Power Carving and Texturing Basics by Matt Harber

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Influences:

Foredom: Strong, high torque. ¼" shaft (usually).
Dremel (or similar rotary tool): 1/8” shaft. With proper collets, can use 3/32” and 1/16" shaft burrs. 0 – 18,000 RPM.
Micromotor (I use Mastercarver Micro Pro Champion): 1/8", 3/32" shafts. Can also use 1/16” shaft burrs – usually dental bits, often used for piercing.
0 – 46,000 RPM.

SaburrTooth.com (carving burrs – coarse [green] and fine [yellow])
- Sphere burrs, large and small
- Flame burrs
- Ball nose burrs
MDIWoodCarvers.com (stump cutters, more)
- 21-SET35 – Rounded Cylinder Mini Stump Cutter Set (3/32" shank)
- 20-B5 – 5mm Bud Stump Cutter (3/32" shank)
- 20-S6 6mm Sphere Stump Cutter
Amazon.com
- 3/4" radial bristle discs, 220 grit
HarborFreight.com (1/8" diamond bit sets)
- Diamond Point Rotary Bit Set, 20-piece
- Diamond Rotary Point Set, 50-piece
WoodWorkingShop.com (Klingspor)
- Manpa mini carving bit, 1/8" shank (triangle, round head)

When turning a piece to carve, look at it as a canvas for your carving. Plan the contours to show your carving work.
Round contours work a lot better for carving than sharp edges. If you plan for your carving to follow or cross a contour, it works a lot better if that contour is rounded.
If you plan to paint and/or dry brush your carving, work to create details and surfaces that handle your planned painting. Often, these are sharp edges in the carving.
Take your time. Take light cuts. You can always carve more wood off.
When sanding or smoothing with diamond burrs, turn the tool speed down low. It’s pretty easy to burnish or burn the wood with diamond burrs.