Thread: What is the most useful tool used for tombstones...

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With 'the otehr holiday' around the corner...I am trying to look into suggesting a tool I would like as a gift which I would be able to use for making tombstones/columns for Halloween 2012

If you could have one tool....what would it be....

well coming from a first timer for making props lol I swear by my dremmel especially with the router attachment on so you cant go too deep into the foam when your doing the writing on them.Or maybe one of those hot wire cutting tools but I dont think we have those over here in the UK so we use saws knives and such like

For cutting foam, Irwin dovetail pull saw:





For sculpting or shaping foam, Microplane (originally designed for woodworking, now marketed as a zester or cheese grater):





For designing or lettering, a Weller WES51 variable temperature soldering iron with extra tips cuz they'll get junky with foam goo:





For painting, a paint can trigger!!! You have NO IDEA how much you'll use this sucka:

Some kind of rotary tool is key. Most people will say a Dremel. I personally use a Black and Decker Rtx rotary tool with a homemade router attatchment. Dont forget a router attachment whatever you get. Youll need it to carve lettering. These tools are useful for lettering, design elements, shaping, and cutting out the shapes of the stones. Also, a few spiral cutting bits are essential.

All of the above posts are spot on. Except they all missed one tool set that I'm quite fond of in addition to those listed. X-acto style carving sets like so:



Also, hot wire foam cutters come in handy according to many. Although I don't own one myself...I intend to.

The only tool I use is the exacto blade, too.

I bought myself a Dremel kit this year and I loved it! I was able to carve my lettering without using the router attachment just fine.

Btw, I should mention that while I love Weller (except for their 100/140 or 100/150w pistol grip irons which die so often...grrrr!). If one is simply interested in an adjustable iron for doing tombstones...and occasional light duty soldering. Stahl has a much less expensive option at less than 1/2 the cost of the Weller linked earlier.



You can find them @ http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...ource=googleps

Along with the extra tips here: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...Number=374-102

My Dremel flex shaft is my new favorite tool. I've owned one for the last ten years and never took it out of the box until this year. It makes carving and grooving so much easier when you don't have to hold the Dremel motor as well.

My go to tool is a hot foam knife with a solid blade. I find wire blades break too often.