As Halloween approaches, the annual tradition of pumpkin carving comes to mind. But this year, we decided to spice things up a bit and embrace the trend that has been sweeping the internet: using power tools to carve pumpkins. Armed with a pumpkin, an assortment of power tools, and a sprinkle of caution, we embarked on a thrilling and unconventional pumpkin carving adventure.
The trend of using power tools for pumpkin carving first gained attention a few years ago. Videos of people effortlessly transforming pumpkins into intricate masterpieces with the help of chainsaws, drills, and even angle grinders flooded social media platforms. The idea of replacing traditional carving knives with high-powered machinery was both mesmerizing and slightly terrifying, making it impossible for me to resist giving it a try.
Choosing the Right Tools
Before diving into the project, we needed to select the appropriate power tools for the job. Easy to do as we are The Original Pink Box. We decided to use our Reciprocating Saw, Drill, and various drill bits.
The Carving Process
With our workspace set up and tools in hand, it was time to begin. We started by cutting out the bottom as that helps prevent it from caving in. Unfortunately, our camera did not record this section so we went back in and cut the top off as well. The reciprocating saw made quick work of the pumpkin’s tough skin, and we were amazed at how effortlessly it carved through.
Now the fun part: using the beater attachment on our drill to clear out all the goop. This took some time to get the hang of, but it was so much fun. You’ll want to keep the beater away from the cut edge otherwise it starts whacking it away.
Optional: We strapped our pumpkin down to prevent it from running away. They aren’t fans of having their insides removed.
At this point we had already used our dry erase marker to draw the design onto the pumpkin. We used the cordless drill with different bits from our 15-Piece Twist Bit Set to create holes to mimic a lace pattern. This step was surprisingly satisfying as the drill smoothly perforated the pumpkin’s flesh.
*Note: with the smaller holes, we found we needed to make sure the insides were free and clear of pumpkin goop in order for light to shine through.
End Results
Trying out the viral power tool pumpkin carving trend was an exhilarating experience that took creativity to a whole new level. While it certainly required caution and respect for the tools, the fun while doing it was worth the effort. If you’re feeling adventurous this Halloween season or are craving a new project, we highly recommend giving power tool pumpkin carving a try.
While this is a fun project to do at home, we do want everyone to take proper precautions using power tools. If you feel unsure about using these tools, we recommend having an experienced person to show you or be sure to watch instructional videos on how to operate these tools.
We also want to warn that this is a MESSY endeavor. Pumpkin goop gets everywhere and you will need to clean your tool thoroughly after.
A lot of pumpkin carving instructions include a step to wash in a diluted bleach solution, which keeps it looking fresh for longer. Pumpkin is a favorite snack among our local wildlife here in Arizona, so we opted out of this and took our project into the dessert once we finished filming.
