How to Wood Carve/Power Carve with the Dremel Stylo
- Matt Cornelius
- Mar 17, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 20, 2020
How does the Dremel Stylo compare to a traditional Dremel for wood carving?
This short guide will answer a lot of questions and also teach you some fun wood carving tips you will want to know.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read the instruction manuals for all tools and accessories used in this project. Wear eye and respiratory protection. Failure to completely follow these instructions may result in injury and/or property damage.
-The Highlight Question-
What makes the Stylo different than every other Dremel tool?
There is more than one answer, but the most notable feature is that the motor is built into the handpiece.
What does this tell us when compared to a regular Dremel with a flex shaft attachment?
This is made to be a light-duty, versatile tool. If you keep your demands reasonable, the Stylo can be a valuable asset for your tool bag.
I am using the Dremel 2050-15 Stylo+ bundle for the entirety of this guide which you can find on Amazon HERE
The accessories that come in the kit are:
-105 1/32" Engraving Cutter,
-191 1/8" High-Speed Cutter,
-125 1/4" High-Speed Cutter,
-7103 5/64" Diamond Wheel Point,
-414 1/2" Felt Polishing Wheel (x3),
-429 1" Felt Polishing Wheel (x2),
-421 Polishing Compound,
-428 3/4" Carbon Steel Brush,
-430 1/4" 60-grit Sanding Drum,
-431 1/4" 60-grit Sanding Band, 438 1/4"
-120-grit Sanding Band,
-401 Mandrel, Dremel Wrench,
Features
Power Cord
The Stylo features a long, thin power-cord which allows for greater control and flexibility while you are wood carving.
Speed Dial
The speed dial controls the amount of RPM's (rotations per minute) the tool is spinning.
-Stylo Speed Range: 5,000 - 22,000 RPM
Power Button
The power button and speed dial are conveniently placed on the same side of the Dremel Stylo for easy user functioning.
Pro tip: The higher the RPM's, the smoother the cut.
Shaft Lock Button
On the opposite side of the tool, you will find the shaft lock button. This is used when inserting your bit of choice.
To use:
Press the lock button, insert the bit and use the provided wrench to tighten the nut.
Ergonomics
The slim design of the Dremel Stylo makes it very comfortable to grip and control while carving. The ergonomic design of this tool helps to guard against hand fatigue when using for extended periods of time.
Motor
Due to the smaller motor in the Dremel Stylo, It is important to use it within its power potential.
Despite its small size, the power output of this tool exceeded expectations!
Versatility
The Dremel Stylo is not just for wood carving, it can be used for a wide range of applications and a variety of projects.
Pt.2
Wood Carving Tutorial
-Where to start-
1) I'm All About That Basswood
My personal opinion is to start with basswood when you first start carving. It is a softwood which makes it easy to carve and it is also affordable. You can find basswood in local craft stores or on Amazon HERE
Pro-Tip:
I picked up this cheap basswood box from a local craft store. These make great gifts when you are finished carving them!
You can find one similar to this on Amazon HERE
2) Design - It's Easier Thank You Think
There is no need to get overwhelmed when deciding on which image you want to carve, especially when you first start wood carving!
The EASIEST way to start is with a stencil.
Stencils are affordable and make your life A LOT easier when you are learning to carve.
You can get stencils at your local craft shop or on Amazon HERE
We also offer some digital download stencils at a fantastic price here on HowToWoodCarve. All you need to do is download them and print them out. Check them out HERE
Stenciling
The stencil I am using is a deer with a wreath-style design on each side.
I'm applying this stencil to the lid of the basswood box I am carving.
Here is a pack of animal stencils you can get on Amazon HERE
Applying Stencil 1) Apply clear tape around the edges of your stencil to keep it from moving.
2) Take a pencil of your choice and fill in the open design of the stencil.
Removing the Stencil
After you are finished coloring in your stencil, remove it.
It is as simple as that!
Safety
Before we start carving, we need to have the right safety gear.
1) Fog Proof Safety Glasses: The last thing we want is to damage our eyes with flying wood! The fog proof lenses also help protect against fog caused by our breath. Be sure to wear safety glasses every time you carve.
Grab your fog-proof safety glasses Amazon HERE
2) Dust Mask: Getting dust in the lungs is a no-no. Wear a dust mask every time you carve. Currently, I am using an M2 knock-off version of the RZ mask.
(At the time of this post, Amazon is sold out of all M2 style dust mask. Please visit RZ mask website HERE)
3) Ear Protection: Even though the Dremel Stylo is quiet compared to other rotary units, I still like using ear protection. Regular ear-plugs will work, but I LOVE BlueTooth, noise-isolating earbuds. This allows me to stream music via Bluetooth and carve at the same time while protecting my hearing.
Grab your BlueTooth noise-isolating earbuds on Amazon HERE
Since HowToWoodCarve has partnered with Amazon, they will give you 30 days of Amazon Prime for FREE with unlimited FREE two-day shipping (no minimum order size) on prime items when you sign up through our special link below.
I use Amazon Prime for the majority of my tool purchases and I personally love it!
Get your 30 free days of Amazon Prime HERE
Time to Carve!
Carving Pt. 1
To carve the body of the deer I am using a Round Carbide Dremel #191 bit.
-Carve the body of the deer first (we will use another bit for the antlers)
-Carve no further than 1/8's of an inch.
.
Carving Pt. 2 To carve the antlers I am using the Dremel #190 bit.
-Carve inside the antlers
- Carve no further than 1/8's of an inch.
After the antlers and main body of the deer are carved out we are going to carve the leaf design on both sides of the deer.
Carving Pt. 3
To carve the leaf designs on sides I am using a Round Carbide Dremel #191 bit.
-Carve inside the leaf design,
- Carve no further than 1/8's of an inch.
Carving Pt. 4
Upon finishing the initial carving I am lightly going over a second time to smooth the rough areas out.
(Watch the included video to see the explanation of these steps in full detail)
Carving Pt. 5
For the final touches, I'm using a bristle disc to clean up the "fuzz" leftover from the wood carving. -Keep low RPM's while using bristle disks.
(I am using speed setting 1 on the Dremel Stylo)
And for the final product!
I love the way this turned out!
Just think, it all started with a simple stencil. If you can trace with a pencil or color with a crayon, you can do this! It's just like coloring... but with a Dremel!
The Dremel Stylo is an irreplaceable tool and serves a purpose in a wide variety of projects.
Buy the Dremel Stylo on Amazon HERE
Wood carving burrs I recommend on Amazon HERE
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned a lot from it!
Be sure to watch the video of this entire project below!
"HowToWoodCarve participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. HowToWoodCarve currently holds affiliation with Dremel. HowToWoodCarve currently holds affiliation with Amazon.
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I have had my Stylo for about 2 years and I too love it. I have done more work on deer antler and it eats it up. I am currently working on a relief carving on a hand that I have drawn on a piece of alder. I have made it like a hand of Jesus with the scar in the palm. I plan on carving a piece of scripture from Isaiah to complete it. When I finish it I will send a photo. My concern is that I have never done any relief carving. So I am learning with you and have subscribed to you YouTube channel and you web site. Thank you for the information,
I am a beginner but am wondering which bit or bits you would suggest using. I am trying to carve a design in a round candlestick which will be deep enough to accept metal powder inlay. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
very good info I am in the process if getting things to start caving
But 1 question is buying the stylo really necessary in wood carving or can u just work with the dremel
Love watching what you do. I got a Dremel for Christmas, I have played around with it. but waiting for it to warm up more so I can spend more time at it.