Replies

1. 
   prashster | May 18, 2011 10:36am | #1

   I've used an angle grinder with a carbide "kutzall' wheel.  Looks like a spikey donut.  They're about $50.  Once you get the hang of it, it offers surprisingly great control.  They last a long time, too. 

   You can also get a plastic backing pad for most 4, 4 1/2" grinders that allows you to use "fiber" disc sandpaper.  Your big box stores will carry the pads for about $10, and the fiber discs in 24 and 40 grit for about $2.00/ea. 

   The fiber discs,by virtue of their sharp edge do not excel on concave curves; they will dig in.  The carbide wheel, on the other hand, by virtue of its donut shape, will excel at concave curves (not tight ones) but are a little aggressive to do convex curves without some practice.

   I've used both for chair making and shaping cabriole type legs.  Both work wonderfully.

   Oh yeah, I also advise getting a 4" angle grinder.  They are plenty powerful for carving and less fatiguing.