How to Wood Carve/Power Carve with the Dremel Stylo
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.