Thread: Idea for protecting the edge for dremel work

After ruining a blade and slightly nicking an edge or two using the dremel to sand and polish blades I've been trying out different ways to protect the edge. I've found electrical tape and such gets in the way to much to where you can't get close enough to the edge but I found a way that works great.
I don't know if it's been mentioned before but I cut a piece of a candle off and melt it in a pan on the stove, then dip the whole edge of the razor in it and take it out, when it dries you've got a edge coated in hard wax as thin or thick or as far up the blade as you want. Most polishing or sanding or grinding bits will just slide right over it if you slip and touch the edge, rather than nicking or chipping it. And if you get too close for a little longer the bit will get coated in wax and be pretty dull anyway. Also, you can tell your heating the blade too much once the wax starts to melt off.
Any other ideas for protecting the edge? I think working off a wooden slab with the magnets is great also.

A piece of soft pine, just rest the very edge against it all the time the Dremel is on the blade...

I don't recommend Dremels for blades but this is simple fast and easy if you insist

Originally Posted by gssixgun

A piece of soft pine, just rest the very edge against it all the time the Dremel is on the blade...

I don't recommend Dremels for blades but this is simple fast and easy if you insist

I'm with Glen - best way to protect a razor from a Dremel? Keep the Dremel away from the razor at all times. Those things are so difficult to control I wouldn't risk it on a razor.

I haven't used a Dremel on a razor in a while, but I never had any issues with destroying blades. I kept the edge of the razor down on either a piece of wood or a block of wood with magnets, as was suggested above. The damage occurs when the flap wheels catch the edge. If they can't get under the edge, they can't catch it. Try to avoid turning the wheels so they are rotating into the edge. There's usually a point where you have no choice, so just pay extra close attention during that stage. Slowing the Dremel down is a good idea, too.

Josh

Here is an example of the hardwood jig with an aluminum heatsink and the rare earth magnets to hold the blade while dremeling. I bought this off of a fellow in the classifieds some time ago but he isn't around anymore. I've messed with it a bit but I'm not that ambitious when it comes to doing the hand sanding that comes before the polishing.

I have seen a former forum member, TheTopher, expertly use a dremel to polish blades freehand with no block of any kind. He kept a glass of water filled with ice cubes and frequently dipped the blade to dissipate heat. His blades came out with a consistent mirror finish.

If you check out Lynn's DVD you can see him giving a demonstration of working with a dremel to polish a blade. As others have pointed out you can tear up a blade in a heartbeat if you miscue with a dremel and it takes skill to get a consistent finish. Good luck with it if you give it a go.

I agree with everyone here, it's best to avoid the dremel or use the block of wood with magnets, which I've found to be the best method. I just find that the dremel is a useful and inexpensive alternative to buying a dedicated sander, grinder, polisher..etc. If used carefully it can sve a lot of time, but if you rush it bad things can happen in the blink of an eye. The wax on the edge allows me to use the dremel workstation thing, or the router attachment that I can't use with the wooden jig. Whatever works though.

This razor looks to be a fine candidate for the tumbler method.

Where's the best place to get a tumbler and media? Something basic just to get the job done. Also, how long does it take to clean up an average condition razor with a tumbler?

Midway USA is where I get most of my reloading stuff and their customer service is excellent...prices are on par or better than most. Nice thing about a tumbler is that it's one of the least damaging ways to clean up a razor. On average I'd say that I leave mine in about three days total. Glen did a nice writeup on the "tumbler method" IIRC, check the WIKI.