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Thread: Rotary tool?

  1. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by BKratchmer View Post

    ...that said, if you don't have access to a shop or the space or money to buy some tools, if you are patient and work very slowly you can become quite proficient with a rotary tool.

    Good luck!
    I don't, and this is the issue. I'm really more interested in the possibilities for scale work that the tool would open up though, which is why I haven't already jumped on the buffer idea because I'm certain those are the better tool for blade restoration. I can always hand sand/polish a blade back up to snuff, so any functionality there is just a bonus. Do you guys still think this would be good for working wood for scales or is there a better option?

    On that note, is it reasonably possible to make scales without power tools? I imagine you could carve them out... I may have to investigate that route instead.

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    Scale Maniac BKratchmer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Patches View Post
    I don't, and this is the issue. I'm really more interested in the possibilities for scale work that the tool would open up though, which is why I haven't already jumped on the buffer idea because I'm certain those are the better tool for blade restoration. I can always hand sand/polish a blade back up to snuff, so any functionality there is just a bonus. Do you guys still think this would be good for working wood for scales or is there a better option?

    On that note, is it reasonably possible to make scales without power tools? I imagine you could carve them out... I may have to investigate that route instead.
    You will, in my experience, get far better lines from hand-shaping than using a Dremel. You can see a lot of "wavy" scales that were shaped with a dremel tool.

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    BF4 gamer commiecat's Avatar
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    I love my Dremel. If you don't have a workshop it is a great all-around tool. I used to use my Dremel to polish razors but I am going to abandon that for hand polishing or perhaps getting a buffer.

    Always be careful about the speed and the heat -- as was mentioned already, it's very easy to ruin a blade with a Dremel. I don't have any fancy saws so I use the cutting wheels to do my rough cut on scale blanks, and then finish with hand sanding. I'm also interested in using the cutting wheel to help unpin old scales as in Undream's video.

    If you're looking to get one strictly for razors, then I'd say hold off and look into getting some proper tools.

    If you're looking to get a general tool for home use that could also help you with some razor stuff until you get proper tools, then I'd say go for it. I'd strongly suggest getting a corded unit with variable speed. Most of them come as starter kits with a few different bits. Cutting wheels, sanding drums and felt pads are what I use the most.

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    Addicted to Razor Porn freyguy's Avatar
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    I've used dremels for years, and now am using an older model for blade restoration and scale fabrication. I looked into the new models and found they have tons of attachments like jig saws and router guides. More interestingly, they make a work stand for the dremel allowing it to function as a DRILL PRESS, as well as bench grinder/ buffer. The whole set up cost around $140, a very reasonable price in mind.

    Dremels like all tools require a certain amount of practice and patience to effectively oporate. I doubt you would do much more damage with a dremel then you would do with the rotary tool you listed previously. As the saying goes, "it's not the tool, but the craftsman using it".

    And one final thought to end my long speech. Dremels are very popular household tools, so you can be assured that you will have no problems find little bits and piece locally. The one you listed however seems a little bit less well known, so if you broke your chuck (the piece which holds to bits) you might have a little more trouble finding a replacement.

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    Originally Posted by BKratchmer You will, in my experience, get far better lines from hand-shaping than using a Dremel. You can see a lot of "wavy" scales that were shaped with a dremel tool.
    I'm actually very much in favor of doing as much hand work as possible. I was thinking of using the dremel/rotary for the rough design then finishing by hand as well as drilling pin holes. If there are ways to do most of that by hand (which I'm sure there are since people did in fact manage to make things before power tools, despite how clueless I am about all of it) I'd love to hear what methods you guys know of or what hand tools would be suitable.

    I am looking at this for general use as well as razors, as commiecat mentioned, so I think I'm set on getting SOME sort of rotary tool. Dremels are sounding like the tool of choice here. Those attachments freyguy mentioned look very attractive as well. A little research brings up pretty negative reviews on the drill press dremel makes as well as the jig saw type attachment. Can anybody vouch for those or are they junk? Because they do sound very useful.

    Quote Originally Posted by mainaman View Post
    I use that tool for drilling pin holes in the scales now.traditionalwoodworker.com
    I forgot to ask earlier, but does this mean you drill pin holes without a guide/drill press type tool? Can it be done easily enough this way?

    Thanks again for the help so far guys. I'm going to take a cruise around the hardware store tomorrow and get a feel for some of this stuff if I can. I figure that'll help sort some of this out. Also, any opinions on Proxxon lines? The mixed reviews and reports of flimsy quality of some Dremel stuff has me a bit worried, the opinion of Proxxon stuff sounds a little better.
    Last edited by Patches; 03-09-2010 at 07:48 AM.

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    I used Nakayamas for my house mainaman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Patches View Post
    I'm actually very much in favor of doing as much hand work as possible. I was thinking of using the dremel/rotary for the rough design then finishing by hand as well as drilling pin holes. If there are ways to do most of that by hand (which I'm sure there are since people did in fact manage to make things before power tools, despite how clueless I am about all of it) I'd love to hear what methods you guys know of or what hand tools would be suitable.

