There’s nothing like carving a Halloween pumpkin to make it feel like fall, and doing it with real tools makes it even better. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to use power and hand tools to make this year’s jack-o’-lantern the best yet. Here’s what you’ll need for this creative and fun beginner’s level project:
TOOLS
- Drill/Driver
- Jab Saw
- Drill Attachment
- Spade Bits
- Wet/Dry Vac
- Hammer
- Wood Chisel
- Rotary Tool Kit
- Band Clamp
MATERIALS
- Nails
- Flameless LED Tea Light
- Pumpkin
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. Throughout the video, we’ll alert you regarding when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Cut off lid. Carving a pumpkin starts with cutting off the top of it for a lid. To do this, hold your jab saw at a 45 degree angle, plunging it into the pumpkin about three inches away from the stem. Move in a circle working your way back and forth until you can release the top. Once it’s off, set it aside.
STEP TWO
Gut the pumpkin. Clamp your pumpkin to a stable surface and connect your pumpkin gutter attachment to your drill. Insert the attachment through the top opening. Move it slowly around the inside of the pumpkin, separating the seeds and strings from the outer flesh. Once complete, use a wet/dry vac, with the filter removed, to remove the seeds and strings.
STEP THREE
Create design. There’s lots of ways to create a design for your pumpkin. You can sketch directly on the pumpkin using a stencil or find a pattern to imprint on the front of the pumpkin. A nail works well for this. Whatever you decide, be sure to have a plan before you start carving.
STEP FOUR
Carve your design. Once your design’s in place, use your drill and spade bits to make holes for light to shine through the pumpkin. A spade bit is great for making circular eyes or noses. Use the jab saw to make other full cut outs. Trim and shave with a wood chisel and hammer. Use a rotary tool to carve in small angles. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Be creative and have fun. Still not sure? See this article on selecting the best drill bit for your project here.
STEP FIVE
Display your pumpkin. Once your design is complete, insert a tea light, replace the top, and display for trick-or-treaters to enjoy.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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