Anyone own a Weecher Power carver?

[Truefire]

I am in the market for a power carver and was considering the weecher brand. I was wondering if any of you own this particular brand or are familiar with their design in the chucking of the bits. If i understand correctly, the company that makes them designs the chucks in one of two ways, there is a collet chucking system and jacobs chucking system.

Can these systems be changed out on any of their designs?

What in your opinion would be the better means of chucking when it comes to power woodcarvers?

I plan on using mine for tedious, close quarter carving and am concerned about hand fatigue, etc;? I am thinking about the various weights about the two units. Really wanting something that doesn't cramp my hands too bad.

Any further suggestions in regards to other brands, other carvers, and the like are highly welcome. I am very familiar in regards to tooling in the arena of woodturning but not so in the realm of woodcarving.

so go easy guys..:gar-La;

Thanks, Chris

 

[decoycarver]

spend just alittle more money and get a foredom. i went through 2 weechers in one month.....never again.

 

[Truefire]

thanks but could someone expound from their experience in regards to the usage of the chucking system?

Chris

 

[Steve_Honeycutt]

Chris,

I do not know anything about a Weecher Power Carver, but I have owned a Foredom for 15+ years. I have had to replace the handpiece once and the flexible shaft a couple of times. Parts are still available and the customer service at Foredom is incredible. I have been very pleased with it. I am a hobbiest and the Foredom is not used daily. Also, they offer different size handpieces so finding one to meet your needs should not be a problem.

My Foredom uses a collet chucking system. This system works fine. The only difference that I see between the two chucking systems is the collet chucking system takes a little longer to change the bits if you are switching between shaft sizes.

Good luck in your quest.

Steve