Arbortech Mini Carver Review (Powercarving Tool)

This is the Arbortech Mini Carver, which is their latest evolution of the Mini Grinder. I’m going to spoil the surprise and declare, in an absolute sea of power carving tools available these days, the Mini Carver stands out to me as the best all-in-one, start-to-finish tool for a beginner. But unlike most beginner tools, this isn’t something you grow out of and replace, but rather compliment it with other tools down the track.
So, what is it?
You'll have to watch to find out...
#powercarving #minicarver
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[@TheWoodKnight]

Frustrated that you didn't see more of the mini-carver in action? I have a still-to-be-edited project of creating a vase using (nearly) nothing but the mini-carver.
Read the review here thewoodknight.com/arbortech-mini-carver-review/
You can find out more information about the tool at www.arbortechtools.com/au/mini-carver/

[@shaileshmd71]

Finally someone with straight forward Integrity to describe pros and cons. Keep up, we will continue watching and applauding.

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

WOW! What a great presentation. Thanks Paul.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info Paul! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video mate greetings from Spain

[@rm709]

Really not sure why you don’t have way more subs Paul- great review mate!

[@TrailBoundco]

if I'm using the carbide burr do you think the King Arthur is better? it has less power but you said on the mini carver you use it at 4-5 power so not using the full power of it anyways? maybe better to have the lighter tool?

[@MultiTom1956]

Paul, first off , like the new look ( sherlock Holmes type😁) thank you for the review I do own the turbo planer plus the turbo shaft since last couple of months but have not tried it yet 😊 this I may buy as soon as I save the money required 😆. Thanks again for a great review.

[@TheWoodKnight]

I'm in desperate need of a haircut - the hat keeps it from getting in my eyes while in the workshop ;)

[@krtwood]

Great review! Interesting that you found the vibration on the original to be an issue, I never have. Did they make the power cord any longer? I don't know if it's the same since we have different plugs but it was 2 m before here. Merits of a long cord on this kind of tool are debatable since you probably need an extension cord anyway so the longer cord just makes it harder to put away. But I think it's the shortest cord on any tool that I have and really noticeable next to the 3 m cord on my angle grinder. Anyway you prompted me to check and it is available in the US now so I put in an order.

[@TheWoodKnight]

Thanks! The vibration issue on the mini grinder isn't *that* bad, but gloves make it non existent... but it is night and day difference. I think its more the absence of vibration in direct comparison makes it stand out more of an issue than it actually is, if that makes sense. I got the gloves mostly for the contour sander and for turbo plane. Well, for the turbo plane was more for chip deflection so I didn't end up with a red hand after carving ;)
The cord is identical to the mini-grinder, length and thickness of insulation. I agree with keeping-it-short-for-storage-because-no-length-would-be-right - the only way around that would really be a Festool style removable cord, and thats just unnecessary cost/low benefit.

[@TrailBoundco]

Trying to decide between this and the merlin2. I already have a big grinder for hogging out material. Just need something smaller for the harder to reach places, details and smaller projects. Thoughts on what to get?

[@TheWoodKnight]

I don't *really* see the advantage to the Merlin2 over this. It's lower power so you can more easily "one hand" hold it, but you'll get better stability from two hands with a device with a second handle, IMO!
Depending on *how* small you want to go, a Foredom (or a flex shaft for a Dremel) will let you add in even more detail with carving burrs.

[@cobberpete1]

Not on my to have list but nice to know.. I hope Nat is on the mend.

[@tubeisace]

Can this be used left handed?

[@nurgle11]

Just re cord pullout, I have one of these on most of my tool extension cords (mainly for outdoors) hpm.com.au/product/safety-cord-lock/ takes a couple of seconds more to plug in but saves a bit of drama (theres obviously better ones with IP water ingress ratings) , that been said the blades could be a bit thicker in the plug.

[@jimeejhedrick9307]

Difficult to understand the dialogue

[@hhasfjord6997]

I like your beard. Mine is grayer than yours. I also stay in fashion be keeping a few wood chips for effect in it. I also liked your vedio.

[@kennethhanes5438]

It’s a stupid cheap tool people really don’t understand how lucky they would be to get one for as cheap as they are most specialty tools from a name brand company that is made in Taiwan cheap would be from 450-500 let alone an Australian company that’s made in australia I’m buy the new kit just cause it’s cheap