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Recommendations for a rotary tool?

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  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:33 PM

I would recommend this B&D tool in the link. You can't beat the price and they are just as good as a Dremel without the high cost:

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-RTX-6-3-Speed-Accessories/dp/B0001GUDRI/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

I have a B&D Wizard that has six adjustable speeds down to 1000 rpm, up to 30,000, with a flex shaft on it, that is over 45yrs. old and still looks and performs like new. I also have two Dremels that I hardly use at all.

The B&D will accept any rotary tool, with a 1/8'' shaft and smaller. I like the slow speed you can adjust to.....perfect for machining small Pewter casting parts and engine frames. The flex shaft is like holding a fat pencil, easy to control, without the bulk of the motor in your hand.

Good Luck, in Your choice! Big Smile

Frank

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:33 PM

bearman
Dremel...period.  As for Craftsman, I believe the quality has fallen since Sears sold the brand

If I was buying one new today, I would likely be following Bear's advice. My Craftsman is probably 35 years old.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 1,835 posts
Posted by bearman on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:29 PM

Dremel...period.  As for Craftsman, I believe the quality has fallen since Sears sold the brand.  I am also not fond of buying used power tools, since you really don't know how it was maintained.

Bear "It's all about having fun."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:19 PM

I have an old Craftsman. Works great.

For cutting track you might want to consider getting a larger diameter diamond cutting disc. The reason for the larger diameter is that smaller cutting discs can't reach the rails at 90 degrees because the body of the rotary tool interferes with the cutting disc touching the rail at the proper angle.

The alternative is to buy an extension drive shaft which has a handle that is much smaller in diameter than the rotary tool itself.

If you are buying used, make sure the tool comes with two different sized collets (chuck inserts) because the cutting/grinding tools come with two different sized shafts.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:08 PM

I still have and use the Dremel that I bought over 20 years ago.

  • Member since
    July 2018
  • 661 posts
Recommendations for a rotary tool?
Posted by IDRick on Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:01 PM

I plan to purchase a rotary tool for cutting flex track and for milling p2k frames for speaker installation.  Any recommendations on which one to buy?  New or is reconditioned okay?  Any recommendations on accessories such which cutting disk?  Don't have a specific budget, just want to purchase a quality unit at a reasonable price...  Thanks!

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