Thread: MAAS and the Dremel...

I'm buying a new Dremel on my way home tonight to take care of a home repair project. (And my heart is singing... )

So, needless to say, I'll be picking up some stuff to use this new tool for restoration, too. I have a couple of questions:

-How long do the felt polishing pads last if you're using MAAS with them?
-Any suggestions on speeds to use when I'm polishing blades and scales?
-As long as the wheel is turning toward the edge, is there a danger of trashing blades just doing simple polishing? I've heard horror stories about sanding disks and flap wheels, and I'm wondering if this is also a concern with felt wheels.

I may grab a flexi-shaft while I'm at it, since I know Ilija will suggest it anyway.

Thanks,
Josh

The 400 series Dremel comes with the flexi shaft included along with an assortment of other attachments. Well it does here anyway, it's the only kit that is sold. Cannot buy the unit separately.

John

Man John I really feel for you guys down there in that upside down backwards place you live. Up here you go to the home improvement warehouse and find the wall-o-Dremel.

I use the felt pads as slow as my off-brand rotary tool will let me. My first pad did a razor and a half the second did less than half a razor, it depends on how bad the razor is more than anything else. I use them until they are black and seem matted smooth. I don't worry about trashing the blade as much as I worry about catching the edge and flinging it into my hand, etc. Take this with a grain of salt as I have only done four this way but they were pretty nasty looking when I got them. My goal was to polish them up to match the Joe Chandler razor that was my first, and I succeeded. Now to lean to make scales like Gary and I'll be happy.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Man John I really feel for you guys down there in that upside down backwards place you live. Up here you go to the home improvement warehouse and find the wall-o-Dremel.

Yeah it bites not being able to get stuff locally. Where I go there is a large range of Dremmel bits (Bunnings) but it's when you need something different like the flap wheels then you need to get it shipped, convert currency, wait (that's the hardest of all) blah blah blah.

Also finding the equivalent of different brands can be a pain. I found that with metal polish. Mass and Flitz just ain't round these parts. I ended up getting Maas shipped.

Still a nice place to live though

I'll go along with that

John

Yes, go with the 400 series if you can. Mine is a 395 and now the newer attachments might not fit. Also, mine came with the flexshaft, I think the 400 does too.

Get the variable speed, and use the lowest when polishing.

Yes, the felt pad will grab the edge, but don't worry, you will not know it happened until after it did, and the blade is already chipped out.
Make sure the rotation of the wheel is UP and away from the edge. You'll have to get use to rotating the blade around to keep this in mind. I learn the hard way. I chipped out 3-4 razors, now it's more of habbit the method/track I take polishing the blade. However, saying that now and seeming cavlier, I'll ruin one soon enough

I usually go through 6 wheels on a blade, but I tend to be a bit excessive....
AND as the other guys have mentioned, it depends on the blade.

Good luck!

C utz

-How long do the felt polishing pads last if you're using MAAS with them?

1 to 2 razors depending on the gunk

-Any suggestions on speeds to use when I'm polishing blades and scales?

Low speeds regularly, medium speeds infrequently. Try to never let it get too hot to touch.

-As long as the wheel is turning toward the edge, is there a danger of trashing blades just doing simple polishing? I've heard horror stories about sanding disks and flap wheels, and I'm wondering if this is also a concern with felt wheels.

Keep the wheel turning parallel to the cutting edge and be careful around the tip and heel. keep the blade secure on the work bench rested up against 2 nails or a piece of wood hammered to the work bench to be safe .

Where can i buy a big pack of felt wheels for my minidrill. Shops in the uk want like £1 ($2) for one f@*$ing felt wheel, it is madness.

Does anybody use anything as a substitute for them, i thought some cork on a mandrel might work.

www.widgetsupply.com They sell just about everything there is for a Dremel very cheap. They're reasonable with international shipping as well. Get the 120, 240 and 400 grit flap-wheels (1.5" diameter, 0.5" thick) while you're at it.

the link is

http://www.widgetsupply.com/