Can a Dremel Cut Wood? How To Do it Safely and Efficiently

Last updated on October 23rd, 2022 at 03:09 am

Using a Dremel to cut wood

Using the proper attachment and features, you can cut wood with a Dremel, including cut-off wheels and bits. The rotary tool cuts through a wide range of timber, including hardwood and softwood. The process requires specific bits and attachments since these materials are different. 

When it is wood above 0.5inches, you need a bigger tool. When working on less than 0.5 inches in thickness, use a straight bit or a cut-off wheel, and straight bits are more effective than cut-off wheels when cutting wood. 

Make sure that when purchasing a Dremel tool, it has multiple attachments for different materials. That saves you from buying more accessories. Before using the rotary tool, a safety check must be run. Below is the safety equipment required to start performing your task. Check out our post on How to use a Dremel as a Router.

Safety Gear

When you do not know the protective measures before operating the tool, refer to the manual or consult the manufacturer. As much as the Dremel tool performs well, a safety check is of utmost importance. 

Hand gloves protect your hands and skin from the friction produced. The material makes thin pieces of wood that are harmful to your hands, and using chemicals during the process will not harm your hands. Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying particles and allow easy work visibility. 

The debris and dust created have to be blocked from the eyes. A face mask protects you from flying debris, and the earplugs protect your ears from the noise that comes from the rotary tool when in use. Safety shoes with steel toes protect you from falling debris that might break your feet. However, any other closed shoe could work. 

Dremel bits for wood

9901 Tungsten carbide carving bit

The 9901 Tungsten carbide carving bit is hard, fast, and effective. It is for aggressive projects. It has cylindrical shape allows it to go deep as it removes material and cuts flat areas, round edges, and v-cuts. Do not run it over the speed of 30,000rpm, so it remains smooth. 

It cuts effortlessly on wood, and it is multi-functional. The only material that is harder than the carbide is the diamond. The Dremel Tungsten Carbide carves bit shapes, smoothens, cuts, and removes wood from substances. A 1/8-inch bit is a versatile tool used by multiple tools. 

The carbide operates at high speed, which is how it easily cuts hard material. Being a high-speed tool does not mean it cannot run at slow speeds, which are for materials such as hardwood. For effective cutting, use the sides of the bit rather than the tip (Source). 

692 6-piece Router Bit

Use one set for routing, inlays, and edging. Use plastic packaging, so you do not lose some of the bits. The set of bits is ideal for hobbyists, and it is a handy tool that is easy to move around. 

The 692 6-piece router bit is high-speed steel, making it durable. You can operate the bit at a higher speed of over 30,000rpm. The bits are compatible with a Dremel 231Router and a 335 plunge router. They are for beginners and professionals and perform well in renovating jobs (Source). The 692 6-piece router bit is high-speed steel, making it durable.

How to cut wood with a Dremel

Tools 

• A Dremel rotary tool.
• Dremel bit or attachment.
• Pencil
• Wrench.
• Tape measure.
• Wood.
• Workbench.
• Clamp.

Steps

Step 1

Gather your tools and clear the workspace. Expect debris to fly around when cutting. A well-ventilated area is ideal for the task since the process is messy. You need more room to move around so that you have enough space. 

Clamp the wood so that it remains secure and sturdy. That decreases the chances of making mistakes that might cost you whole new material.  A workbench and a clamp are part of the tools. Use the wrench that came inside the package to remove the drill head. 

Insert the wheel that matches the thickness of the wood. An appropriate attachment has to be fixed. Remove the collar from the Dremel tool and attach the router base assembly with the straight bit already in place. 

Step 2

Mark the area for cutting using a pencil, marker, or stencil. The markings guide you since you should keep following them to avoid damage to your material. You might have to buy new wood if you are not careful. 

Dremel tools perform better on small cuts, and marking brings precision on both straight and curved cuts. Low adhesive tape strips work as substitutes for the pencil. Choose what is easy to work with. Since the markings make you go beyond the marked area, the chances of making mistakes are low. The marking process enhances accuracy.

Step 3

Positioning the tool has to be mastered before you start cutting. The cutting wheel has to be in a perpendicular position to the wood. Hold the Dremel using both hands. That brings stability to the marked area. You have balance as you operate the tool, and that ensures precision. 

Turn the rotary tool to medium speed. Stressing the rotary tool leads to jamming. Use the Dremel in the same direction as the wood grain to avoid skipping over some areas on the surface. That happens when you go against the wood grain. 

Make sure you have the proper amount of power needed to cut through the wood. Dig into the wood using firm and low pressure. During the first cut, cut all the way through. Avoid making some places uneven since that is difficult to correct. 

Work on the cutting till you get the desired depth. Move along the line of the marked area. Install a smaller bit for a more accurate cut. Do not touch the work area since you can get hurt by the sharp wood pieces. The wood may be sharp enough to cut your skin.

If you want to remove a high volume of wood, use the saw attachment. It works in a large area for a short period. A high-speed cutter is an ideal tool for a smaller wood area. 

Step 4

When satisfied with the depth of your wood, smoothen the cut area as you finalize the project. For a smooth cut, install a grinding bit. Grind the cut area as you make it even. Use less pressure so that you do not damage the wood surface. 

Sanding the edge makes it smooth. Clean sawdust away from the surface and do not allow it to accumulate since that compromises visibility. When dust accumulates, it makes the areas look undone. 

Decide what you want between smooth cuts and rough cuts. Higher speeds with wide strokes make smooth cuts, whereas lower speed gives you a rough cut, making you cut more than required. 

Step 5

Remove rough spots and finalize by sanding or buffing, depending on the finish you want. Remove unevenness and unwanted material. Re-touch the surface you are not satisfied with, and sanding is the ideal process that gives you a smooth finish. 

Features of the Dremel

Cut-off wheel

Choose between a cut-off wheel or a 1-1/2inch cut-off wheel, depending on what you want to cut and its thickness. The cut-off wheel has to cut softwood with ease. When choosing the Dremel tool, bear in mind that each kit comes with different attachments that you choose from.

Cutting bits

There are multiple cutting bits the Dremel uses. These cut shapes are like discs. However, the discs are not the same. Some have gaps between the teeth for precision when cutting, and some have large gaps for bulk cutting. Fiberglass cutting bit works on thin materials such as metal.

Discs

Attach discs to the end of your Dremel tool. Discs are for precision sanding, and a drum bit is ideal for large surfaces, and precision comes from a sanding disc. 

Related Posts

Can you use a Dremel for nails

Can you use a Dremel as a Router?

How to use a Dremel Circle Cutter