I'm not a woodworker, but I've been told this is the place to ask my question. I'm interested in using a Dremel to carve and drill into materials like antler, bone, and shells for my craft projects. I want to know if it's safe to hold the Dremel in my hand and work without using vises or clamps. Additionally, should I wear gloves while doing this? If so, what type of gloves do you recommend? I'm new to this, so please bear with me and no harsh comments! Thanks for your guidance!
3 Answers
Safety first! Make sure you're wearing a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling any bone dust—it's not good for your lungs. Gloves aren’t usually recommended around spinning tools because they can catch and cause injuries. Just be careful, and remember to control your movements by working against the direction of the spin. That will help keep you safe!
Definitely doable! I recommend getting a Dremel with a flex shaft attachment; it makes it much easier to hold. However, about wearing gloves—it's usually not advisable with rotating tools. Wearing gloves can get snagged and cause serious injuries. But, since a Dremel isn’t super powerful, a thin glove might not hurt, although it could hinder your control. It's vital to wear eye protection because cutting discs can be particularly dangerous. Also, work slowly—especially with antler; it dulls bits quickly, and forcing cuts can lead to burns and bad smells! Good luck with your projects!
I've carved a lot with a Dremel just holding the piece by hand. The tool is pretty manageable, so as long as you're careful, you shouldn't have too much trouble. Just keep an eye on speed and pressure; they can really affect your control. Oh, and expect to buy some additional bits or attachments because you’ll find you need them as you go along!