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by
Marilyn and Elizabeth Roy 
An Angle Grinder in Use, Photo Courtesy of Image by Stefan Vögeli from Pixabay
Table of Content
What is Power Woodcarving?
Buyer's Guide for Woodcarving Angle Grinders
FAQs
With an angle grinder, you can create delicate lines while getting more projects done more quickly. Whether you want to create sculptures, artistic pieces, or everyday items, you can do it with an angle grinder. You just need to know what features contribute to the best angle grinder for woodcarving.
What is Power Woodcarving?
When you think of wood carving, you may think of a chisel and mallet. Wood carving uses tools such as chisels or hand-held wood carving grinders to cut a design in wood. Now, though, many people have discovered power wood carving with angle grinders. The finished product can be a sculpture or molding. Since wood is light, you can create fine details. You can carve a design into your project or cut around the design to create a raised surface. You can use either softwood or hardwood. Softwoods are easier to carve, but hardwoods provide more luster and durability. Wood also features a grain that provides strength, so carve delicate lines with the grain.
Buyer's Guide for Woodcarving Angle Grinders
For wood carving, you need a compact angle grinder weighing five pounds or less. A 115-millimeter (4.5-inch) angle grinder is the best size. You'll need three types of discs. For carving, you need abrasive carving discs and carving wheels. To finish your project, you need abrasive flap discs. You'll want features that make the angle grinder comfortable to use, such as an adjustable handle and safety features such as paddle switches. A variable speed angle grinder will provide better control, and a dust management system will prolong the life of your angle grinder for wood carving. Read our guide to learn about these features. Return to Top 
How to Choose the Most Compatible Angle Grinder for Woodcarving
Not all angle grinders adapt well to wood carving. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll find an angle grinder that enables you to complete high quality projects with ease.
Motor Power
The motor on an angle grinder can start at 6 amps and range between 5,000 and 12,000 RPMs. You'll need the power to perform some tasks. However, when using an angle grinder for woodworking, you may want more control.
Disc Size
A smaller and lighter weight angle grinder makes carving fine detail easier. 115-millimeter (4.5-inch) angle grinders are recommended for woodcarving. This small size makes your angle grinder easier to handle as you carve delicate lines and do other work. However, with the proper disc, these angle grinders provide the power you need to cut burls. The lighter weight also is more comfortable, making it easier for you to work longer on your project. Return to Top
Variable Speed
A variable speed angle grinder is your best choice for wood carving. You'll be able to choose the speed that best fits the various tasks you'll perform when completing a project -- cutting wood, carving, and, finally, sanding. Using a lower speed for more control over delicate details and a higher speed when you need more power for heavy-duty work.
Durability and Construction
You want a wood carving grinder that is durable and well-constructed so that it can handle heavy-duty use. However, while metal casings may be more durable, they add weight that can cause your hand and arm to tire more quickly. Look for a wood carving angle grinder that combines solid construction and a weight that's comfortable for you to lift and support .
Weight
An angle grinder for wood carving should be under five pounds so that your hand tires less as you are shaping your project. Remember that, as mentioned above, metal casings add weight to an angle grinder for woodworking. Return to Top
Motor Brushes
Corded electric angle grinders have brushes in the motor. On many models, if these brushes need replacement, the angle grinder quits running.
Dust Management
When you are using an angle grinder for wood carving, you will be creating dist. Your angle grinder should be sealed well and have a dust management system that keeps the dust away from the motor to prolong the life of your angle grinder. You should also clean your angle grinder to remove dust and debris.
Comfort
Adjustable handles help provide a comfortable position for you as you work on your project. They also give you more control. Return to Top
Price and Warranty
Every feature added to an angle grinder for wood carving does increase the price. However, an angle grinder is a long-term purchase, so consider the value of features over the long term before you pass on them to save money now. The warranty offered is also a feature you should consider. It provides an extra value to your angle grinder for wood carving. So, you should compare warranties and select the best one. Additional Features
Spindle Lock
A spindle lock allows you to quickly and easily change from a wood carving disc to a sanding disc.
Soft Start
Soft start controls the start up speed of the angle grinder. Angle grinders with soft start features start slowly. Then, the speed gradually increases. Soft start reduces the chance of a kickback that could result in injury.
Vibration Control
A wood carving angle grinder with vibration absorbent or cushioned material on the grip prevents long-term injury, so you can continue to enjoy carving with the angle grinder. Return to Top
Choosing Accessories
Abrasive Flap Discs Abrasive flap discs are pieces of sandpaper secured to an angle grinder wood carving attachment. Depending on the stiffness of the disc and the abrasive material used, they will work on both metal and wood. Always start with a coarser abrasive material grind, progress to increasingly finer abrasive materials, and finish with a very fine grind. Abrasive Carving Discs An abrasive carving disc has conical carbide teeth attached to it. This blade offers control and removes surface material to reveal your design. You can work with or against the grain of the wood. Use this blade when you're creating wooden sculptures or decorative furniture. Carving Wheels A carving wheel includes heavy steel or alloy teeth similar to those on a chainsaw. Carving wheels are designed for wood, not metal. Wire Brushes Wire brushes allow you to add texture to wood. All of the above features and accessories make an angle grinder more compatible with your wood carving hobby. They'll add to your enjoyment and your ability to produce beautiful work. Return to Top
A Guide to Woodcarving with Angle Grinders
Wood carving angle grinders enable woodworkers to carve, shape, and sand their pojects with one tool. You'll be your project.
Choosing Your Wood
Determine whether you want softwood or hardwood. Softwoods are less durable, so only use them for items that will get little or no use. Hardwoods can be used for items that are used frequently. Woods with burls will add character to your work but are harder to carve.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Food-safe finishes include linseed, walnut, or tung oils. Return to Top
Safety
Paddle controllers require constant pressure. If you release the paddle controllers, the angle grinder will shut off immediately, preventing possible injury. A movable handguard allows its position to be changed as you change positions. Wear PPE, such as goggles, a face mask, a face shield, ear plugs, and gloves. Replace worn discs. Keep extra discs on hand. Make sure the discs are attached tightly before starting to work. Use the proper discs for the task you are doing. Return to Top
FAQs
Can you use an angle grinder to cut wood? Yes, carving and cutting wood with angle grinder is much faster and provides more control over the lines you want. A wood grinding angle grinder also makes it easier to work across the grain. With a wood carving grinder, you can just attach a sanding disc and finish your carved work. Can you use a flap disc on wood? Yes, an abrasive flap disc made of pieces of sandpaper attached to a wood carving angle grinder disc can be used on metal or wood depending on the stiffness and abrasive material. You should start with a coarser grind and finish with a finer grind. What is a paddle switch on an angle grinder? A paddle switch on an angle grinder for wood carving is a safety feature. Instead of a switch that locks the grinder into on mode, the paddle switch requires you to hold the switch down for the wood carving angle grinder to continue to operate. If you drop the wood carving grinder, it will shut off to prevent you from being injured. Return to Top
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