Tools Purchasing a Dremel Tool

Well, what I have is a fairly basic Dremel with variable speed settings, the Flexi-Shaft attachment, and I use a lot of very small mounted stone bits for sanding. I got all mine on Amazon - you don't have to go high-end with bits to get decent ones (some of my favourites are from the cheapest sets I could find) but just check the sizing really carefully cos it's easy to end up with bits that are too big to fit a Dremel, or too big to be useful for detail work.

 

When I first started sculpting I used a little manicure set and I also had some little dremel tips that worked with it but you have to be delicate with it because the motor will burn out easy. It's not awesome, but works in a pinch.

Dremel tools go on sale often, where I am anyway I got one with bits for 15$ so it's almost the same price as a decent manicure set when it's on sale.

Dremels are big and clunky, so I would recommend a flex shaft. I got mine for 90$ and it's fantastic!
depends on your budget and what you're willing to put up with from your tools

aaand bits,
For carving..

diamond bits
View attachment 514
I get these at princess auto, or canadian tire, they're also on amazon

Burrs
View attachment 515
these are awesome for quick roughing, they remove alot of material at a time

 

I got the 3000 (I think) from amazon for £45. It's not a bad tool, but it doesn't come with many (useful) attachments,so that can be an extra purchase

 

Look into dental handpieces before you decide, they range from 100-500$+ and typically come with bits- but the trick is the're much lighter- micromotors particularly. I haven't gotten one yet but my current dremel weighs far too much and fatigues my hands way too quickly. What I mention is best for a small doll or jewelry/detail places but probably could work for a larger doll depending on the bits you use. These handpiece tools weigh maybe half a pound... The 3000 weighs 1.3 pounds.... My current dremel weighs at least 3 pounds hence why its causing fatigue just doing jewelry pieces! Some people use this type of dremel for acrylic nail work but they are made for porceline teeth fillings and replacements I think. My mom was a dental lab tech and she recomends it highly!

My own plan is to get one around 100/130 (which is competitive with nicer dremels- the 3000 is around 50 on amazon which seems like a great deal for what it is) and invest in several bit sets.

 

I have a proxxon micromot set similar to this. View attachment 591
I think I've had it for something like 20 years and it is rock solid. I also inherited my dad's and I think he had that for at least 30 years. Both heavily used and in perfect working condition.
Proxxon sell a large amount of bits, drills and tools to fit these and these all have the same diameter that fits the standard "chuck" as I believe it is called, but one word of advice: some of these come with an adjustable chuck that allow you to use (cheaper) drills and bits from other manufacturers. I think you can also buy such a chuck separately. And it is a very good investment.

I looked it up, this set is called proxxon micromot 50/e NO 28 515 and it is a good beginner set. The British amazon sells it for 52 pounds.