Recommendation for tools to carve/dremel?

[Scrogdor]

Looking for recommendations on a way to carve/slope down the middle of a trunk to make a broom style tree. I'm not really sure how powerful of a motor I need on a dremel to be effective, or if there is an alternative hand method that would be great as well.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Depends on how big a trunk you are talking about. A die grinder might work better for a decent size broom. Dremel’s my experience are more for the detailed and delicate work. (Get an extension if you get a dremel for tree work btw.)

You might also get away with a couple wood chisels.. at least a one gouge and a small keyhole saw

Good luck!
DSD sends

 

[ShadyStump]

We'd also need to know what species. The hardness and consistency of the wood can make a difference in what tools you might chose.

There are variable speed Dremels and similar machines, but if you already have one then that might not be helpful.

 

[Scrogdor]

We'd also need to know what species. The hardness and consistency of the wood can make a difference in what tools you might chose.

There are variable speed Dremels and similar machines, but if you already have one then that might not be helpful.

I'd like to find one that is good for majority of species. The tree in question is a chinese elm, but in general something that works for Elms, trident maples, and JPM's.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Ok, for detail work this is a good dremel kit. It’s their most powerful dremel. Get a Flex shaft extension too, sells for 29.95 Amazon. Some of the supplied bits will get you started. You can add on other bits as you need them. I use this tool alot, not just for trees.

Dremel 4300-5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit with LED Light- 5 Attachments & 40 Accessories- Engraver, Sander, and Polisher- Perfect for Grinding, Cutting, Wood Carving, Sanding, and Engraving

I don’t use die grinder often and have used a number of them…. For heavier work Makita has a decent powered 1/4” die grinder for a decent price on Amazon. Be aware you can get some pretty pricey dir grinders and some cheap Chinese knockoffs too.

BlueMakita GD0601 1/4" Die Grinder, with AC/DC Switch, Blue

Bits are a whole another deal. A popular bit for bonsai is sold by Bonsai4me called the Nibbler. There a couple sizes. You can also get these for Dremels. They are pricey but do a good job.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Scrogdor]

Ok, for detail work this is a good dremel kit. It’s their most powerful dremel. Get a Flex shaft extension too, sells for 29.95 Amazon. Some of the supplied bits will get you started. You can add on other bits as you need them. I use this tool alot, not just for trees.

Dremel 4300-5/40 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit with LED Light- 5 Attachments & 40 Accessories- Engraver, Sander, and Polisher- Perfect for Grinding, Cutting, Wood Carving, Sanding, and Engraving

I don’t use die grinder often and have used a number of them…. For heavier work Makita has a decent powered 1/4” die grinder for a decent price on Amazon. Be aware you can get some pretty pricey dir grinders and some cheap Chinese knockoffs too.

BlueMakita GD0601 1/4" Die Grinder, with AC/DC Switch, Blue

Bits are a whole another deal. A popular bit for bonsai is sold by Bonsai4me called the Nibbler. There a couple sizes. You can also get these for Dremels. They are pricey but do a good job.

Cheers
DSD sends

Shop – Bonsai4Me

bonsai4me.com

Would these work for what I need? My tree is only a couple inches in diameter and I don't have any plans for big trees for the next several years.

 

[River's Edge]

Hand Tools can be very effective in the right hands. I do not feel a power tool is needed for the job you have in mind! Take your time and carve by hand. You can use a sharp pen knife, small curved chisels, and or small bonsai saw. For best results you will need hand tools to finish the edges for best healing anyhow. Power tools turn quickly and can damage cells on the edge. fast is not always better when you are learning.


Please do not misinterpret my comments I have and use the power tools for carving bonsai when appropriate! I prefer the one below. It is not for everyone and is expensive. Auto-Mach HCT-30 and associated bits. The carver it self sold for approx $418 USD in 2011 when purchased. It has optional features that provide carving action as well as rotary bits. The nibbler bits mentioned by others can be very effective. Even with all this equipment I rely on hand tools to finish the job properly!

 

[Scrogdor]

Hand Tools can be very effective in the right hands. I do not feel a power tool is needed for the job you have in mind! Take your time and carve by hand. You can use a sharp pen knife, small curved chisels, and or small bonsai saw. For best results you will need hand tools to finish the edges for best healing anyhow. Power tools turn quickly and can damage cells on the edge. fast is not always better when you are learning.


Please do not misinterpret my comments I have and use the power tools for carving bonsai when appropriate! I prefer the one below. It is not for everyone and is expensive. Auto-Mach HCT-30 and associated bits. The carver it self sold for approx $418 USD in 2011 when purchased. It has optional features that provide carving action as well as rotary bits. The nibbler bits mentioned by others can be very effective. Even with all this equipment I rely on hand tools to finish the job properly!

Thanks for the detail! I think you sold me on hand carving! I live in an apartment so my bonsai work is limited to my balcony anyways.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

That’s a really wise decision.

When you carve small trees by hand you’ll learn how to work the wood in a way that is much different then when working with tools and with lumber.

One gets the “feel” of the wood and becomes knowledgeable with the ins and outs of a piece of living wood so the transition to power tools will be so much smoother.

I actually started off my wood working journey by carving, moving up to power tools afterwards.

cheers
DSD sends