Fall 2023 Showcase: Arbortech Power Carving Unit

Power carving is such a blast! It’s so different from the “flat work” you’re probably accustomed to as a woodworker. You don’t, as a rule, work with set dimensions. You let the wood you’re working with dictate the direction you’ll take the project.

Combine Arbortech’s Power Carving Unit with their Precision Carving System, throw in the Turbo Plane for good measure, and the door is open to many different possibilities. Like carving a river into a slab of wood so you can create a custom river table.

Quarter sawn white oak was used for this project, so seasonal movement under the epoxy pour won’t be an issue. Start with the Turbo Plane to remove the bulk of the material. Then switch to the Precision Carving System to add details. Keep in mind that, if you want to, you can use a variety of sanders on the Power Carving Unit to smooth the surface out. I like the facets that were left behind by the carvers.

Power carving has a chance to bring a whole new dimension to your woodworking. Give it a try, and let your creative juices flow.