How to Do Dremel Craft Projects

Dremel makes a rotary tool for designing crafts and other projects. It is used mainly with wood, although it can be used with terra cotta, wax, glass and even pumpkins. Dremel makes other non-rotary tools as well, such as scroll saws, hot glue guns and even powered screw drivers. Most Dremel tools spin at high speeds and house a bit for carving, cutting, engraving and shaping. If you are planning to do some craft projects with a Dremel tool and you'd like to gain a general idea about how it is done, read through the following steps to learn how.

Things You'll Need

• Pumpkin carving tool Pumpkin Dremel rotary tool Assorted Dremel bits #562 tile cutting bit Multi vise Flex shaft #225-01 Diamond point bit #7103 Eggs Sea shells Terra Cotta pot Glass jar Magic marker Pencil

Instructions

1. Use a pumpkin carving Dremel tool at a speed of 10 to 15 thousand RPMs to etch and carve designs into a pumpkin. You can carve either a foam pumpkin or one that is real. Run the power tool over the design traced on the pumpkin.

2. Create decorative eggs using a Dremel rotary tool and a drill bit properly inserted into the tool. Place a piece of foam under the egg to keep it from breaking. Firmly hold the egg. Lower the bit into the egg and back out again. Do this until you complete your pattern.

3. Drill holes in seashells to wear them as jewelry using a cordless rotary Dremel tool. Choose the bit the size of the hole you want and secure it into the tool. Put the shell in the workstation, and at a medium speed, lower the bit into the shell.

4. Create Terra Cotta luminaries using a Dremel tool with a multi vise and a #562 tile cutting bit. Draw a pattern onto the pot. Soak the pot in water for 20 minutes to reduce the amount of dust. Let sit an additional 15 minutes before beginning. Insert the bit into the pot at a slight angle. Create a small hole then gradually increase it. The sides of the bit creates the hole not the tip. Move the bit in an up and down motion so you do not wear out the bit. Continue maneuvering the bit around the pattern until you are finished.

5. Etch glass with your Dremel tool. Use a flex shaft #225-01 attachment and a diamond point bit #7103. Trace your design onto the glass using a magic marker. Set your tool to a speed of 15 to 25 thousand RPMs. Etch over your pattern with the tip of the bit. When you are finished wipe your glass with a dry cloth to remove excess dust.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the right size bit for the project you are working on to obtain the best results.

• Wear a mask when working with a dremel, especially if there is a lot of dust. Always wear eye protection.