Tips For Wood Carving Using Dremel Tool
Carving wood can be difficult when you don’t know the correct steps to follow. But once you find the right Dremel tool, the following steps will help you get the best out of your wood;
Choose Right Wood
If you have been into the woodwork industry, then you understand that there are two major classifications of wood. We have hardwood and softwood. You need to choose a softwood for carving, particularly if you are new to carving. Interestingly, softwoods are not only soft but are also less likely to break or chip as you work.
Transfer Your Design Onto Wood
Once you have identified the piece of wood and shaped it into the right overall dimensions, the next step is to transfer your design onto the piece of wood. Are you good with a pencil? If you are, you can transfer the design by drawing it freely. However, consider tracing it over a carbon paper if you are shaky.
Clamp the Wood and Put on Protective Gear
Get yourself ready for the carving process. You may need to secure the piece of wood on a workbench using a set of clamps. Then, protect yourself adequately with the right protective gear. These should include working gloves, a dust mask, and a pair of workshop googles. Also, add a shaft to the Dremel tool.
Make Rough Cuts
The real carving process starts with making rough cuts within the outline of your design. You will need to be very careful through this process. Work slowly and use short strokes. While carving out larger areas gives you the general outline, doing it so fast may break your wood or spoil your design.
Detailing
The detailing process gives you a real outline for your design. So, it is as vital as it is delicate. Before you begin the detailing process, ensure that you choose the right carving bit. The choice will depend on the shape and size of the bit and its suitability for the work at hand.
Of course, every Dremel tool comes with an assortment of bits. Cylindrical bits are ideal for detailing V-shaped channels and flat edges while ball-shaped bits will round off edges appropriately. Tapered bits and fluted options help to finish off detailed lines and sharp edges respectively.
Sanding and Finishing
A proper detailing process should give you the perfect shape of the intended design. However, it will still leave you with a rough design. You will need to smoothen it with appropriate sandpaper. Then, you may decide to apply wood polish or paint or simply darken some areas using a wood burner.
We believe that these seven steps will help you to use your Dremel tool safely and successfully to get your designs right.