{"id":1162,"date":"2025-04-04T12:52:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T12:52:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imadethat.com.au\/?page_id=1162"},"modified":"2025-04-04T12:52:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T12:52:02","slug":"carving-with-a-dremel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/?page_id=1162","title":{"rendered":"Power Carving with a Dremel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog.jpg 480w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work in progress! will be updated over time &#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re totally new to this, check out this great video for learning to carve with dremel: <br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RZ7aWEphANE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Power Carving a Wooden Bear with a Dremel \u2013 YouTube<\/a><br>or this one about relief carving (more 2D-like):  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Snhyd74nveM\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Snhyd74nveM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Wood Carve with a Dremel Tool &#8211; The Basic Beginner&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 41%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s a dremel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rotary tool &#8211; like a drill, but smaller, with a greater variety of bits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier to use with a flexshaft &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.totaltools.com.au\/216019-dremel-flexshaft-4250-35-175w-rotary-multitool-kit-with-35-piece-accessories-06159935a4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I got both for $200<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to use flexshaft &#8211; make sure dremel is hanging down from something (as opposed to lying on a table), and keep the flexshaft &#8220;hose&#8221; is as straight as possible, no bends in it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/8\u2033 bits (not 1\/4\u2033 \u2013they&#8217;re for drills)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Change-a-Dremel-Bit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to change bits on a dremel<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch this video to find out how to attach the flexshaft to the dremel, or just to see what they look like \ud83d\ude42 &#8230;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a0Pf_xbM5as\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Quickly Install and Use a Dremel Flex Shaft<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"267\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/dremel-flex-shaft-tool-holder-235-2016-png-org-18149_w_750_h_421-1969503858.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1237 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/dremel-flex-shaft-tool-holder-235-2016-png-org-18149_w_750_h_421-1969503858.png 267w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/dremel-flex-shaft-tool-holder-235-2016-png-org-18149_w_750_h_421-1969503858-191x300.png 191w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dremel \u201cbits\u201d or \u201cburrs\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bits come in different shapes, textures and materials. Much cheaper to buy in sets, where possible, than as single ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tungsten carbide  is much harder than &#8220;high speed steel&#8221;, which will get blunt pretty quickly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I mostly use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/Yakamoz-Tungsten-Woodworking-Engraving-Polishing\/dp\/B0B5WMC2BZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">double-cut tungsten carbide bits<\/a> ($23), which cut away a reasonable amount but still leave a fairly smooth surface. I also do a lot of &#8220;carving&#8221; with the sanding drums (listed under sanding, below).<br><br>You&#8217;ll need to experiment with the different bits to see what each one does &#8230; I was often surprised! Experiment on scrap wood rather than a work in progress &#8211; ask me how I know this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ae4896434143&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ae4896434143\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"645\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bits.jpg\" alt=\"Types of burrs and how they're used\" class=\"wp-image-1171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bits.jpg 473w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bits-220x300.jpg 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Click to view larger image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/double-cut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/double-cut.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/double-cut-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/double-cut-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/double-cut-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makinglifemorewonderful.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Pasted-image-20241110203123-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2596\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.67%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6ae489643479f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6ae489643479f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"289\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/burrs-300x289.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1230\" style=\"width:393px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/burrs-300x289.jpg 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/burrs.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stages of carving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can get free patterns on the web that you can print out and glue to your wood, and cut around, or you can make your own. Do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com.au\/search?q=dog&amp;num=10&amp;newwindow=1&amp;sca_esv=2a2a93e8be91f013&amp;udm=2&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zr_uLCaflcQJCSFHYYSZ7zDOm7OfA:1742953063451&amp;source=lnt&amp;tbs=itp:lineart&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj489ORzqaMAxUxyjgGHXYtGroQpwV6BAgCECc&amp;biw=1420&amp;bih=763&amp;dpr=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">google image search<\/a> and you&#8217;ll find anything. The hard part is finding ones that are completely &#8220;side-on&#8221;, rather than at an angle. Here&#8217;s a bunch of <a href=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/scroll-saw-patterns\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1218\">patterns<\/a> I&#8217;ve found and used &#8211; I find it easiest to put them in powerpoint slides, cos then you can move them around, resize them etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm-300x233.