using power tool for building

[Turtle]

  I have arm/tendon/shoulder problems that make it difficult to build the way I used to with files/rasps ect. Any suggestions on power  tools to buy and how to use them for stock shaping and finishing and metal smoothing and polishing?
                                     Thanks,Rich

[retired fella]

Be careful.  A good rasp gives you much more control.

[L. Akers]

Look at Foredom flex shaft tools.  They may help you out.  I'd also look at a speed control device for more control.

[bob in the woods]

Just a word of caution.  If you do go the power tool route, make sure you use an anti vibration glove, or you could end up with a lot worse problem than what you have now .  Long term hand held power tool use can really cause trouble.

[Clowdis]

I have used a Dremel tool with router attachment for routing out the internals for locks. I also use a Foredom handpiece for polishing castings and other metal parts, but I have never found a power tool outside of a duplicator for shaping the outside of a stock. You almost have to use a file or rasp and sandpaper for doing this job.

[dogcatcher]

Spend some time looking at how pipemakers shape their pipes using sanding discs.  A word of caution, a 36 grit disc spinning at 1000 RPM removes a lot of wood very fast.  It can also remove a lot of skin and neat a lot faster.   

[Mark Elliott]

I have similar problems that have reduced my work considerably.   That said,  I don't think there is a good way to form the planes of a properly architected longrifle stock without rasps and planes.   The only exception would be beyond the home woodworker; a numerically controlled router.   I think you are just going to have to live with doing less.  

[Turtle]

 I have started using a foredom tool for lock and other inlets till i'm almost there. I also use it for some polishing. I also use a power planer to get close to the forearm and lock/sideplate panel thickness I want. I really don't like it,but still want to build. Any other thoughts?
                                                             Thanks, Rich

[kaintuck]

barrel channels can be routed, make and use guides.
stock shaping can use a 36grit disc wheel....
the final areas will need some scrapers/planes/gouges im afraid tho......

marc n tomtom

[Turtle]

 OK so far I got a small belt sander which helped a lot polishing lock, triggerguard,  buttplate. Also got a good jig saw and used it to cut the rough curve for the butplate. I plan to carefully use it to thin the forstock.
  "life's waht you make of it, if it doesn't fit you make adjustments.
                                                         Rich

[EC121]

I got a little handheld knife sharpener/belt sander for Xmas the is really handy around the bench.  12in. belt about 3/4" wide.  With the knife sharpener part removed and the right belt it can be used for cleaning up the furniture or slow shaping of the wood.  Google WSKTS.

[Joe S.]

That little dremel tool can do some things,many little bits ect.that could be used in all sorts of ways.You get good enough with it and a steady hand pick the right bits you could do some shaping,roughing out of a stock.Keep in mind when power tools get away from you they tend to make a mess of things.The sanding attachments on the multi tool can help along with sanding down a stock after its roughed out.Nothing beats doing things by hand and sooner or later you must to get things as close to perfect as possible.Keep in mind I'm no expert in gun building but know my way around wood working tools and have in the past had to over come injury and adapt tools to suit my needs,trial and error.Seems some would shout blasfamy for using power tools for some tasks but when your health doesn't allow you to enjoy your hobbies you gotta do what you gotta do.