Carving Wooden Flag Stars the Easy Way

[@chrisbowden4009]

I might have you beat on the laziness scale. I just found this dude on KZbin that figured this trick out for me. Thanks, by the way!

[@paulpierce4818]

Opened my eyes for some new possibilities with stenciling. Thank You!!

[@MrSonny57]

Great video!! Nice hints!!

[@campmodewithrussell]

good tips , thank you. Just a friendly reminder for those who watch with ear buds in , please turn the volume down while machining when you edit.

[@danob653]

Thank you!

[@rickbabwin1352]

Best, most instructive video I've seen. Thank you very much.

[@danob653]

Thanks for your kind words. Glad it was a help!

[@pd417]

Just finished a flag using this method. It was fast, easy and efficient. Took me less than hour to cut all 50 stars. Thanks!!

[@angbag4555]

This life saver I used to trace the stencil then hand dremel each star and it would take me hours so thank you man

[@firemanbif]

One lazy man to another thanks for posting this. I've dreaded doing flags because I didn't want to hand scribe the stars. Subbed for the great tip. Thanks again!

[@bretfox4532]

Well, I'm going to try this out, that's for sure. Doing the Union is definitely something that keeps me from doing more. Thanks.

[@vctampa]

i totally agree. I made one for my grandson's room and that took me over 2 hrs to carve out the union. This is soooo much easier.

[@jacobkenny4697]

I like the smoothness and simplicity of this method that you shown us. I’m going to try this on my own as well. Thank you for the detail information that you added with the visual finish.

[@danob653]

You are so welcome!

[@jandblawncare8570]

I did my first wavy flag and I put off doing the stars because I knew it was going to be a pain and I was right! I took my Dremel Stylo and put in a 105 bit and even with cheaters on I couldn't really see when the tiny tip was going to hit the wood, fortunately they came out great but it took me almost 2 hours to do a 1776 with the 13 stars. The flag came out amazing and already sold it but what a process! Too bad Dremel doesnt have a router attachment thats only about 3/4" round so it could follow the curves.

[@danob653]

Glad to hear it. I have yet to try a wavy flag, so scared to go through the work and then screw up one star! You just made me think...look at the Dremel router base...what would happen if you cut the wide piece off and just used the two-sided center portion as the base/stop? Just a thought.

[@jandblawncare8570]

@@danob653 I just bought a Dremel 4300 kit and tried your way with a 107? bit but if tore up my stencil so I put in a 105 bit and got it to just past the stencil and it was easier but left a lot of rounded edges but I need some practice with it I guess. I usually use my Dremel Stylo with a 105 bit and free hand it just fine but always looking to speed things up if I can. That flag was completed today and have about 8 hours into it so yeah it's a time sucker.

[@markmawtazzweimar3222]

Awesome idea!!! I’m going to try it! I just got started in making wooden flags!! For your first video you did a great job 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jamesrockne8671]

Just starting into flags and was really concerned about using the plastic stencil with the dremel . You relieved my concern over that so, THANKS! Because I was worried about using the plastic stencil , I bought the metal set from Amazon, 3 sizes for $50. I also plan on making wavy flags too so the metal won’t work as well as the plastic I’m sure. I’ve been woodworking for many years but flags are going to be my new signature project I hope . Really liked your video.

[@danob653]

Thanks so much for your kind words.

[@mathewhunt81]

knocked it out of the ballpark! one of the best videos i have ever seen! keep it up !

[@rlock1021]

I agree. 👍🏻

[@danob653]

Thank you both

[@mprumsey]

Thank you for sharing, I think your way is easier and looks better.

[@steveohare7979]

Finally got round to having my first attempt at the stars .came out brilliant thanks Dan

[@danob653]

Glad to hear it.

[@MRrwmac]

I’ve been looking at ways of making the wavy flag and came accross your video about doing the stars. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and show us a way to do it. I have the same dremel with that base and the extension. I made asian character wall plaques and it was very tedious and time consuming. While watching your video I thought, if someone had the time or wanted to make many flags, why not make a jig to cut out most of the star with the dremel with regular cutter like a router template, THEN to get the corners of the stars sharp, use a chisel to get the corners on a line from one point to the other and so on. Thanks again for your video!

[@irishchopper9065]

Thanks for the outstanding video! I'm doing my first flag at present time. I will be setting my Dremel up the same way. Thanks a million.