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm-1024x796.png 1024w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm-768x597.png 768w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm-1536x1194.png 1536w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-12.13.24-pm.png 1538w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cutting out the shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start by cutting off as much wood as possible, so there\u2019s less to <em>carve<\/em> off. Generally this means using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a scroll saw (limited to 5cm deep timber)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a bench-top bandsaw with a narrow blade (can cut larger pieces than scroll saw), eg <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hobbytools.com.au\/band-saw-micro-proxxon-mbs-240-e-27172\/\">PROXXON<\/a> ~$800 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bunnings.com.au\/ryobi-250w-228mm-band-saw_p0376773\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ryobi $400<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a coping saw, that lets you turn corners and cut shapes, and a japanese keyhole saw like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carbatec.com.au\/japanese-keyhole-saw-210-blade-no-z-30209\">this one<\/a>, which cuts faster than a coping saw but can&#8217;t cut around corners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I mostly use a scroll saw \u2013 that\u2019s a whole other training \ud83d\ude42. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"936\" height=\"703\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/atshed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/atshed.jpg 936w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/atshed-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/atshed-768x577.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:62%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roughing out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b3ff8204 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roughing out means cutting away the excess \u2013 if you\u2019ve cut a dog or bird shape on the scroll saw, for example, you\u2019ll want to round off the edges, as well as cut away the excess width at the head and tail, which are narrower than the body. I use coarser\/rougher dremel bits for that, such as the Saburtooth or Kutzall, which cut a lot at once, but leave a very rough surface.<br>I bought these, for $83 \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carbatec.com.au\/1-8-shaft-4-piece-coarse-burr-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kutzall Original Burr Kit for 1\/8\u201d Grinders \u2013 4 Piece Coarse Kit | Carbatec<\/a>. You&#8217;ll need to turn the dremel speed down a bit, try 15,000 to start with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:38%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/roughing.jpg 2040w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:31%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/saw-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/saw-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/saw-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/saw-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/saw.jpg 1530w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:69%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior cuts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">e.g. between the legs of a dog<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B091L64SFB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mini Circular Saw Blade<\/a> $10<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IMPORTANT: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure you use a vice to hold the piece you&#8217;re cutting &#8230; those wheels are pretty vicious!!  They&#8217;d take a finger off in a heartbeat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn the dremel speed down to NO more than 15,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BEFORE YOU START!! The most important thing to know when using a flexshaft on a dremel is to keep the cord\/shaft thing as straight as possible &#8211; pull the handpiece away from the dremel itself so it&#8217;s stretched out. If it gets a kink in it, you&#8217;ll kill your dremel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dog.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makinglifemorewonderful.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2024-10-13-at-1.22.32-AM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2622\" style=\"width:350px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fine details (or engraving)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cltoolcentre.com.au\/carving-and-engraving\/mfp\/manufacturers,dremel\/c-select-a-category-0,30\/price,6,25\/search,engraving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DRE105, 106 and 107<\/a> (around $16 for sets of 2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/OTOTEC-Diamond-Grinding-Suitable-Engraving\/dp\/B0D225TSNX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">T-shape burrs for undercuts<\/a> (or &#8220;straight down cuts&#8221; in relief carving) $16 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230; or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/Luo-Pcs-Shape-Diamond-Burr\/dp\/B08QRNNGRS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">better quality ones<\/a> for $28<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sanding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B075C72PGK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buffing or polishing wheels<\/a> $18<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>307 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B09BTG2V53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pieces Sanding Drum Kit<\/a> $25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>120-800 grid sandpaper, for hand sanding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I finish my carved pieces with orange oil (non toxic, good for kids), &#8220;board oil&#8221; (wax and oil), or Tung oil. There&#8217;s a million other options though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PPE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You really, really don&#8217;t want wood dust in your lungs &#8230; you&#8217;ll cough for months! It&#8217;s very much worth getting a decent face mask, and using it any time you&#8217;re using the dremel, or sanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/facemask.