A Dremel rotary tool is a versatile and handy device that can help you with various DIY projects, from carving, engraving, sanding, polishing, to drilling and more. But can you use it to cut wood? The answer is yes, you can cut wood with a Dremel rotary tool, as long as you have the right attachment and technique. In this article, we will show you how to cut wood with a Dremel rotary tool in 5 easy steps, and what are the best practices for doing so.
The first thing you need to do is to choose the right attachment for the job. Dremel offers a variety of accessories that are suitable for different materials and tasks. For cutting wood, you have two main options: a wood cutting wheel or a multipurpose cutting bit.
A wood cutting wheel is a circular blade that can cut through thin wood up to 14mm deep. It is ideal for straight cuts, square holes, or trimming edges. It can also cut through other materials like plastic, fiberglass, or laminate. A wood cutting wheel is made of carbide, which means it can handle hard and soft wood without tearing or splintering.
A multipurpose cutting bit is a spiral-shaped bit that can cut through wood up to 19mm deep. It is ideal for curved cuts, grooves, or circles. It can also cut through other materials like drywall, metal, or tile. A multipurpose cutting bit is made of high-speed steel, which means it can withstand high temperatures and friction.
To attach the cutting wheel or the bit to your Dremel rotary tool, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the tool and press the lock button to prevent the shaft from spinning.
Use a wrench to loosen the collet nut and remove the current accessory.
Insert the cutting wheel or the bit into the collet and tighten the collet nut with the wrench.
Before you start cutting, you need to take some safety precautions and prepare the project for cutting. Here are some tips to follow:
Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, mask, and earplugs, to avoid injuries from flying debris, heat, or noise.
Secure the wood piece to a workbench or a stable surface with clamps or vice. This will prevent the wood from moving or slipping while you cut.
If the wood is rough or dirty, sand it lightly with a sanding accessory or by hand to smooth the surface and remove any dust or dirt.
Mark the line where you want to cut with a pencil or a marker. This will help you guide the tool and make accurate cuts.
Step 3: Perform the Cutting
Now you are ready to cut the wood with your Dremel rotary tool. Here are some steps to follow:
Set the speed of the tool according to the material and the attachment you are using. For wood cutting, a medium to high speed is recommended, between 10,000 and 35,000 RPM. You can adjust the speed with the dial or the switch on the tool.
Hold the tool firmly with both hands and position the cutting wheel or the bit perpendicular to the wood surface. Do not press too hard or tilt the tool, as this may damage the attachment or the wood.
Turn on the tool and slowly move it along the marked line. Follow the natural grain of the wood and avoid twisting or turning the tool. If you need to make a curved cut, use a gentle and steady motion. If you need to make a hole, plunge the tool straight into the wood and then move it in a circular motion.
Turn off the tool and let it cool down before touching the attachment or the wood. The cutting process may generate a lot of heat and sparks, so be careful not to burn yourself or start a fire.
As you cut the wood, you will notice that a lot of sawdust will accumulate on the wood surface and the tool. This may interfere with your visibility and accuracy, and also clog the attachment or the tool. To prevent this, you need to remove the sawdust frequently. Here are some ways to do this:
Use a vacuum cleaner or a blower to suck or blow away the sawdust from the wood and the tool.
Use a brush or a cloth to wipe away the sawdust from the wood and the tool.
Use compressed air to spray away the sawdust from the wood and the tool.
Step 5: Sand or Buff the Cut Edges
After you finish cutting the wood, you may notice that the cut edges are rough or uneven. This may affect the appearance and the quality of your project. To smooth and polish the cut edges, you need to sand or buff them with a sanding or a polishing accessory. Here are some steps to follow:
Choose a sanding or a polishing accessory that matches the shape and the size of the cut edge. For example, you can use a sanding band, a sanding disc, or a sanding drum for flat or straight edges, or a sanding cone, a sanding stone, or a polishing point for curved or round edges.
Attach the sanding or the polishing accessory to your Dremel rotary tool following the same steps as before.
Set the speed of the tool according to the material and the attachment you are using. For sanding or polishing, a low to medium speed is recommended, between 5,000 and 15,000 RPM. You can adjust the speed with the dial or the switch on the tool.
Hold the tool firmly with both hands and position the sanding or the polishing accessory parallel to the cut edge. Do not press too hard or tilt the tool, as this may damage the attachment or the wood.
Turn on the tool and gently move it along the cut edge. Use a back and forth or a circular motion to smooth and polish the edge. If you are using a sanding accessory, you may need to use different grits to achieve a finer finish. Start with a coarse grit and gradually move to a finer grit.
Turn off the tool and let it cool down before touching the attachment or the wood. The sanding or the polishing process may generate some heat and dust, so be careful not to burn yourself or inhale the dust.
Cutting wood with a Dremel rotary tool is possible and easy if you follow these 5 steps:
Choose the right attachment for the job, either a wood cutting wheel or a multipurpose cutting bit.
Prepare the project for cutting, taking safety precautions, sanding the wood, and marking the line.
Perform the cutting, setting the speed, holding the tool, and moving it along the line.
Remove sawdust frequently, using a vacuum, a brush, or compressed air.
Sand or buff the cut edges, using a sanding or a polishing accessory.
By following these steps, you can cut wood with a Dremel rotary tool and create amazing DIY projects. However, remember that a Dremel rotary tool is not a replacement for a saw or a router, and it can only cut thin wood up to 19mm deep. If you need to cut thicker or harder wood, you may need to use a more powerful tool.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who may also be interested in cutting wood with a Dremel rotary tool. Thank you for reading!
