bnsaijim

While a Dremel is handy it is not indispensable... there's still nothing like the effect of handtools. I.e., pliers, chisels, knives...

As I continue to grow as an "artist" I find myself returning to the use of the hand tools for refinement work.

Heavily sculptured pieces ala Dremel and Makita are fine initially but after a few years they really do end up looking like organic fertilizer...

My carving arsenal includes both of the above with about a dozen different bits and carving tools, as well as chisels, utility knives, ice picks, screwdrivers, broken glass, sand paper and a blow torch. If I need a chainsaw I borrow one...

The truly indispensable tool seems to be my brain- if the carving doesn't look natural to my mind, it is usually going to get more hokey with time...

Jim
TX