[@danob653]

Glad it was a help! Good luck!

[@reyna683]

Thanks for the video! I'm getting ready to build a concealed weapon flag with a RFID card opener for my AR-15 and Glock pistol. This is always the one thing I don't look forward to do lol, but I think this idea will help out for sure. Definitely will try it, thanks again!

[@dunrob13]

I have built several flags by tracing stars and going back with dremel but this does look like a better time saving way i will try thanks 👍

[@danob653]

Have fun!

[@exmedic4509]

I use a Dremel with the hand attachment. I like this way and will try it out. Great TipsQ

[@danob653]

Great tip!

[@vctampa]

Thank you for sharing this tip, now maybe i will get off my behind and make more.

[@caveijaweea]

I have made over 100 flags. I use the same method, but with a steel template. Worth the money. It'll last forwver!! Nice video.

[@bmac6721]

Where did you get your template?

[@caveijaweea]

@@bmac6721 a friend of mine made it. I have 2 different sizes. They are the best!! I've had him make a couple for others and mile them to them if your interested?

[@bmac6721]

@@caveijaweea how much?

[@caveijaweea]

$60 for the template. Plus shipping. Steel is high right now.

[@garyfiedler7283]

Wow! Awesome first video and a fantastic video period. Thank you for taking the time to record your thoughts and experiences.

[@danob653]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@greyspot00]

Very simple, but I've not seen this anywhere else. Awesome tip, thank you!

[@markholmes1346]

Great video on carving the stars ⭐️ thanks for sharing!

[@bobbyplatt7654]

Awesome demonstration I'm trying it your way now. Great first video by the way..

[@pteddie6965]

I love this flag. Thanks for the video.

[@susanramsey95]

Im making one for my Son now.I hope he will love it from his Mom

[@danob653]

I'm sure he will!

[@jimcrabtree2827]

You did a great job on your video ! I enjoyed watching !

[@dexterbutler9735]

Great video. I'm one who would always traced then removed stincel. Always thought the bid would burn it. I use a router base for my 3000 with a fan blade attached above the bit. Keep the tips coming. I will definitely be doing it like this for now on.

[@dexterbutler9735]

Also I subscribed and hit the bell. Don't want to miss anything.

[@MrsVikings]

Nice work!!! I like the lazy man way 😄

[@jackhenson2261]

I really like your method of carving the stars. I will definitely try it. Thank you

[@magin2014]

Excellent work thank you for a great video

[@petematthews7303]

Nice job for a first video like this. Great idea!

[@jassonshepherd6913]

Awesome video!!! Ive been using the dremel stylo with the dust fan and 106.. dont get me wrong it works and works great. Just time consuming but after watching this method i went out and got your setup cause i want to do more of the router method than freehand

[@toddfrank4863]

I run a metal fab shop in FLA and I have several different Union patterns I cut on my laser out of .125 or .063 aluminum and use the dremel router attachment in this same way for about a year now. Definitely makes it quicker and easier to carve stars.

[@schulte7806]

My laser master 2 pro is on its way! Could I make a stencil with that?

[@danob653]

@@schulte7806 Should be able to.

[@brittaneymcgillem5716]

Want to sell some? 😂

[@UnsaltedCracker267]

Good job on the video. Think I will try your technique.

[@HanleysHomestead]

Good tip. Next time I make a flat flag I'm going to try it. Thanks

[@jerrywoodworking3436]

Use stencil glue it doesn’t leave a residue and it works really well

[@enrk2006]

That stuff is amazing. Turns your stencil into basically a post it note

[@Fixbuildflip-Dustin-Boettcher]

Which one do you use?

[@stephenmoore2561]

The glue i use does leave a residue. What do you use?

[@yourunclesam6780]

Beautiful project.Thank you for sharing your knowledge in making these beautiful flags.

[@danob653]

You are so welcome!

[@edmundmcalister119]

Great job; keep on making videos my friend.

[@garymenasco5449]

Made a few with painted stars....seeing your way makes me want to try my dremel after all....good job

[@arnaldoscachetti3558]

You did a great job of carving the stars, I sprayed mine which didn’t come out so good. I do have the plastic and the medal stencils… I might try the medal next and see how it comes out.

