Tool Talk Tuesday: the Dremel

For me, the best part of attending BlissDom was meeting so many wonderful women! Though I arrived late, I ran into longtime internet friends, but also got to meet new ones! Jess, from Frugal with a Flourish was new to me, but it didn't take me long to see what a sweet and talented girl she is...so I HAD to have her visit me in the blogosphere (and she's welcome to come and visit CA anytime, too, hint hint). I LOVE this post on her new Dremel tool and I hope you do, too! ENJOY!


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First, I am super excited to my posting here at JJ’s place. Today I would like to introduce you to a new friend of mine – the Dremel! Now, I decided that I wanted one last year and asked for it for Christmas. I haven’t really had a chance to play with it until recently since we now have our garage. This post is all about what I have learned about the Dremel.

First, there are tons of projects you can do with a Dremel! It’s kinda like the iPhone of tools. You want to do something – there is an accessory for that!

Here is an idea of some of the projects you can do with a Dremel
    - Engrave a candle
    - Fix a chair spindle
    - Cut Wire Closet Shelving to size
    - Restore Painted Metal
    - Clean a Grill
    - Sharpen Lawnmower Blades
    - Distressing Jeans (Ha!  Bet you weren't expecting that one!)
There are more ideas for DIY and Home Décor projects on Dremel’s site here.

However, with that many options it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what you want to do and how you want to do it! I have a couple tips if you are new to a Dremel tool as I was.

First, get some “play materials” and go to town. I got some MDF and a pine board and went to town. You really need to practice the amount of pressure and speeds with the different bits.  I won't show you those "practice" pieces, but I will say that you have to get used to the kick back on drill bits and routing pieces!

Next, spend some time on their site learning about the different bits accessories and figure out what you need to do the kind of “work” you want to do with your Dremel. For example – I want to do some light wood working projects with mine so I need to pick up the plunge router attachment. The Hubby wants to use it for some metal work projects on his car – so he has been checking out the polishing and cutting tools. And if you aren’t sure what you need at all – simply use their Accessory Fast Finder to put in your tool type and what you want to do with what kind of material.

Finally, just jump in and try something. For example – I had this frame that I got for $5 at Hobby Lobby (love the clearance sales). I had a project planned for it – hop over to my place to see. But it was a little dinged up.

No worries – I simply pulled out the Dremel and popped on a sanding drum. Sure I could have done it by hand, but this bad boy let me target specific spots and got it done lickety split!  A nice coat of black glossy paint and this baby is ready for her spot in my next project!

I hope this has been a helpful introduction to the Dremel tool and that you are inspired instead of overwhelmed by the options! I think it is a great handy addition to any DIY’er toolbox.

(Please note that this is just my opinion on the Dremel and the things you can do with it. I am utilizing a lot of the links on Dremel’s site because they are good representations of the projects and types of tools and accessories you need. However, no one is paying me for this!)




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Thanks Jess, for visiting today and for sharing your fun experiences with the Dremel. And thanks for making me want to run out and get one IMMEDIATELY. Ha!!!