How to Carve a Heart With a Dremel
The Dremel rotary power cutter is a handy all-in-one tool that allows you to cut, engrave and sand, all with the same tool and a selection of attachments. A Dremel power carver is fun, easy to use, and ideal for a wide range of wood crafts, including wooden hearts of all shapes and sizes. Using nothing more than a Dremel and its attachments, you can craft a heart out of any kind of wood as a gift for someone special.
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Things You'll Need
- Dremel power tool
- Cutting attachment
- Sanding attachment
- Engraving attachment
- Wood
- Stain
- Paint brush
Instructions
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Decide what type of wood to use for your heart. The type and size depends on the size of the heart and how much you want to spend on wood. Mahogany is expensive, but makes a pretty finished piece. Start with a small piece, about 12 inches wide and 12 inches high. A thickness of 2 or 3 inches should be suitable. Consider purchasing a couple pieces for spares if you're new at carving.
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Draw a heart on the cutting surface of the wood block or use a stencil to apply the image, then secure the block in place on a flat surface with a clamp. Select an attachment for the Dremel. Any of the Dremel cutting attachments work well for cutting shapes from wood. A diamond 545 cutting wheel in conjunction with a 190 cutter is a good choice.
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3
Use the diamond cutting wheel to cut away the wood outside the shape of the heart. Cut as close to the outline of the heart as possible, then switch to the 190 cutter and go around the edges of the heart to refine the shape. This is a slower, more detailed process, but you don't need to worry about cutting completely smooth. Use this tool to add a rounded shape to the outline of the heart.
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Sand the outside of the heart with a 180 grit sanding disc. Don't apply a lot of pressure. All you want to do is sand the edges of the heart smooth. If there is any refinement in the shape, you can do it with the sander by applying a little extra pressure.
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Use a 134 engraving bit to engrave a design or even a name into the heart. Finish with a couple of coats of clear or dark wood stain.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're new to carving, consider practicing on cheap wood scraps before you begin carving on expensive wood such as mahogany. This will save money in the long run and make it easier to carve your heart design when you are ready to make the attempt.
