using a Dremel tool?

Ack, what is a router? *is dumb* I saw that and was like "Is that a drill?" Is it? I have no idea.

/stupid on

 

The only router I know anything about is an eithernet router... before I saw the page, I was thinking, what the fark is Luts doing selling computery stuff?

 

It looks like a dremmel. You can find stuff like that in places like Home depot and Sears and stuff. Complete with lots of different heads. Hope that helps!

-chris

 

You can get a router at Home Depot or Sears. No need to import from Korea ops:

Prices will vary depending on the expected use. Something small and handheld for hobbyists would likely be much less than $200 (you might even check local craft stores for them), whereas a professional grade router (for carpenters, et al) might cost as much as $400 ~ $500.

 

Honestly, I use a $20 cordless drill with a tiny drill bit to pierce ears, and a sharp new blade on a $5 utility knife and sandpaper to open eyes.

There's no need to drop $100-200 for tools like a router if you're only doing minor modifications. And if you really want a Dremel tool, you can often find them secondhand on eBay. :grin:

 

I think you should save yourself a few dollars and the worry of overseas shipping and just get a Dremel tool and a hand drill for the ear piercing. Both of which ought to be at Hobby Lobby or Michaels...or even better, look in your phone book for a "mom n' pop"-type local store.

They even make cordless Dremels now, quite nice and very handy around the house too. I got mine maybe 6 months ago and I know it was less than $100...prob more like $75.

 

I have one of those, and it's my new best friend. I didn't pay $100 for it though! You can find them cheaper elsewhere.

 

Thanks Anna!

/dumbness off

I seriously had no idea what it was.

Thanks!

 

From what I can see, the Luts router looks pretty much like a Dremel tool.

Dremels can be expensive or not depending on what kind you get and how many accessories are with it. Wally World (no, not Disney, Wal-Mart ) has them for a range of reasonable prices. Just ask anyone in the hardware department for a Dremel and they'll know what you are looking for.

Router is an interesting name... isn't a router that thing that cuts/shaves cool edges on wood boards and trims and such?

Loki's Mom

 

I received a Dremel tool as an Xmas present a few years back and it has to be the BEST thing I've ever received as a gift! Not just for doll stuff either. I'm always finding new uses for it! I kinda went hogwild and purchased an astounding array of bits for the thing. An optional part that came with the set is the 'wand' attachment (not sure of the real name) which locks into the end of the Dremel tool and has a long cable so you don't have to heft about the entire tool--just this wand with the bit on it!

I've been working on opening eyes in a head that I have but I'm too nervous to use my Dremel. I've been shaving away with an X-Acto blade for now. I will have to use the Dremel inside to round out the eyewell. Conveniently there are sanding bits shaped like spheres which fit the Dremel and should work well for eyewells!

 

I was looking at dremels because I am thinking of starting to mod dolls, and I noticed that there are a fair few out there. (Dremel Engraver, Pro, multi pro... O_O) I was wondering which is best for dolls. I am a fan of not wasting money on overly expensive tools when I don't need them, but I don't want to get one that won't get the job done.

 

Well firstly, this sort of information is something that varies from person to person and also is easily googled outside of the community, because dremels are not something explicitly made for working on BJDs. There will be lots and lots of reviews online as to the handle and pros and cons of any brand of rotary tools. Secondly, they're not always expensive, my own was marked down from $100CAD to just $45, so shop around and keep an eye out for sales, because they -do- happen, and like in my case, it was significant. Keep in mind that Dremel is a brand name as well as a blanket term used (just like Band-aid), so make sure to search for rotary tool too.

 

I want to say, make sure to avoid cordless dremels.

I have one and it works great, but because its cordless and recharges, the battery doesn't last long.

 

I use a $25 Black and Decker rotary tool I got from...Walmart, I think. It's a three-speed one, and is more than good enough for mod work. All you *really* need is a rotary tool with at least two or three speeds and the appropriate bits for what you're working on, there's no real need for anything excessively priced or specialised. Dremel brand bits should work with most other brands of rotary tool, by the way. They fit just fine in mine, and you can get packs of assorted ones for fairly low prices.

