Thread: Dremel any good?

Hey fellas,

Picked up a Dremel rotary tool on my way home. Opened the box and I noticed a couple of small buffer heads? Looking to see what others think of this little (but powerful) tool. I have a feeling I might need more buffer heads...

Just like any other "powered" tools, dremels can help you do some work, but they can also help you destroy your work (or some parts of you) with the slightest lapse in technique or attention. If you are looking for a big time shortcut with the dremel buffing wheels, I think you are going to want more performance than it will give you. That said, it can be really helpful for some resto applications.

Search the restoration threads and the wiki for "dremel" and you'll find lots of good info, and good words of warning.

TY! Yes, any tool in the wrong hands is a hazard.

Hi,

This has been discussed previously.
Power tools are dangerous. Use them with care and proper safety equipment or get yourself a life insurance.

Personally, I prefer a table top buffer for polishing blades... Less variables and I can keep both hands on the blade... Just my preference... However, if you want to do regrinds (which I'm just starting to dabble in) a Dremel is a wonderful tool.

As said before, BE CAREFUL! You'll shoot blades at your hands and feet if you don't watch it... Trust me, if things don't go right, the BEST outcome is just a ruined blade!

Once you get a good grip on it, regrinding is fun... Making your own thumbnotches is, in my opinion, a great way to customize the blade, make it yours, and make it more appealing to you (I love blades with thumbnotches...)

And dremels are good for scalemaking if you don't have all the other necessary equipment.

I dont have the space for a buffer, and whilst the Dremel isnt anywhere near as good as a buffer, it works well for polishing blades and scales, and for doing grinding work.

I'll just add my own "Be Careful!" as well, and keep an eye on the direction of rotation of the tool. If you catch the blade edge the wrong way, the best outcome will be a wrecked blade...! And I dont want to think about the worst, but it might involved stitches and a trip to A&E...!

Good luck, be careful and keep us posted!

The bit Stubear said about paying attention to the direction is really important. Excepting about 2 "wrap arounds" I've had with flap wheels, the only times I've had problems with a dremel was when I wasnt paying attention to the direction it was rotating and got it caught on an edge or top it was rotating into. Just make sure you're going away from the edge or blade top and you'll usually be fine.

A little hint about Dremels, yes they are dangerous mostly because of the speed they are operating at... One way that works really well for making them much safer is to "Bury the Edge" you can use one of those nifty Magnetic jigs with and edge guard, or just a piece of soft pine, keep the edge always touching the pine, an you will virtually eliminate the chances of snapping one, or hurting yourself...

Honestly I don't recommend using them, but if you insist try and keep the edge buried while you do....

Thank you Being a perfectionist I like polishing the blades to high luster every now and then...I love the shiny look and I do believe mirror finish also prevents rust? I'm not sure. It also works great on jewelry, watches, etc.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

One way that works really well for making them much safer is to "Bury the Edge" you can use one of those nifty Magnetic jigs with and edge guard, or just a piece of soft pine, keep the edge always touching the pine, an you will virtually eliminate the chances of snapping one, or hurting yourself...

I've used one, and swear by it (not at it). Bought it from Bill Ellis a few years ago, and use it clamped in a suction-base vise, when using my Dremel. Bill's no longer making/selling them, but here's a link to a how-to about making your own.