7 replies to this topic

[Kevin]

Hey guys, I've been trying to make a wood formicarium, and I got some dremel tools, but they always end up smoking and burning the wood... They also take forever to cut, and I think I need a coarser grain bit that can move masses of wood... You guys probably know what it's like to carve a tunnel, lol. What are some bits you recommend, or different ways to go about cutting. (I don't want to cut all the way through this board, it's thick, I'm doing a 1 pane glass thing).

[spider_creations]

I don't know what it's called but I got some wood drill bits for the dermal at ace harware. There's a small one it is round but flat on the Tom and had little blades/edges and that works good

[Subverted]

Sounds like you are using too high of a speed on the tools.

[Kevin]

Do you recommend a lower speed? My dremel goes 1-6, and I was generally using 6... Maybe that's why?

[sgheaton]

Going to fast and burning your work. Proper bit with a variable speed dremel is my recommendation. 
 

[AntsMAN]

I made a few nests out of wood using a Dremel with router bits. The problem I had with wood was hydration, the wood will soak up any water, and dry out really quickly. Also mold/rotting is a big issue. I never experimented with rock maple or any of the extremely hard woods, but I assume they would perform some what the same. Please let me know how you make out. I moved all my colonies out of my wooden formicariums.

 

Bits I used, I removed the wood little tiny bits at a time. Mind you they weren't made to look pretty.

 

[dspdrew]

You might need a bit that's a little more aggressive too.

[sgheaton]

Just take your wood to home depot and ask their advice! I've asked mine for all sorts of questions from electrical work to experimenting with grouts.