using a Dremmel?

[arlet101@hotmail.com]

If anyone has some advice it would be great....my question: I'm new at carving and had a small problem with carving lines on diamond willow. The lines leave a "furry" line of wood on the sides of the line, and when I stain or paint it, it is noticeable. I'm I using the wrong tool?

[putz]

I would use a woodburner on the lines. Makes a neat line and stops the finish from getting across. A trick I learned from Al Archie.

Putz

[Agoodknife]

I don't think the Dremel is the wrong tool,I think you should think in terms of the style cutting bit you have in it.
I have learned to look at power bits or burrs like sandpaper,so you might start off with a course one and then switch to a smoother bit,but also remember even though you are power carving you still have to work with the grain,just like sanding or using hand tools that same pesky term "GrAiN" gets us both.
It keeps coming up to plague us folk who just dont want fuzzies in or on our carvings. I also explain grain like rubbin' a cat backwards...lol. I also like to say...(since I'm talkin cats now) Theres more than one one way to skin a cat !
Just like putz put it,use a woodburner.
Theres some of the smartest folk in the world here on the forum that will have great advise for you as well. Welcome to the world of woodcarving,you to with practice will look back at this and

[Jord]

Yes, I agree with Allen. My experience with burs and bits have left many lines and unwanted fur - on basswood, a coarse diamond or ruby leaves those lines - a fine diamond leaves some to a certain extent and a smooth stone really polishes them out nicely especially the fur. I also agree that heat will definitely smooth out any fur you have IF you don't mind the brownish color it leaves as well.

[Ron T]

Hi Arlet,

I had the same problem carving Diamond Willow sticks. The problem, as has already been mentioned, it the grain and the softness of wood. I used the fine 3M radial bristle wheels to get rid of the fuzzies.