needing help on getting started on wood carving names into wood

[slim]

can anyone tell me what I need to get started on how to carve names into wood?

[Dkulhanek]

I would say that chip carving is the easiest way to get names into wood. All you need is a chip carving knife and some wood and you're good to go.

[slim]

I am wanting to buy a Dremel 400 and if you could help me with the right kind of bits to carve names, and would I need the plunge router kit with this or not...wanting to carve ....like a family name plaque to hang up when we go camping ...thank you for your input....Phillip

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I use plastic letters from a sign making kit, you can also print out letters.

Dave

[chipmunk]

hi, i made 500+ name sighs w/ a router using paper stensiles a/ a 1/4 in. bit cut about 3/16-1/4 deep varnish then paint the letters w/ black paint, made of pine,cedar,pessure treat. for outside use use cedar or pressure treat wood it will last a long time i use eyelets a/ chain to hang mine, the ones i made for a subdivision i made w/ treated wood a/ used dry wall screws to the trees after 20yrs. there still there

[slim]

Thanks for the information...is there a certain type of bit? and do you think the dremel 4000 is a good choice? If so do I need to purchase the plunge router or just free hand it.....thanks for your time

[Robby]

There are bits just for that purpose. You could anything that comes to a point like a "v" shaped one (shaper the angle, the better). Using a dremel, you would be limited on depth and size of the lettering, but is easier to control then a full size router. Good luck on your project.

[pallin]

The replies so far assume you want to cut the names INTO the wood. You might also consider carving RAISED letters. Here are two examples. You might also look for Chris Pye's book on "Lettering in Wood."

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