[A Snake]

Jack21, You're right about the long shanks. The only time I use long shanks now is with sanding cones on long spindles. Yes, I've had them grab and bend a spindle.

Chicks LI,

FYI, when you get done with the heavy shaping with a burr, you might like to smooth it up a bit. The same place you get the burrs will have the mandrels and sanding cones for fine work. I say "cones", but they come in all sorts of shapes. You can also get what are called "mounted points" Those are miniature abrasive stones, mounted on a shank. Remember this little piece of info when selecting mounted points: "The harder the metal, the softer the stone." Also, get a little dressing brick to "clean" the stones with. They will "load-up" with metal and dirt. When they start to get shiny looking, its time for the brick. You can also shape a mounted point with the brick or a mounted diamond dresser.

This is all probably a lot more than you need for the job you're trying to do, but it may help with future jobs.