Thread: What do you guys think of a Dremel?

I have got a few razors that need polishing, removing some light rust. So I need a tool to get the job done as I want to move on from an old towel with chrome polish.

What is your opinion of a Dremel? Is it any good, or would you recommend something different? I am not in the position that I can have a large workshop and because I will not use it very often I cannot justify buying the big stuff.

Any input appreciated.

I just did a couple blades with one. I use paper to remove the bulk of the stuff by hand and then use the polishing wheel and some green compound to finish them up....just be careful of the edge.

hey kees. I use a dremel often on razors. I use it with maas polish and it works great. I havnt realuy cleaned rust with it however. I have only polished razors with patina.

I am not sure if there are bits that can be used for heavy pitting removal. On their website at least I did not see much more than sandpaper bans.

I used a dremel last weekend with a grinding bit and sanding bit. I didnt use the polishing wheels yet.

I own lots of dremel parts/accessories and it is what I use on my razor restores.

It works excellent, and they have thought of just about everything in the form of attachments.

If you buy one, get the following parts/accessories:
*Get the 400 XPR series. Its the best one. Dont get the cordless. The battery dies in a flash.
Dremel Chuck
Flex Shaft
Split mandrel for sanding OR sanding wheels
The polishing/buffing wheels
The polishing kit

Other stuff that is nice:
Dremel workstation.

The dremel is great for light duty work. It'll do the job just fine. Many people advise against it, and rightly so as it can ruin a razor very easily and very quickly. A light hand and attentiveness are key to successful resto's with a Dremel.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I am not sure if there are bits that can be used for heavy pitting removal. On their website at least I did not see much more than sandpaper bans.

The polishing wheels work very well, but they generate a lot of heat so you have to be careful.

Here is a thread that I found helpful. Dremel attachment recommendations - Straight Razor Place Forums

I have ruined a few blades with my Dremel. Thus I agree that care is warranted.

Basically my routine is to use the Dremel polishing paste (Jeweler's rouge) with this attachement

to get all the heavy stuff.

Then I finish it with some Maas and one of the 1/2 inch felt polishing wheel.


staying aware of which way the tool is rotating is important especially when you near an edge. The "pull' should always be away from or across the edge. I have made some big chips when I wasn't careful.

I like my dremel for polishing, but don't think I'll be using it for rust/pit removal anymore. Because of the speed, you can end up with a wavy, uneven finish because you left the dremel in 1 spot for a split second longer than other areas.

Sure, hand sanding takes a little more time, but I find the end product better.

Most important thing to remember when using those high-rpm tools such as Dremel is to use protective goggles. Careful with the blade edge.
If you know what you are doing, then Dremel is ok.