Electric Tooling

[doc45]

I was looking at YouTube last night for any new ideas and/or tips and I saw a fellow using an electric tooling machine. It was about the size of a rotary tool but instead of spinning the tool, it used hammer strokes. Like a mini jack hammer.

I thought 'this is cool' an needs more investigation. After searching the net for about an hour, I gave up. So, my question is to all of you, have you ever seen anything like this? What is the tool called? Who makes it? The YouTube video is called "Fast Carving". The fellow is doing a Eagle.

Thanks in advance, Dale.

[TwinOaks]

That looks to be an electric engraver of some sort, with a purpose built beveling tool. I don't see that the tip is interchangeable with anything else. Also, in the comments section someone pointed out that the leather wasn't cut....just beveled. Toss in the eventual nerve damage caused by having a vibrating tool in your hand and having only your hand pressure to get any depth, and it looks like a solution in search of a problem. Not that long ago, there was another video where a guy had modified a needle scaler (air tool) to do pretty much the same thing.

Yes, for a certain market like people with only one working hand or some other similar disability, it could have some merit. Or perhaps it would be a good tool for running long lines. But if you notice, the operator makes the outline, then has to go back over it to get any burnish in the tooling. Even with just a plain ol' wood mallet, I get that depth on a single blow. So while I'm only moving at 1/3 -1/2 that speed...or less...I'm only having to follow the pattern once. The operator is also using a beveler where a small pear shader should be used (nostril).

I'm not saying that there shouldn't be ANY innovation in the leather tools dept., I just thing that any innovations need to be able to improve on the current tools.

A very good example of this is the Tangleboss swivel knife. It's a new take on an old idea, and does have potential. But I see some places where the traditional knife is still going to out perform it. Is it a bad idea? NOT AT ALL. For most things, it will perform as well or better than the traditional knife...but then, that's just my opinion.

Anyway, back to the engraver tool thingy....It looks like a neat addition to speed things up, in a limited manner. I don't think it will replace traditional tools, and I can see the potential for making some mistakes with it. An old adage seems appropriate here: " Don't learn the tricks of the trade....learn the trade."

[Chief31794]

I think this is something akin to embossing, it's not art or craft. My Dad was a cabinet maker and when I would ask why he cut dovetail joints with a chisel instead of a jig and he mortise and tennon instead of biscuit joints, his comment (after he gave me a disapproving look over his glasses), was always, "A craftsman makes things with his hands, any fool can run a power tool." Now I use more modern equipment than he did, but I still think putting the tooling marks on the leather should be done by hand. JMHO.

Chief

[immiketoo]

I just had this conversation with my mentor yesterday. I told him that I believed that leather hasn't changed in hundreds of years, and that the techniques for working with it shouldn't either. It just seems to me that there is a RIGHT way of doing things and then there are cheats or shortcuts. Now, the reason things developed the way they did is because leather workers used what was available at the time, and perhaps had electric engravers been available we'd all be using them instead.

An exception to this is dyes and the application of them. I have little interest in making vinegroon and I am very fond of my airbrush. I suppose the same argument against using it could be applied as with the engraver, except that there is a tangible benefit and I believe it improves the craft, whereas the engraver doesn't seem to.

Odd, I just argued for AND against my own argument. I must need sleep...

[Studio-N]

It is probably made with a recipricating carver as used in woodworking. I made one 10 years ago and used it in classes as as demo.

The one I saw was made for a one armed leather worker. Unfortunately, 10 years of killing brain cells I don't remember the

source article. Much like the teflon easy beveler, it is only useful in long straight lines.

[Jwalker]

its called the Power Mallet...developed by a real nice fella...its a pricey rig but looks worthy

[HellfireJack]

I believe every tool has it's use. The Power Mallet would be a good tool for someone not able to properly wield a mallet or someone who simply wanted to work faster.

I could also see someone more comfortable with dremel use having an easier time with one as opposed to a regular mallet.

[doc45]

Thanks for the input. I'm kind of a tool junkie and thought the tool was neat but I could see how it would help you to screw up really fast. Like others have said, I didn't see any other tool heads so I think it's use might be limited. Still, it still looks like a cool tool.

[REDTAILHAWK]

HELLO,

I PICKED UP SOMETHING SIMILAR FROM AN EBAY AUCTION. IT IS A LOT OLDER ONE THAN IN THE VIDEO. BUT LOOKS LIKE IT WORKS THE SAME. IT WAS CALLED A BURGESS VIBRO-TOOL. IT WAS ACTUALLY SOLD FOR LEATHER CARVING, WOODWORKING, AND METAL WORKING.

[equiss]

I was able to see Mr. Maxwell demo this tool at the Pendleton leather show. I placed an order but unfortunately had to cancel it due to family circumstances; but the tool is amazing. I have bursitis and carple tunnel in my hand, and I watched him work for over 1/2 hour. It was amazing. NOt only would it definately I believe help me, and help my pain issues...I will be getting one sooner or later.