 

I have two dremels myself. I actualy tend to use my cordless one more than the corded one. I've never had any trouble with it dying on me while i'm working, but I do have a spare battery charged at any given time just in case. I prefer the cordless -because- its not as powerful as the corded version... resin very soft compared to what these things generaly tear into, an the more powerful one often times would get away from me an mar up what i was trying to do. Mine only has two settings low an high, I only use the high mode an do some very extensive mods with it and have never had any trouble. The one I have was only around $20 at walmart an then I got an 8$ carving/ingraving bit an that's pretty much the only thing I use e.e

 

Awesome! Thank you all for your advise! I shall ponder what all of you said and make my choice, and I must say it is quite a relief to have some clue what to look for! Thank you!

 

I noticed that a lot people on here use a Dremel for modifying, making holes, sanding etc.

I have a lot of customisation to do and am about to buy one myself but to make sure it comes with what I may need I was wondering what tools you use and for what you use them for?

 

Depends on what you plan to do with it tbh, I, for instance, do a great deal of girl-boy mods, seam sanding and posing improvements so I most use cutting blades and sanding wheels. If you were doing delicate work on things like eye openings, you'd be better with one of the teeny tiny cutter blades.

If you wanted a nice broad range, they do loads of boxes of accessories that have a little bit of everything in them for various prices, so pretty much, it depends on how much you wanted to spend and whether you had a specific purpose for it in mind.

 

I second what Lulu said about going for a box of accessories. Most dremels come with at least a few different kinds of bits.

I find myself using sanding wheels, and engraving bits the most. But I think I've used almost all the bits I have at least once.

Then you can figure out which you use most frequently. Also if you have a frame of reference as to what types of bits exist, it's easier to go shopping for a specific type of bit for a specific need.

 

If you're going to do anything but the lightest of work for short periods of time, you don't want the cordless dremel. Not enough power, and the battery on the cordless runs out fast.

 

I mainly use the sanding bits that came with my Dremels

I have the Dremel stylus and I find the battery life on that fine, it doesn't have as much power behind it as a corded one but I have never found this to be a problem with something as soft as resin

also as I tend to use it on the lowest RPM to avoid overheating the resin, the stylus is nice because the min RPM is lower than on my old corded Dremel

 

Thank you all for the advice. I think I will go for the big box of accessories and luckily I have a spare hand to try them out on.

 

Hello all!
I looked in the sticky threads and searched in the forum, and it looks like the dremel thread has gone away or is inaccessible.

I've been customizing my dolls as far as apoxie resin, faceups, and sanding, and I'm looking to take the next step into the wild world of having a dremel!

Do any of you have any suggestions for a starter dremel kit, and what accessories would be good for customizing? What's the dremel that you are using now?

Specifically, I'm interested in ear-piercing, putting magnets in headcaps, and possibly sanding between fingers, if that's at all possible.

Many thanks!

 

I've been using the Dremel Stylus. I greatly enjoy this tool's unique shape, it allows for a wide range of precision control. It can be braced against a solid surface for a very straight line, or held steady un-hand due to its compact size and comfortable fit. I highly reccomend getting a kit from the actual Dremel company, the off-brand dremel I had before this one not only fell apart fast, but also didn't come with the necessary tool for changing bits! It worked for a while, but I reccomend brand-name Dremel for a long-lasting, versatile tool.

 

I have the Dremel Stylus, too. I love it for all the reasons rykaan mentioned

 

I bought the Dremel 120-volt kit because the hubby was concerned that the stylus wouldn't be able to do what he wanted for his home repairs.

It's corded and a tad bit heavier but it works great for my purposes, and so far I haven't caught my hands tiring after even an hour of grinding. It also came with a nice selection of accessories.

 

I also have the simple one for 120 Volt. It is called "300" here. Until now, it has worked excellently for all purposes.

 

I third the Dremel Stylus! It is a great shape and size for the delicate work that doll customization often requires. That, and my hands are quite small so I had trouble holding a larger tool. xD

 

I'm another that uses the Dremel Stylus. It is very versatile. And its cordless!

 

That's awesome! Thank you guys for the recommendations! Looks like I'll be getting a Dremel Stylus

(by the way, DragonHawk - I love your icon.)

