rotary power tool with accessories - now what ?

[krump]

greetings, looking for ideas...

just bought a rotary power tool with about a million accessories. I know that it'll be good for the modelling, but I have only a few ideas (for trees, weathering...).
I need more ideas as too how this tool can be used in this hobby...[:)]

cheers,
Krump

[Jetrock]

You'll find all sorts of places where a motor-tool comes in handy. Drilling small holes in everything from subroadbed to boxcars, cutting track, cutting brass and piano wire, grinding down that which sticks up--just remember to WEAR GOGGLES! Get a lot of cutting discs. The mini rotary blades are handy for cutting scale lumber. I used a variety of grinding bits to clear out some putty my dad had used inside the body of a GP-9 so I could install headlights last week, but it comes in handy all over.

Get good goggles. Those grinding discs throw bits of metal and they explode when they break--protect your eyes!

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by krump

greetings, looking for ideas...

just bought a rotary power tool with about a million accessories. I know that it'll be good for the modelling, but I have only a few ideas (for trees, weathering...).
I need more ideas as too how this tool can be used in this hobby...[:)]

cheers,
Krump

Oh Mr. Krump aren't we in for a pleasant surprise!

Prepare to become assimulated as this will quickly become a permanently attached appendage. I have found Roto tools are one of the most diverse and necessary tools of the hobby. I personnally have three (mini, standard dremel and a hang on the hook heavy weight with spindle) and yes they are all used. I use mine for the following:

cutting drilling
reeming detailing
grinding/filing polishing
etching Rotoring
and even cutting ceramic tile

The list is continuous

But please heed what Jetrock says:
"wear glasses"

Cut off wheels shatter without warning and have flown clear across my basement for a good 30' +.

Copper filings embedded in the eye can cause permanent blindness.

Enjoy your new tool

Regards
Fergie

[tomwatkins]

I agree. Mine have becomeabsolutely essential tools. I have 2, one in the railroad room and 1 upstairs on the modeling workbench. I use them for cutting rail, drilling holes, trimming all manner of stuff, grinding out or cutting down diesel frames to make room for speakers, etc. New uses will suggest themselves frequently. Get really good safety glasses and wear them every time. It only takes once to lose an eye.

Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[dknelson]

I rarely use the thin cutting discs that are usually used and which come with the tool - I use the metal reinforced ones which are a bit more pricey but last longer and do not shatter. The thin ones (which I think are made of clay) tend to shatter too easily. That can be scary given the speeds at which they are turning.
Some people double up the thin ones for more strength but frankly at that point you are as thick as the metal reinforced ones which last longer and which can withstand some side pressure. Other people soak the thin ones with ACC supposedly to give them more strength. I tried it and the only effect I noticed was an exceedingly unpleasant odor when the disks got hot.

Here is a good use - use the wire bru***o remove the dark coating from the wheel tread of kadee wheels. That leaves the wheel face dark but the tread shiny like real steel. Hold the wheel with a pliers however, not your fingers, and wear eye protection as wire brushes tend to shoot of bits of wire. In fact you might feel some sting your cheeks a bit. I usually wear a painters cap when using my Dremel tool to keep stuff out of my hair as well.

Dave Nelson

[easyaces]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

You'll find all sorts of places where a motor-tool comes in handy. Drilling small holes in everything from subroadbed to boxcars, cutting track, cutting brass and piano wire, grinding down that which sticks up--just remember to WEAR GOGGLES! Get a lot of cutting discs. The mini rotary blades are handy for cutting scale lumber. I used a variety of grinding bits to clear out some putty my dad had used inside the body of a GP-9 so I could install headlights last week, but it comes in handy all over.

Get good goggles. Those grinding discs throw bits of metal and they explode when they break--protect your eyes!

I think Jetrock has it pretty well cover here. I have an older model Dremel 285 that I've had for over 20 yrs. Although its not adjustable in speed(runs at 30k rpms) its still been indespensible for my modeling and othe hobby needs.

[cwclark]

the reinforced cut off wheel is going to be your best friend!...I like the sanding drums too...be sure you use the reinforced cut off wheels..the ones that come with the tools are very flimsy and they break easily..usually when they break they fly right for the eyes so it's a good practice to wear safety glasses...Chuck [:D]

[cjcrescent]

Dave;
That "unpleasant odor" you were smelling is cyanide gas. Never expose any cyanoacrylic based glue to high temperatures, as this breaks the chemical bonds between the acrylic and the cyanide compounds and the result is a release of cyanide gas. I know its not enough to do damage, but what about cumlative effects over a period of time?

[rexhea]

I have both the Sears rotary trim/ cutter and the smaller Dremel rotary power tool. The larger rotary trim/cutter is the best thing that ever happened to woodwork since the hammer. With it you can throw away your jig saw and do your work three times as fast and much more accurate. Makes cutting a radius out of plywood a breeze. The smaller Dremel is ideal for just about aspect of hobby work. Both take a little practice and a steady hand. Just take it slow and steady and you got it.
CAREFUL! The first Dremel I used was an air powered unit. It was in Industry cleaning up a torch cut hole in steel. I wore safety glasses, but it was not enough. They removed 7 tiny slivers of steel from my eye. Not fun!
WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES! Not Glasses!

Have Fun! REX

[krump]

Canadian Tire CRAFTSMAN rotary tool with 156 pieces.

- you have all given me some great ideas, and yes I'll get the goggles. I may not use it for awhile though as my wife hid it -- I think it's going to be a Christmas gift from the kids.
I had no idea that it had sooooooooooooo many uses. wonderful.

cheers

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by krump

Canadian Tire CRAFTSMAN rotary tool with 156 pieces.

- you have all given me some great ideas, and yes I'll get the goggles. I may not use it for awhile though as my wife hid it -- I think it's going to be a Christmas gift from the kids.
I had no idea that it had sooooooooooooo many uses. wonderful.

cheers

That's what I got and it was a legit Christmas gift! Hard to believe the same technology 10 or 15 years ago was going for $300-$500 US and without the accessories.

[krump]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

QUOTE: Originally posted by krump

Canadian Tire CRAFTSMAN rotary tool with 156 pieces.

- you have all given me some great ideas, and yes I'll get the goggles. I may not use it for awhile though as my wife hid it -- I think it's going to be a Christmas gift from the kids.
I had no idea that it had sooooooooooooo many uses. wonderful.

cheers

That's what I got and it was a legit Christmas gift! Hard to believe the same technology 10 or 15 years ago was going for $300-$500 US and without the accessories.

at the risk of Fergie's envy... $59 Cdn + taxes, (and CT money given back), bought last week ... I think regl price was $149.00
so, not a bad deal at all

[Fergmiester]

I got mine on sale for $99. Of coursre I cut out the tool from the CTC flyer, gave it to the Mother in Law who gave it to my wife and siad " I think this maybe what he wants for Christmas" Hint Hint Hint.