Cutting for beginners

How to Get Started with Cutting

Have you noticed there are a few things around the house that need fixing up? Whether you want to cut holes in drywall or make a planter box, Dremel’s cutting tools will take you there. In our handy beginner’s guide to cutting, we’ll run you through the basics. From picking the right accessories and attachments to knowing how to use them, you’ll be improving your home in no time.

Pick the right cutting accessory for your surface.

Pick the right cutting accessories

There are lots of different accessories when it comes to cutting. To get you started, here are some of the best types for everyday use.

Cutting Wheels

For cutting many different materials, from wood and plastic to metal and porcelain. Especially suitable for straight and thin cuts. For example, to cut through both hard and soft types of wood, use the Wood Cutting Wheel .

Spiral Cutting Bits

Great for detail work and curved cutting, these can cut everything from wood to fibreglass. A thin Spiral Cutting Bit can find its way into small spaces.

Pick the right attachment for your project.

Want extra assistance? Attachments can help

Attachments are the things that help your project go that little bit more smoothly. Which attachment depends on the project, and the kind of material you’re cutting. The Multipurpose Cutting Kit is the perfect option for repetitive cuts. The Multipurpose Tile Cutting Kit provides the same assurance when it comes to cutting wall tiles with ease. Then there’s the Line & Circle Cutter , that makes perfect holes and straight lines. Finally, if you’re cutting a loose object, don’t forget the value of a clamp. Try the Multi-Vise : a stationary vice, stand-alone clamp and tool-holder in one.

Gloves, goggles and a dust mask are all cutting essentials.

Take safety precautions

Now that you’ve got the right cutting tools and have a job that needs doing – you’re probably itching to get started. But before you do, it’s time for a quick recap on safety. Protect your hands with gloves, preferably a leather pair; not only will they shield against accidental cuts and splinters, they’re also more resistant to wear and tear. Goggles and a dust mask are also essential. You don’t want to be breathing in tiny glass or metal shards (or getting them anywhere near your eyes).

The greatest amount of control? Holding the Dremel with two hands.

Hold the tool with both hands

When it comes to making the cut, it’s best to let the tool do the work. Too much pressure and you risk damaging your working surface. Too little, and your tool can ‘jump’, resulting in an uneven line or hole. It’s easiest to use the two-handed grip when cutting. The familiarity of the grip also provides you with the confidence needed to handle your cutting tools.

Which leads us to another important tip: that of trial and error. The only way you’ll discover what works for you is if you try it for yourself! You’ll be surprising yourself with home improvement jobs in no time.

After cutting comes smoothing and sanding.

Soften the edges

If you’re cutting a surface like wood, plastic or soft metal, you’ll want to spend a bit of time neatening things up. First, you’ll need to swap the cutting wheel for a sanding accessory . For wood, switch to a sanding band and sand the edges to remove overhang. Sanding helps perfect your shape, but if you want to achieve soft edges, you’ll need an EZ SpeedClic: Finishing Abrasive Buff . This softens sharp edges on metal, glass, wood and plastic. Now you’ve made the cut and smoothed the edges – you’re ready to take your home improvement skills to the next level.