How to Wood Carve Designs With a Dremel Tool
Updated: Jan 21, 2022
This wood carving tutorial is going to teach you how to carve like a pro with a Dremel tool. You will have a better understanding of wood carving and the confidence to tackle just about any project after reading through this post.
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 Tools We Need
1) Dremel Stylo
We are using the Dremel Stylo to carve with since it is fantastic for smaller projects.
The Dremel Stylo is highly recommended because of its versatility. You can find one on Amazon by clicking here
2) Inverted Diamond Cone Bit
For the length of this project we are only using one bit. You heard me right, only ONE.
The specific brand I recommend is Lasco.
The model I am using in this guide is the SG1, but I suggest picking up the SG2 and SG250 in 80-250 grit.
You can find them on Lasco's website by clicking here
You can also find the SG1 & SG2 on Amazon from the links below.
3) Wood
Here is a secret of mine: Instead of carving a slab of wood, go pick up a cheap wooden gift box instead.
Almost any design you carve will look amazing and you can give away as a gift when you get done... or even sell it! (You are welcome for the idea 😉).
You can find these wooden boxes at your local craft stores or the ones I recommend on Amazon by clicking here
4) Carbon or Graphite Transfer Paper
This is used to transfer images to wood.
You can find them on Amazon here
P.S. Amazon offers FREE shipping through their Prime service on almost any wood carving product.
We were able to get a special partnership with Amazon which will allow anyone who signs up through our special affiliate link 30 days of Amazon Prime for FREE!
There are many other benefits to the Amazon Prime membership as well.
👉 Find more information on this special offer here
Stenciling
Find Your Design
The design I will be carving is Celtic heart. You can find many free designs like this one online.
Size Your Design
Before you print your design you need to resize it. I am using an app on my phone to resize called "Print to Size". (This is only available on IOS devices currently)
Libre Office is a free option for resizing for those of you that prefer using a computer.
Cut-Out the Printed Design
Cut out the printed stencil and carbon paper to the same size.
Tape the Design
Tape the printed design to the box. Line up the image properly,
Trace the Design
Use a rollerball pen to trace over the design applying a moderate amount of pressure.
(I like to use a red pen so I can see where I have previously traced)
The design transferred nicely! Don't worry about the messy areas around the design, they can be erased with a pencil or sanded off with a piece of sandpaper 👇
Carving
Begin tracing the outlines with the inverted cone burr turned on the side.
(Don't forget to watch video to see how to do this in greater explanatory detail.)
Take your time around the corners of the design. Turn the box as need to make the sharp "curves".
Take not of how the depth is only 1/16" of an inch or less. We don't want to carve too deep.
Removing the excess stock inside the design can be tricky. Here is a tip to help you:
Carefully flip the rotary tool 180° and use the head of the cone burr to cut away the inside of the design.
Pro Tip: If you have larger areas to carve, use a round or cone carbide taper burr to remove a majority of the stock before smoothing out the areas with the inverted cone burr.
Sandpaper
Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth out all the areas you just carved. Remember, we want the negative space to be as SMOOTH as possible! Find sandpaper I recommend here