[@harley1969chuco]

great video my brother... by the way I dont believe you are Lazy person. your work is amazing Im going to give flag making a shot

[@trumpwasbetter]

Great idea with the depth limiter. My carvings always have odd depths this would help. Would love to see a list of items used in the description.

[@danob653]

They are listed in the description. Bit is the 106 and the depth limiter/tile cut assembly is also listed. There is a link to the stencil I used as well.

[@r.durante528]

Good explanation. Thank you

[@MNJim1966]

Really helpful video. Well done!

[@RockyBalboa0196]

Thank you for posting!! It might of been your first video but it was great. You showed what was the easiest and honestly the best way to do this. I e tried other ways that I’ve seen and this way is the best! Thank you.

[@danob653]

You are so welcome!

[@maryyudes4884]

I do my stars like this but with out the attachment ! Good idea ! Like your video

[@danob653]

Cool, thanks

[@kiehamilton3908]

Thank you for the video. I make my own templates and this technique works great on all of them.

[@adiclimb76]

Thank you that's super easy to do.. I was having problems doing the stars

[@danob653]

You’re welcome 😊

[@davidsattler3202]

You and I would get along! 👍🇺🇸

[@mikerock4553]

Great video, just starting on some flags and was trying to come up with way for the stars other than freehanded 48 and missing up the 49th. Will be heading to the big box hardware store tomorrow. Thank again for fixing my head ack before it started.

[@danob653]

Been there. It's even worse if you make the flag entirely out of strips, not having a seperate union. The strips add a challenge to the carving.

[@chrisconnolly989]

Great tip but now what am I supposed to do with the extra 2 hours every day?

[@jamescardwell8154]

Good video, good info. Thanks

[@danob653]

Glad you liked it, hope it helps!

[@brianjdonnelly8643]

Well done,... going to get the attachment now.

[@joeyyoung8158]

Awesome video! I am going to give that a try

[@danob653]

Please do!

[@bfoster1950]

Great video, thanks.

[@danob653]

Hope it's a help!

[@imlivingyourlife7354]

From 1flag maker to another...that looks clean and crisp! Please don't take this the wrong way. It's not a criticism I just want to bring your attention to it. You're making content and you want to attract users. You said the word um 4,256 times. Of course that's an exaggeration but you insert the word um so often it becomes impossible to listen. Not a criticism but just wanted to mention that.

[@keithc6370]

Great video, I was looking for a way of doing this uniformly. I didn't want to just put stickered stars on mine. Just a little nitpicking; but as you go along making more videos, try to catch yourself when you pause between thoughts/sentences with "um". I'm one of those (character flaw of mine, I'm sure) that starts to focus on that, as the video goes on. If you watch other Maker's Videos; they all start out a bit rough, but learn as they go. I'm sure you'll improve with time! Again; thanks for the great tips! I have a Dremel setup like yours, and I never thought of using it this way.

[@danob653]

Thanks for the feedback! Probably could have edited a bunch of those out.

[@keithc6370]

@@danob653 Whats important is the content you give. Thanks again.

[@DD-rr5jn]

Nice job brother. Thanks for the tip.👍

[@smoleyhokes]

Very good info. Thanks.

[@danob653]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kyndalmccaleb7635]

Great video! Thanks

[@danob653]

You bet!

[@JosephWarner]

Done and done awesome tip!

[@jameymeekins1752]

Thanks for sharing. Will definitely try

[@whatsgnu]

Very nice video, especially for your first! Also, I take offense to "lazy", I prefer efficient !! LOL

[@danob653]

You and me both!

[@chrismartinez7198]

Awsome thank you I'm fixing to start making them and try to sell them on face book.

[@danob653]

Go for it!

[@craigferguson9696]

Definately going to try this method.

[@r.m.2301]

nice tip and good job on your first video keep up the good work

[@DragonflyDreams764]

You did great thank you

[@MattSmith-oh1zi]

I started using vinyl stickers made on my cricut machine, you can print any size union of all the stars.. very east, no carving and look great.. all I do is once I finish painting or staining the union, I put one coat of polyurethane spray.. I use clear gloss.. and vinyl sticks easily to it… then polyurethane 3-4 coats sanding in between.. so much easier than grinding with a dremil

[@danob653]

Thanks for the info!

[@CBM16668]

Thought you did a great job......thanks for the tip!

[@BobbieBTexas]

Awesome thank you

[@user-bj2lr2nc4l]

The plastic stencil does not get tore up.