 

Dremel Stylus all the way! Sadly mine is in a box right now, and I'm having to resort to using an old Black and Decker model with a battery which won't hold it's juice anymore. Thankfully I should be getting my stylus back with me soon.

I'm not too sure about sanding between fingers with a dremel.. unless I'm unaware of bits small enough to get between them without causing harm to the fingers... I would personally sooner just stick with sheets of small grain sandpaper and do that part by hand.

 

^^ Thanks Pristine Crimson! One of my favorites.

I only use the dremel for fingers when there is room to work with. My larger dolls that have plainly posed hands are easiest. I use a small cutting wheel on low speed to start the grooves, then a fine sanding wheel afterwards to bring the edges down. It takes a steady hand, but it works. I don't try this with my MSD or anything smaller though, those are done by hand. I'm afraid I might take a finger off..

 

I haven't tried it myself yet, but I'm glad to see it's not a no-no.

 

I have a Dremel that I use with an emery disk to cut my egg shells ( I'm also an egger). I love it. It's very versatile and the bits and other attachments are easy to find. I plan to get a clamp on table overhead holder with a retractable line. That keeps the cord off the table and out of the way (also, if it isn't in use, it is out of the way but handy). Walmart has a couple of different brands, but I like Dremel best.

 

Those Dremel Stylus models look awesome!
I have a Dremel 300 model. It's kind of an all-purpose model, but I tend to do wood working and modifications to things I need to drill holes in when my drill won't fit more than I do doll stuff (though I did use it on a vinyl doll yesterday).

I'm going to also support the cord over cordless decision. I've always found that even if the cordless tools (especially Dremels and power drills) can last an hour or two, you can't get the same power out of them. I'd rather stick to my trusty corded models which give me full power for as long as I want and just throw the cord over my shoulder or through a clamp.
I also personally hate any drill-style power tool that contains "quick change" for bits. I've always found that this connection feels less secure and is more likely to fling bits or break them. My power drill has one of those metal key locks for tightening/loosening at the end and my Dremel has a button I can press to hold the bit holder still while I spin it to undo it.
I think it really depends on the bits you want for what you're trying. I've never tried sanding fingers, but I will say you probably want a multi-speed. Mine runs anywhere between I think 5000-35000 rpm. for sanding, you want it to run very slow because it's very easy to make mistakes. The kits give you a nice range of tools to use, though I found I had to go find a much smaller boring bit anyways. I would think you would need a needle thin drill bit for piercing ears, and you'd want to go slow. I think I tried something of the sort (though I wasn't piercing ears) before, and broke one or two of these bits because they were so fragile and I tipped them a bit wrong while drilling too fast.

I recently somewhat inherited a circular saw attachment (saw is about 2" in diameter with a plastic safety cover over it) that I can't wait for it to warm up out here so I can give it a run.

 

I was wondering if a dremel is worth the money? I've been toying with the idea of getting one, and have been trying to be a good girl and do my research, but I keep finding posts on various websites that have been saying that they barely last 2 months. I'm hesitant to drop the $100+ if it's going to be unreliable it'll be used for more than just dolls though. I do ALOT of sanding. Not just resin... wood, epoxy, that plastery type stuff you use to fill in gaps with in walls, clay, plastic. So I'm a little concerned it might not be able to handle all the sanding abuse and I'll kill it. I'll probably do a little cutting as well.

EDIT: also, does anyone have advice on cordless/corded? We have cordless tools (you know, regular drill and electric sander which have interchangeable batteries (same company).), which are awesome because they can be moved around easily. The drill lasts forever, the electric sander though, barely lasts an hour of sanding. Though I'm probably an abusive mistress. I know that corded, you usually get more power and of course no dying battery, but it can be inconvenient. Power points are sparse in my house, but I don't want to be in the middle of a project and then have it stop on me and I have to sit around while it recharges.

 

Get a Drill Master rotary tool. On ebay they sell for $10 or some such and they are for small scale hobby things. They come with a set of bits and tips. I have this little one for small scale work as it is handier then my Dremmel 3000.
The Drill Master is sold through Arbor Freight.
Both tools can be found in Walmart.