    I am looking at this for general use as well as razors, as commiecat mentioned, so I think I'm set on getting SOME sort of rotary tool. Dremels are sounding like the tool of choice here. Those attachments freyguy mentioned look very attractive as well. A little research brings up pretty negative reviews on the drill press dremel makes as well as the jig saw type attachment. Can anybody vouch for those or are they junk? Because they do sound very useful.



    I forgot to ask earlier, but does this mean you drill pin holes without a guide/drill press type tool? Can it be done easily enough this way?

    Thanks again for the help so far guys. I'm going to take a cruise around the hardware store tomorrow and get a feel for some of this stuff if I can. I figure that'll help sort some of this out. Also, any opinions on Proxxon lines? The mixed reviews and reports of flimsy quality of some Dremel stuff has me a bit worried, the opinion of Proxxon stuff sounds a little better.
    I made a guide, its 1x4x 1/2" aluminum block with #52 holes in it, works great.
    Stefan

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    I used Nakayamas for my house mainaman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BKratchmer View Post
    You will, in my experience, get far better lines from hand-shaping than using a Dremel. You can see a lot of "wavy" scales that were shaped with a dremel tool.
    That is when you go along the length of the blade, if you do it across like you would use a buffer , then you do not have wavy scratches. Still the best tool to use would be a buffer, no question about it.
    Last edited by mainaman; 03-09-2010 at 01:50 PM.
    Stefan

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    Quote Originally Posted by Patches View Post
    I don't, and this is the issue. I'm really more interested in the possibilities for scale work that the tool would open up though, which is why I haven't already jumped on the buffer idea because I'm certain those are the better tool for blade restoration. I can always hand sand/polish a blade back up to snuff, so any functionality there is just a bonus. Do you guys still think this would be good for working wood for scales or is there a better option?

    On that note, is it reasonably possible to make scales without power tools? I imagine you could carve them out... I may have to investigate that route instead.
    For start-up on scale making via hand and on a budget you can get by on a 4-5" vice, coping saw, and sand paper. You don't have to have power tools, they are just a luxury. I've ordered 1/8" thin stock wood over the internet & the "bay". Starting out using hand tools is , IMO, the best way to get into wood working anyway...like I said, power-tools are a luxury and are not a necessity when it comes to making scales. You will learn to make sanding blocks, how to use files, chisels, saws (pull saws are awesome!), & you will learn patience & creativity. I have screwed up quite a bit of work/wood from getting in a hurry, not to mention how quick a power tool can remove body parts much easier than wood (my finger is almost healed). Hand tools also store more conveniently, power tools take up much more room...
    Southeastern Oklahoma/Northeastern Texas helper. Please don't hesitate to contact me.
    Thank you and God Bless, Scott

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    it depends how you'll be using it. if you have a dedicated bench that you will be working on with it all the time, and you're working on consistent stuff, and you have enough disposable income, i'd recommend a foredom. the flex shafts take some getting used to but i find they're easier to use and generally better made than any other brand of rotary tool.

    if you need a lot of different tooling with a lot of attachments, don't have a ton of dough, need to be able to pick it up and use it around the house for other chores, i'd go dremel. they're not QUITE as awesome as a foredom, but they dont use a flex shaft, unless you get certain models, so they're easier to deal with, and they have a lot of attachments that can turn them into passable versions of other tools from routers to drill presses for very very small projects. i'd steer clear of the cordless, those batteries degrade pretty quickly, and in the newer models the switches (which you can't buy replacements for) tend to burn out pretty quickly. we use a lot of dremels at work and the model we have the best luck with is the 300 which i believe they're getting ready to phase out, meaning sales on it, and its accessories.

    hope thats somewhat helpful.

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    Addicted to Razor Porn freyguy's Avatar
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    [QUOTE=Patches;557884]I forgot to ask earlier, but does this mean you drill pin holes without a guide/drill press type tool? Can it be done easily enough this way?QUOTE]

    I've used a dremel with a drill bit to make pin holes free hand, and had pretty good results. It takes a bit of practice, but it can certainly be done.

    Based on my limited experience using a dremel to restore a razor and make scales, I can give you two general pieces of advice.

    For your first custom scaling, spend as little money as possible on materials, because you will make mistakes. I made four sets of scales before I was happy with the shape and finish, and even then, when I stained them, all the imperfections in the wood and my sanding popped out. Thankfully I used paint sticks from home depot, which were free, and easy to work with. So no money was lost there. Here's the thread if you want to follow the process. http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...om-scales.html

    As for a rotary tool for restoring a blade, I believe it can work, and work well, but not for your first restore. I started with a dremel on the W&B pictured above, but quickly found there were too much room for error. I just went to a jewelry supply shop and stocked up on sand paper in various grits. If you want to try a dremel for blade restoration, try it on a blade you don't really care about; at least until you've mastered the process.

    Good luck and keep us posted

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