This year, you have decided to go all out for pumpkin carving. Maybe you’re in a local competition, or you’re just having a “friendly” battle at home. Either way, you’re in the right place.
A plastic carving knife can handle the classic triangle eyes and jagged smile. However, if you want to add shading, lettering and small details, it might be time to visit the tool aisle.
Start With the Dremel Stylo+
The Dremel 120V Corded Rotary Tool Kit and Accessory Micro Kit Bundle is the star of this setup.
The Stylo+ has a slim, lightweight design that feels more like holding a pen than a traditional power tool. Its variable-speed control lets you slow down for detailed lines or increase the speed when removing more material.
The bundle also includes an 11-piece carving and engraving accessory kit. That gives you several bit shapes and sizes for:
- Outlining your design
- Removing the pumpkin’s outer skin
- Adding shadows and texture
- Creating lettering and small details
- Cleaning up uneven areas
The goal is not always to cut completely through the pumpkin. Removing different amounts of the outer skin lets more or less light through, giving your design depth. Start with light pressure and test the tool on the back of the pumpkin before touching your main design, accuracy is key.
Draw It Before You Carve It
Unless you are Ray Villafane, do not freestyle your entire design.
The Milwaukee INKZALL Fine Point Marker gives you a visible line to follow. Its fine point is useful for tracing stencils and marking smaller details.
Dry the pumpkin’s surface before drawing. If you make a mistake, adjust the design before the carving starts. Once the Dremel touches the pumpkin, there is no undo button.
A Gutter Scoop? Seriously?
Stay with us here.
The Gutter Getter 6-Inch Gutter Cleaning Scoop is designed for cleaning gutters, not pumpkins. However, its flexible plastic construction may also help pull loose pulp and seeds from a large display pumpkin.
Use a brand-new, clean scoop reserved for craft projects. It is an unconventional option, but pumpkin competitions are not won by playing it safe.
Fall is also a great time to clean your gutters, so it's a win-win.
Protect Your Eyes
Pumpkin carving can send small pieces of skin and pulp flying, especially when a rotary tool is involved.
The Klein Tools Compact Safety Goggles feature clear lenses, anti-fog technology and a foam gasket that helps keep debris out. They may not complete the Halloween costume, but being able to see your finished pumpkin is fairly important.
When the Pumpkin Is Basically a Boulder
If you have somehow found yourself in a massive pumpkin carving contest, break out the chainsaw.
The Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6-Inch Pruning Saw Kit weighs less than five pounds with its battery and has a variable-speed trigger for added control. Fire this thing up for the large, rough cuts before switching to the Dremel for the detailed work.
Quick Disclaimer
This is a pruning saw, not a pumpkin-carving tool. It should only be used by an adult with chainsaw experience. Follow the operator’s manual, wear the required protective equipment and secure the pumpkin before cutting. Remove the battery before touching the chain or clearing pulp.
The saw also uses bar-and-chain oil, so the finished pumpkin is for display only. Do not eat any part that contacts the saw or lubricant.
Go Win the Pumpkin Battle
With all of this hardware, you should have enough to go out and make a run at winning any pumpkin carving contest. Stay creative, and let us know in the comments what kind of designs you come up with!
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