[@fullauto9813]

The reference to the Bill Gates quote was actually from the true life story of the efficiancy expert Frank Bunker Gilbreth. His story inspired the book Cheaper by the Dozen.

[@Dixie_Chicken423]

I’m pretty sure I was the one who put them upside down. I did it to two flags. My stencils now have arrows on it 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Aarononautos]

FYI, you can use your CNC and some cheap panels to make your own stencils.

[@danob653]

I wish I had the bigger CNC...mine wont fit the union for the size flag I generally make.

[@Aarononautos]

@@danob653 Cut it in tiles and put them together.

[@quixoticjedi942]

I'm trying this.

[@BobAmarant]

Cool video!

[@ricklloyd320]

Good job!

[@CORSU2A126]

👍🤩🇺🇸

[@weaponizedmath4369]

When ever I've faulted a star it becomes California, and I don't mind the slow process I play star spangled banner with ever flag, I've listened to many patriotic tunes repeatedly, I'll sing along, I'll take breaks etc...I've never sold online, usually word of mouth, 4 yrs running, with a full time job it takes 2 weeks to do 2 large flat flags, or one wavey version.

[@johnreinhart860]

Great idea. Thanks for posting. We are always looking for another way. Congratulations on your first upload. I am still nervous about posting.

[@rascalyhorses]

i used to do this but found that using a wire brush attachment on my drill works so much faster and leaves a cleaner look to the stars.

[@bmac6721]

What do you mean?

[@rascalyhorses]

I’m trying to figure out how to load up a picture of what I’m talking about I’m sorry I can’t seem to figure it out

[@bmac6721]

@@rascalyhorses are you saying your use the wire brush to remove the top layer of stain almost like sanding but over the stencil?

[@rascalyhorses]

Yes. I use it after I burn the wood. It removes the top layer and comes out nice and clear and smooth so it avoids the lines you get from the dremel and it’s easier to Control the depth

[@bmac6721]

@@rascalyhorses interesting. It doesn't tear up or wear down the plastic stencil?

[@Aspire2Cycle]

Nice ideas! Might have to try this. Wonder if using a razor blade to cut a thin out line on each star first would make a cleaner cut?

[@hoodwinker1964]

Kind of the same concept but I used a chisel and actually notched the edges of the stars and popped them out like that but you just have to be careful..lol

[@danob653]

The edges actually do have a decent edge with the just the Dremel. If you go a hair shallower (I went a tiny bit too deep on this one) it will look the best.

[@danbarnes5754]

Great video just wondering how do you not cut and ruin your star template?

[@debbiewestbrook8581]

Thank you....Great job. Where do you buy your stencils 😊

[@danob653]

Amazon - link in the comments

[@rickmyers1695]

Great way to grind the stars on a flat flag.

[@weaponizedmath4369]

Note: it curls due to the direction of the spin and grain

[@weaponizedmath4369]

Away from you like a router table

[@ronnorris1504]

What's the overall size of the flag? Size of stripes as well as stars. Enjoyed the video

[@joebalderas1036]

I will try this!!

[@youngsun6617]

cool man

[@traceydetwiler9552]

I use a trim router.

[@donaldhumphrey-greer9095]

How does that not burn the plastic stencil

[@danob653]

It rides on the smooth edge of the bit. You really don't apply much pressure, just let the tool work.

[@lukaspotgieter7363]

70 Degrees is blustery?Up North where I live its a heatwave.

[@edmcwv]

Good information, I can’t set and listen to someone using awww, hmmm every other word, Drives me crazy.

[@HalfAssHomestead]

Dan, a little constructive criticism. When making videos, you want to be careful of how many times you say um. Otherwise, great first video.

[@weizie69]

Out of curiosity, doesn't the stencil get messed up if you hit against it?

[@enrk2006]

On a 106 bit, you position the cutter just below the stencil, so the shaft rides harmlessly along the edge of the stencil.

[@mattpetree5922]

Can you give any detail on how you set up the depth of your bit to get the cut just below the template but also not cut the template itself? That's what I am concerned about.

[@danob653]

Sorry it took so long to reply. I just eyeball it and then test on a scrap before I start. It's a little tricky to get it just right, as the Dremel doesn't have a real adjustment screw, you have to wiggle it to the point you need it.