[Woodcarver] Dremel tool and carving bits

[Ron Ramsey]

Hi Andy,

The Dremel can be an inexpensive starter tool with which you can get acceptable results.  You can always upgrade later and use the Dremel as a backup rough out tool.
The bits sold by Dremel are low quality and don't cut very well. I wouldn't waste my money on them.

Although carbide fluted bits will outlast high speed steel, I stopped using them years ago because I have found high speed steel bits that cut much faster than carbide fluted bits. They cut as fast or faster than Kutzall bits but much smoother. The typhoon bits cut better but leave a very rough surface. I have tried hundreds of different bits and the ones I now use, from Rico tool Company, are far superior to any of the carbide bits I have ordered from the many wood carving catalogs. Carbide is hard but brittle. Therefore, it is necessary to make carbide fluted bits with a much flatter angle on the flute. This flatter angle will not cut as aggressively. High speed steel is softer but more resilient, allowing for sharper flutes that slice the wood better. They dull faster but are much cheaper to buy and can be resharpened for a fraction of the price of new. I carve all day long, every day and would not use anything else. Don't confuse these with low quality high speed steel bits such as the ones sold by Dremel.

The Rico Tool Company I'm referring to is in Bridgeport Michigan. 1-800-457-7426 to order a catalog. The ones you want are the HSS 1/8" shank rotary cutters. I order the pitch with a #7 cut. The H-15 with the end cut make a great rough out tool, similar in function to the 265091 Kutzall ( part # from the Woodcarvers Supply catalog) but much smoother. I also have a 3/8" (diameter of the disc) H-15 style, custom made with a #9 pitch that is great for undercutting on relief carvings. The cool thing is that they use a CNC machine to custom make the bits so custom shapes don't cost more and they can regrind the bits for a fraction of the price of new. If you order any of the bits with flat ends, have the ends ground too. The reground ones will be slightly smaller so you end up having some smaller ones to to use in tighter areas. I order them in lots of 10. I don't know if they have a minimum. They don't stay sharp as long as carbide but the improved performance make them much more cost effective for me. If you are not carving for many hours a day and don't push them until they heat up, they last pretty long before needing to to be resharpened. I send them back to the factory when I order more new ones. They cut better than carbide bits even when dull.

Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com





I am looking for advice on Dremrel tools I was wondering if the saw
attachment I have seen around is worth the investment? I was
wondering about the  router bits and carving tools if they are worth
the investment
Thanks 
                             Andy 

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