I need advice too

[Holly]

I have a dremel with flexible shaft, the bits that came with it and then a few I bought for carving. I just never know which one to use and so far it's hit and miss. I'd like to know some general information about the bits... I need a power carving for dummies book. When I read about diamonds, rubies, burrs I don't have any idea what that means(a real dummy)
One suggestion I have read on this thread is the Fur, Fins and Feathers DVD. Would this be a good purchase for what I need? Any other suggestions for a very basic introduction to using bits and power?
Thanks,
Holly

[SeaLeveler]

I am a rookie but what everyone says is practice,practice,practice.I change bits until I get the results I am looking for.I got lucky on buying bits and went to a carvers auction and bought about $600 worth for $25.Different bits cut different at several speeds.I have heard several people say that the dvd teaches some good techniques.Tony

[Paul_Guraedy]

There are quite a number of types of bits out there. Speaking generally, metal burrs are for cutting out wood very quickly and are for roughout type work. I start with 1/4" shank (the big ones) and move down to 1/8" shank where the shape becomes important for getting where I need.The diamonds and rubies can be agressive for removing wood faster or fine for more detailed work and, it seems to me, the shape becomes really important. Finally, the smooth stones I use for the final detail work.

But, it is a matter of practicing and finding out which bits and burrs suit your style of carving. What works for you. You will find that, as in hand tools, there are certain bits that you reach for more often than others as a matter of familiarty and preference. I like fine diamonds and agressive rubies; but, would not put this down as some kind of rule. I also use a lot of sandpaper drums in my carving.

It will quickly become less confusing; but, realize even for us "no longer new" carvers there will always be those, "Well I didn't know that, or I never thought of that", moments. Keep asking questions such as this one, listen to the varying opinions you are getting, try the ones you like and then keep on with what works for you.

[Holly]

OK, I have no idea what a shank is but I will ask my husband. What is the difference between a bit and a burr? I wish these things came with names.

[Holly]

Another question, how do I know whether it's a ruby or a diamond?
Maybe I will try googling bits and see if I can find a chart. Right now, I feel like I am learning a second language.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Holly, let's confuse things even more......I don't think there is a true definition of either a bit or a burr. Most of the time it seems burr is used for steelies and bits for stones; but, bit may be used for anything other than sandpaper.

Separating rubies and diamonds is easy. Rubies are red and diamonds are silver. But, then the shapes......cylinder, flame, ball, football, cone..........!

Shank is the size of the little shaft that sticks in the tool. Your flexshaft will probably take up to !/4" shanks.....by changing the collet (unscrew the end of the shaft and you will find a little metal cylinder inside that actually clamps down on the shank). Different collets for different shank sizes.

And, if you think power carvers confuse the terminology wait until you get into the hand tools.....gouges, flat gouges, hooked skews, veiners (which are not "V" tools), sweeps, then we get into the numbers for different shapes which is not to be confused with either the English or metric designation for sizes...........

But, you will get there.....or at least as near as the rest of us do!

[mpounders]

Here is a link to some basic stuff:

How to Carve Wood With a Dremel Tool | eHow.com

and

dremel | eHow Search

Generally, the larger the bit, the more wood you will take off. I use larger , coarser bits to get the rough shapes where I want them and I have also found the sanding drums with coarser paper to be quite useful for this. I hold my tools more like a knfe, than like a pen. I use it with various bits to get the results I want. Some of the smaller diamond bits, I pull towards me for better control when I carve. I really like the way power tools allow me to get different flowing shapes in wood. Be careful using the different bits as a drill bit; the shapes can easily snag or burn out if you catch the back side or top of a round bit accidently.

[BobT]

Fur, Feathers, and Fins is like the Holy Grail. Even if you don't like the subjects carved on the video, the techniques and tool selection advice cannot be beat. And if you go to Foredoms web site, they have sets that are used in the video.
I imagine most people are like me, you start out buying bits that you THINK you need. Then a lot of them rarely or never get used. I have a bunch that I haven't used in years. After watching the video I then knew what bit is for what. And you just don't need all that many.
That video is money well spent. And done by the best there is in Power Carving.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Holly I have gone through this myself and at the time I had no P.C. or any contact to find things out I had to learn it the hard way. It also depends on what you would like to do ?? big issue? if you want to do small animals or Birds or Santas etc you need different Bits , to me a bit is the piece you put into the dremel and then you have the different catagories of burs, does this make sense? Contact a supplier and get him or her to send you a catalog.
I hope this helps?
Alice

[Eddy-Smiles]

Holly.... Like Alice I bought my first Dremel before I ever knew about Woodcarving Illustrated and the Forum. The way that I learned was by going through the Dremel catalog where I got some very prelimiary basics. Using these basics I practiced different techniques until I found things that I couldn't do or needed to do. Then I paid a visit to the Smoky Moutain Woodcarvers who helped me find the bits that I needed. If you don't have a carving shop in your vicinity you can always call one. SMWC's, MDI, Wood Carver's Supply Inc., and Christian Hummul all carry a good line of bits and would be more than happy to help you out.