I would reccomend Lowes or another hardware store. I personally like the rotary tools my grandpa has... heheh. Black and Decker, Kobalt and a something else I can't remember the name of. Though, the power tools I buy are pricey, as I use them A LOT, and I get better usage. (not to mention longevity)

I don't remember what my Dremmel cost, but it is definitely a trooper for heavy duty things. For starters, I'd get it in a kit, or a starter kit with it. The kits for dremmels usually have their drill bits and pieces marked to show you what does what and how to use it.

Though, do NOT use either the small rotary tool or the dremmel for lengthy amounts of time!
1)Health hazard, can cause numbing and nerve damage from prolonged use.
2)It'll heat up. :P

I can post images and links to what I personally own and use. I don't know the names off hand. Just pm me or something. XD (Pm work best as I don't check topics very much)

 

Hi I have a question, if someone with experience could answer, that would be very helpful. What is the ideal RPM for dolly mods? My dad has a dremel with minimal speed 10 000 RPM which seems to me too much, but I have never used a dremel before. I need it not only for sending but also for drilling (for eye openning or earrings). Would it be doable or should I get one with lower speed?

 

The dremel I have has variable speed settings and goes from 5,000 to 30,000 rpm. I normally use the lowest speed setting (5,000 rpm). The only time I used a mid to high range setting was when I was building wooden doll furniture. To be honest I think you might feel more comfortable with something that can go lower. Since you've never used a dremel before I would suggest trying out your dad's on a piece of scrap wood to get a feel for how things work. Try drilling and sanding, and by then you should have a feel for what will be correct for you. Also just a tip, at higher speeds drill bits will like to jump around a bit on you so I would suggest also investing in a small hand drill that you get at crafts stores, just to start things like holes which you can then use to guide your drill bit into.

I guess I should also mention that I've seen some really great holiday deals on dremels lately. I even saw one for $19.99! It didn't come with very many bits, but those are inexpensive enough to just buy what you will use the most.

EDIT....to further explain the hand drill...it's basically a pin vise hand drill like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/370712306795?lpid=82 that you use your own "hand power" on to create a small hole. I've found these things to be really helpful in starting holes.

 

Thank you very much for the answer it's really helpful. I thought it would be the case. I am mostly worried about the "jumpiness", because I don't have a steady hand. I've already ordered the hand drill and I will try out the dremel but probably get one with lower RPM.

 

Cool, glad I could be of help. I don't know if it's possible for your to order from some of the US hardware stores, but a lot of them have their holiday deals online too, so you could consider browsing Home Depot, Lowes or Menards for dremels.

 

Would a Dremel tool be good to make an etch on the doll body like this? Look down on the etched tattoo design

ITEM VIEW : Auction - A_HID_Falcon

I am thinking of tattoo and i like the idea of etching the design and then color the etch so it is permanent

I’m thinking maybe it is too strong to use and will shatter

Is there anything i can use to make the etching other than the etching electrical hand tool or Dremel? Maybe something like a nail file but the nail file is only rough on the edge not the tip so it is hard to control the edge design

Can i use Dremel to make the feet thinner and smaller to fit more shoes and is it better to use the battery Dremel or Dremel with electric wire?

 

@GreenTeaSlug

Yes, a dremel would be an effective way to do all of those things. I personally prefer to use one with a wire, since batteries can die, and then you'd need to wait to recharge it if it ran low. Also when it starts to run low, it could make the tool not work properly, which could maybe cause you to make a mistake.

You can also use small diamond files (I purchased these for modifications: https://www.amazon.com/Strulo-Multi...15949&sr=8-1&keywords=miniature+diamond+files), which I think work really well for small details. You could also attempt to use carving tools, but I have never tried that, so I don't know if it would be effective.

 

@AirimirOfGondor thank you!!!

I didn’t think those tools existed I’ve added it to my amazon cart and will be buying it for use thank you so much it made me excited when i saw these, they will be perfect for the tattoo carvings I appreciate you posting the link :-)

You are right it makes sense to buy one with the electric wire, I will research the available choices but I will make sure to get the flex shaft attachment because that’s what i see people use most for the dolls