Pumpkin carving tools

A few years ago, my wife and I had the kids over for a pumpkin carving
party. Even though they are in the 20s and 30s, they really got into
it. It has now become an annual event and is getting more and more
elaborate.

The last 2 years, they have started downloading very complicated
patterns. This year it was clear to me that we have reached the limit
for the little plastic tools that come in the carving pattern
packages.

A couple of online pumpkin websites made reference to carving tools,
but none sold any. I was hoping that maybe the folks that hang out
here could give me some help on were to go and what to buy.

As you probably know, the pumkpin patterns these days are 3-color
designs: (1) cut all the way through, (2) shave just the skin, and (3)
intact. The cutters supplied with the kits are OK, but a little
flimsy. The scrapers are really inadequate.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1. Scrapers/shavers. Where can I get a set of decent carving/scraping
tools and which ones do I need? The trick is to shave of the outer
skin while staying inside the lines. I would think I would need a very
fine tool for the edges plus a wider one for the larger spaces.
Anything else?

2. Cutters. What should I get to replace the little scroll saws that
come in the kits? Do craft stores carry higher quality saws that will
leave a sharper edge?

3. Power tools. I have seen reference to a kit by Dremel specifically
for Halloween. It seems to be out of stock everywhere that I looked.
But I would think that their regular mini cordless would be just as
good (or better), but what bits do I need? I think they make cutters
that look like drill bits as well as various types of shaving bits.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks



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On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 09:53:24 -0800, (George G)
wrote:

Hi Top Spin - This might help - George
www.pumpkin-carving.com

That's pretty good. Have you used any of the tools recommended? Have
you tried or seen the Xacto kit?

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You've already mentioned dremel tools, so my only suggestion is looking into
specialized hand wood-working tools geared for intricate work.
~Peggy

"Top Spin" wrote in message
...
A few years ago, my wife and I had the kids over for a pumpkin carving
party. Even though they are in the 20s and 30s, they really got into
it. It has now become an annual event and is getting more and more
elaborate.

The last 2 years, they have started downloading very complicated
patterns. This year it was clear to me that we have reached the limit
for the little plastic tools that come in the carving pattern
packages.

A couple of online pumpkin websites made reference to carving tools,
but none sold any. I was hoping that maybe the folks that hang out
here could give me some help on were to go and what to buy.

As you probably know, the pumkpin patterns these days are 3-color
designs: (1) cut all the way through, (2) shave just the skin, and (3)
intact. The cutters supplied with the kits are OK, but a little
flimsy. The scrapers are really inadequate.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1. Scrapers/shavers. Where can I get a set of decent carving/scraping
tools and which ones do I need? The trick is to shave of the outer
skin while staying inside the lines. I would think I would need a very
fine tool for the edges plus a wider one for the larger spaces.
Anything else?

2. Cutters. What should I get to replace the little scroll saws that
come in the kits? Do craft stores carry higher quality saws that will
leave a sharper edge?

3. Power tools. I have seen reference to a kit by Dremel specifically
for Halloween. It seems to be out of stock everywhere that I looked.
But I would think that their regular mini cordless would be just as
good (or better), but what bits do I need? I think they make cutters
that look like drill bits as well as various types of shaving bits.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks



--
For email, use Usenet-20031220 at spamex.com

On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 16:12:10 -0900, "Peggy"
wrote:

You've already mentioned dremel tools, so my only suggestion is looking into
specialized hand wood-working tools geared for intricate work.
~Peggy

Have you used a Dremel on a pumpkin? Which bits did you find most
useful?

Thanks

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For email, use Usenet-20031220 at spamex.com

sorry, I haven't. I was just thinking what wood carvers and ivory carvers
use and dremel came to mind.
~Peggy

"Top Spin" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 1 Nov 2004 16:12:10 -0900, "Peggy"
wrote:

You've already mentioned dremel tools, so my only suggestion is looking
into
specialized hand wood-working tools geared for intricate work.
~Peggy

Have you used a Dremel on a pumpkin? Which bits did you find most
useful?

Thanks

--
For email, use Usenet-20031220 at spamex.com

On Mon, 01 Nov 2004 06:01:43 -0800, Top Spin
wrote:

3. Power tools.

I use a plasma cutter. But then my "pumpkins" are steel.

http://codesmiths.com/shed/heads/eric_ernie.htm