Just got a dremel for an unrelated job and thought I should do something fun with it. Got a large bundle of cheap off brand bits as I don’t really know which ones are going to be most useful.

Using a scrap offcut of wood, there are still some rusty nails in it! This morning I wanted to practice carving straight and curved lines in the wood. It isn’t quite as easy as I thought, the wood grain changes the amount of resistance to movement and can push it to the side or slow down how fast its cutting.

The board is about 1.5cm thick, I also tried using one of the cutting discs, it seemed to cut alright but broke in half when I turned the dremel off. Got over 100 of them though. This board might be a little thick to use with these small cutting discs, pretty sure I would need the larger ones but I don’t see any in the set I bought.

Once I feel more confident in holding the dremel steady I would like to try making something decorative. Probably start with a coaster as that is something small to get started with. Then look at oils for it too. Leaning towards plywood as it is more affordable, although this scrap wood is free and hasn’t rotten too much yet. Might be worth sanding it to see what it feels like.

  • HerbGrower@slrpnk.netOP
    3·
    3 days ago

    Thanks, that is a lot of info!

    I think the SC544 grinding wheel is designed specifically for wood, although a multipurpose one would be good if I look at a mix of materials. Either way a better grinding wheel is on my list for things to get when it’s time to upgrade to more expensive bits. Those power carving bits are probably another one.

    But first I think I need to make some things to justify further tool expenses XD

    • SirSamuel@lemmy.world
      3·
      3 days ago

      But first I think I need to make some things to justify further tool expenses XD

      Ha! Didn’t I know it lol

      Like I said, I don’t do a ton of woodwork. Most of my experience using the Dremel is installing door hardware and modifying wood or steel frames for various reasons. That’s how I learned the fluted bit sucks at plunge cuts but does well with side cuts

      • HerbGrower@slrpnk.netOP
        2·
        3 days ago

        My partner just had a go at carving her name into some wood and she is pretty interested in doing more. I think woodcarving might become a couples activity.

        I saw some broken fences on my way home from work, about 1km down a bike/bus only route… How many fence boards can I fit on my bike?

          • HerbGrower@slrpnk.netOP
            2·
            2 days ago

            Now that could be tempting. Though I went past it again this morning on my way to work (and getting some wood oil) and it looks more rotten than I first thought it was.

            Still, got an allotment and twice a year they give us a skip to dispose of waste in. Next drop is coming soon and there may well be a few bits of wood ending up in there.