Thread: Basic tools needed to start restoring?

IMHO Dremels aren't the 'issue' - lack of patience is... along with rare 'freak' incident.

Impatience, lack of thinking the process through, or blue-moon mishaps can be just as damaging with hand sanding or a grinder as they can with a Dremel. As gssixgun pointed out, practice with either a junk or forgiving blade (e.g. wedge) is key.

I live in a townhouse and therefore have no 'permanent' workspace - e.g. no room for a bench grinder fitted with muslin or sisal wheels. My only choice is either hand sanding or a dremel - all of which is done out doors at a patio table on my deck March thru October. And after a day spent working on the computer, my hands/wrists can't tolerate hours of hand sanding so Dremel it is...

My first restore - which won the SRP First Restore Contest in Jan 10 (post #47) was done with a Dremel using homemade sanding drums per the threads posted by Toxik. I've since moved on to using greaseless compounds with 1" muslin wheels on the Dremel (for example my lastest two - a Jos. Smith and a Boker).

I've restored at least a dozen blades (I know, not a lot compared to the pros but a pretty fair number for a 'free-time' hobby done only when weather permits) and have yet to have any 'dremel' damage occur for three simple reasons: I take my time... and I pay attention... and I make sure I don't give the dremel wheel a chance to grab a blade edge or 'over work' a surface.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't fear or discount the Dremel. As long as you understand it, respect it, and are attentive and patient with it, it can and will give you amazing results... and can be a fantastic alternative if hand sanding or full-size buffing wheels aren't an option.

Best of luck with your restoration projects. Have a blast!