precise cutting as well.
Help from a master carver
Two sources of good information
All the different types of Dremel carving bits. Back to the basics with this video.
If you are new to the world of Dremel rotary tools and are unsure of how to change out bits, don’t worry, I have you covered. Check out this post for help from Fine Power Tools.
Master Gourd Carver Advice and Help
I am not a carver, but I do know one of our master gourd carvers, Bonnie Gibson. If you truly want to learn to carve, then you need to check her work, her classes, and her tutorial out. As an advanced carver, she uses the Saburr brand.
“The Saburr Tooth brand structured tooth burs are my favorite carving burs because they have fast cutting teeth to remove a lot of material quickly. You find and buy her favorite burrs on her website”
She will also show you the burrs she has used and where she has used them. Indeed, new users will find good advice on her burr page. She also offers a tutorial on burrs. You don’t have to have the best to start with, but if you end up spending time carving, it is best to buy the most durable tools.
Here is a great tip from her on cleaning your burrs
“The easiest way to clean all types of burs is to get a small jar (baby food size is fine) and fill it with enough acetone to cover the bur cutting heads. Let the burs soak for a while, the acetone won’t hurt them. This will loosen the resins that are clogging the cutting surfaces.
After the burs are removed from the acetone, simply scrub them off with a toothbrush-shaped brass brush. This should eliminate the majority of the debris. You can resubmerge and repeat if necessary.
Master Woodcarvers offer two of their best choices
Many like the Kutzall brand.
Especially the Kutzall Extreme Flame Rotary Burr, 1⁄8″ shaft. Fits Dremel and most carvers. Most say it is great for shaping contours and is incredibly durable. Made with Tungsten Carbide Teeth. It offers hybrid performance – rapid material removal and surface quality. Around $20 on Amazon
If you want the best, look at ruby burrs. They have ruby particles adhered to a steel surface that retain their sharpness and are non-plugging. They are on Amazon at about $20.
Other Gourd Carving Resources
Mountain Woodcarvers have several pages of bits to help you compare to Welburn.
Another master gourd artist with videos is Ken Poole.
Watch his preview of Beginning Gourd Carving
In conclusion, the carver is one of the most expensive tools you will buy. Just assume you will buy more than one. Start with the best one you can afford. Then if you fall in love with carving, sell some gourds and then buy yourself the one you love.
Ask Questions
Ask around about the bits and burrs you see other gourd artists using and ask them why they like them. Also, many of the burrs, if the right shaft size, will work in both the micro carver and the Dremel. Keep in mind, prices are all over the place, so figure out which machine you want and shop around. Even a second-hand machine is a good option. Also, these are popular at holiday times so check the woodworking stores and websites.
What tips and tool preferences can you give to our beginners?
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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Thank you for this incredible comprehensive info.
Thank you so much for the information. I’m new to gourd art and your blog is the best I’ve found to guide me. The info you provide is clear and concise. I especially like that you provide other sources that we can refer to. I will certainly be a regular follower of your blog.
wow this is all great information to know for beginners and experienced artist. I bought my gourd master carver and burnmaster wood burner off another artist that could no longer do gourds. However they are wearing out. So some of this advice is good to know. And my husband lets me buy what I want. Wow.