Oscillating Tools
Pumpkin carving can be less of a chore by tackling it with your power tools. Nothing can replace the finesse needed to carve pumpkins but for some of the tougher jobs or larger pumpkins, a little 12 or 18 volt power can make the job go much faster.
Here are five power tools that can help you with your pumpkin carving.
1. Jigsaw
The jigsaw (shown above) is the perfect tool for cutting the tops off a pumpkin. Just plunge the blade straight into the pumpkin and go for it. We found that turning the pumpkin around the saw instead of moving the saw, works much better.
2. Oscillating Tool
There is a reason this is the fastest growing power tool category. Oscillating tools can do everything and that's no exception when it comes to pumpkin carving. Place a cutting blade on it and you can trim a stem or cut out eyes. Use a circular blade and cut tops out or carve eyebrows. The scraper is perfect for removing the pumpkin guts from the top giving you a smooth surface. You could even use the sander attachment and create some interesting textures on the pumpkin surface. You're only limited by your imagination with this tool.
3. Mini-recip Saw
Our Milwaukee Hackzall is a down-sized version of the popular Sawzall recip-saw which makes it ideal for slicing up a pumpkin. It's grip and size will dice up a pumpkin like butter.
The joy of oscillating multi-tools is that you've got about 20 tools in 1. Various attachments that allow you to cut, scrape, sand, grout and grind can be used on most oscillating tools. Changing out the attachments isn't very hard and most manufacturers include an allen wrench to help.
Simply take the allen wrench and use it to remove the bolt at the bottom of the attachment or head. Sometimes an adapter will already be on so if it falls off when you remove the bolt make sure you save it. If you are using attachments from a different manufacturer you'll have to use an adapter.
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We just reviewed the Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool and fortunately we also had a full-set of Bosch oscillating multi-tool attachments to test it with as the Dremel was scarce on included attachments.
Bosch has their own line of 12V oscillating tools and an entire lineup of cutting, sanding and scraping attachments. The best part is, these attachments can also be used on other oscillating multi-tools such as Fein and Dremel. You simply need to bolt on the adapter and then place your new attachment and you are good to go.
We were very impressed with the entire Bosch lineup. The blades all felt strong and performed admirably. We used them to cut through a truck bed lining and it went through it like a hot knife to butter. It was amazing.
We're super fans of oscillating tools and when we had the opportunity to review the Dremel Multi-Max we jumped at the chance.
Hits: Variable speed and power
Misses: Not enough attachments included
Uses: Cutting, Sanding, Grinding
As with the previous oscillating tools we've reviewed, the Multi-Max performs in a similar way. You bolt on various attachments according to your needs and away you go. These are great for cutting in, grinding, and sanding.
Features
We liked the variable speed trigger that is similar to the Dremel Trio and the battery life indicator is also a nice touch. The unit feels solid and if you've got other Dremel tools you can swap in the batteries and keep on going.
It comes in a hard case and the tool is offered in a cord and cordless version. We only tested the cordless and they both max out at 21,000 opm but the cordless variable speed starts at 3,000 where the corded starts at 10,000. The cordless gives you a bit more flexibility on the low-end but if you're seeking all-day performance you should consider the corded version.
The set of included attachments was not very extensive and just like most Dremel tools they really shine once you realize their versatility. Fortunately we had a set of Bosch oscillating tool attachments to test which we'll share in the next article.
