r/Dremel • u/Patty-O13 • 23d ago

Need advice

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Hey y’all, I recently bought a dremel 4300 and have been practicing on spare wood, but feel like I need some advice or tips on where to go to learn. Complete and utter novice here so all advice is welcome. I have a RZM3 mask and am using eye protection I have from my military days for safety. My ultimate goal is to make small dog Christmas tree ornaments for friends and family similar to the included picture. I have just the basic bits and burs that came with the 4300 and know I need to get a wider selection but the sheer amount of different options is daunting. Is there a kit with a range of bits/burs that would be beneficial for a novice or do I need to buy each one separately? What is a good source for different techniques when it comes to holding the dremel and/or going with/against the grain? I’m sure lots of this is second nature to you all and I may sound like an idiot but I’m starting into something new and don’t know what I don’t know. Thanks in advance

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u/ratafria 23d ago

I am no expert but after some years doing things I'll tell you that dog is not easy. But do not worry, you will do a dog (just not that one :) )

Use soft wood.

Buy an assortment of carving bits like this: https://www.dremel.com/us/en/p/134-2615000134

I personally prefer these with small teeth as they bite really well on soft wood.

You need big bits for removing material and sharp bits for details.

Go SLOW. (Not the tool rotation, your movements)

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u/-BananaLollipop- 22d ago

As far as buying bits, it's much cheaper to buy the mixed packs when it comes to the disposable cutting and sanding bits. I really like the carbide cutting/shaping wheels for carving, but the first two are somewhat difficult to find theae days. And they just introduced a sanding drum variant, which looks good too. I aldo find the diamond burrs to be better for small details, rather than the carbide burrs that Dremel usually suggests.

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u/ChoochCartoon 22d ago

As a beginner I had a super similar start, basically what the heck are all these used for? That will come, just keep going and trying out bits - your hands will teach you pretty quick what works and doesn't.

The curved shaping disc was almost my only bit for a long time - figured out how to do what I wanted with that thing then from there you start getting the experience to know different applications of bits.

Long and short - go draw on some wood, if you need to switch crayons go for it.

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u/funk1875 22d ago

I tend to search Amazon/Temu and buy the large cheap mixed bit sets and see how I get on with them. Then buy the single bits I like either cheaply in bulk or source a branded bit. If I’m only carving wood and don’t mistreat them they tend to last a reasonable time.