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/facemask.jpg 679w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/facemask-300x286.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B0BQ6Y9L6X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator Mask<\/a> $30<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hand carving set<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I just could NOT get my knife carving to work, even though I&#8217;d read a lot &#8211; it took someone showing me face to face how to do it, and properly understanding the grain. If you&#8217;re ready to give it a go, this is a cheap set that pretty good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carvingsset.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carvingsset.jpg 679w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carvingsset-300x298.jpg 300w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carvingsset-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B08T1P3B85\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ninonly Wood Carving Tools 18pcs Wood Carving Kits<\/a> $46<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As far as I can tell, this is THE ultimate dremel carving book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"403\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/powercarving.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/powercarving.jpg 403w, https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/powercarving-232x300.jpg 232w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/1565239032\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Power Carving Manual<\/a> $33<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suggested buying list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Listed specifically for the Ferny Grove women&#8217;s shed, in order of importance!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/Yakamoz-Tungsten-Woodworking-Engraving-Polishing\/dp\/B0B5WMC2BZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">double-cut tungsten carbide bits<\/a> ($23)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B09BTG2V53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pieces Sanding Drum Kit<\/a> $25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cltoolcentre.com.au\/carving-and-engraving\/mfp\/manufacturers,dremel\/c-select-a-category-0,30\/price,6,25\/search,engraving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DRE105, 106 and 107<\/a> (around $16 for sets of 2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/OTOTEC-Diamond-Grinding-Suitable-Engraving\/dp\/B0D225TSNX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">T-shape burrs for undercuts<\/a> $16 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/Luo-Pcs-Shape-Diamond-Burr\/dp\/B08QRNNGRS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">better quality ones<\/a> for $28<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com.au\/dp\/B091L64SFB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mini Circular Saw Blade<\/a> $10<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we want a new dremel, I&#8217;d get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.totaltools.com.au\/216019-dremel-flexshaft-4250-35-175w-rotary-multitool-kit-with-35-piece-accessories-06159935a4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this one with the free flexshaft for $200<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more expensive kutzall bits can wait until you see if people get into it. You don&#8217;t absolutely need them, they just make it a bit quicker to remove lots of wood more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My dream list includes a mini bandsaw like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hobbytools.com.au\/band-saw-micro-proxxon-mbs-240-e-27172\/\">PROXXON<\/a> ~$800 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bunnings.com.au\/ryobi-250w-228mm-band-saw_p0376773\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ryobi $400<\/a> &#8211; they come as cheap as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bunnings.com.au\/ozito-200mm-250w-bandsaw-bsw-2581_p0035836\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$150<\/a> but those are pretty cheap and nasty. They have a really narrow band so you can cut curves, unlike the big bandsaws we have that really only cut straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Generally for carving set speed to 20\u201325k. Coarse bits and cutting blades need to be slower, about 15,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t use gloves!!!<\/strong> The bits get caught in them and break the dremel and\/or flexshaft! (Ask me how I know!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some bits really bite into the wood and jump around &#8230; be careful whilst you&#8217;re learning to play with them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you&#8217;re holding the dremel in your right hand, so with the bit to the left, it&#8217;s spinning in such a way that it cuts into the wood as you pull the dremel towards you, NOT away from you. Also, if you start with the bit at the far end of the wood you&#8217;re holding, it often &#8220;rolls&#8221; down the far side, away from you &#8230; so be careful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sanding past 220 grit MIGHT make it harder for the finish to sink in! See: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/fMOU7gxL_pk?si=rJjNONnDHOeZc5lr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sanding Past 220 \u2013 How Smooth Should You Go? \u2013 YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wood has grain, and the bits will cut differently depending on the direction of the grain. You might find it cuts well one way but not the other &#8211; trying turning the wood the other way around. You&#8217;ll learn a LOT about grain if you try hand carving (i.e. with a knife) &#8211; with that, you HAVE to get the direction right or it just pulls chunks out of the wood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Work in progress! will be updated over time &#8230; If you&#8217;re totally new to this, check out this great video [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1162","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1162\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/julielawrence.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}