Rotative tools and its uses

[GreenOne]

Hi Y\'all!

I just got hold of a rotative tool ( dremmel like), it seemed like a bargain to me, 40$ with a 135 bitz and a support pole, and flexible adapter. I tried it and it seems to work nicely.

Anyway, the main objective is to have a percing tool for pining, but looking at all the bitz I was wondering of the potential usages for it. Cleaning/preparation, etc.
Do some folk it use a dremmel for other thing than pining?

I don\'t have that many white metal to run tests so I taught about inquiring first...

 

[lono]

Yeah, I got a Dremmel with a ton of bits a while back and for me the main use was in carving up minis with the various sanding fixtures. It files down plastic like a dream, you just have to be careful not to superheat it and melt it. Metal takes a bit longer, and the bits have a habit of getting filled with the melted metal, but it still does the job. I do use it for pinning too, but I have a bad habit of not pinning as much as I should, so don\'t use it terribly often for that purpose.

Definately a tool I\'m happy to have on hand and I\'m sure there are lots of other uses for it. I think it is a bit too inelegant for cleaning up anything but larger models though.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Just like lono I too have a Dremel and it\'s uses are many and varied.
I\'ve used it for burnishing rough areas on miniatures to get a smoother surface using the Brass wire brush, Cutting off \"Broccoli\" bases, using the ultrafine metal saws. Very fast and very effective but also VERY SCARY. Made sure to count all fingers at begining and end of that operation. (Still had eleven so I\'m ok )
I\'ve used the soft grinding tools to remove a very stubborn Moulding line before resurfacing with Green stuff.

Plus I use it in a bit of my wood turning as a polisher as well.

 

[freakinacage]

i tend to use mine for drilling and cutting. and filing off big chunks o\' metal that i dont want. like dr, i have also used it for burnishing. i have a gladiator that i wanted to do in \'true\' metallics ie the only paint on the metallics are inks to give depths. it looks good so far but the rest of him sucks!!

 

[GreenOne]

@ Freak: Yeah, I saw the tutorial opn \'true\' metals, i might try that someday.

Cheers guys I\'ll give it a try next time I prepare a mini^^

 

[funnymouth]

nice! i wish i had one! looks like your in for some conversion fun.

 

[Dragon Forge Design]

I use a Foredom flex shaft motor tool all the time. Mine hasd a foot control so I can control the rpm\'s especially for drilling. Drill to fast and your small bits will tend to sieze in white metal/pewter and snap off.

Using a little bee\'s wax or an old candel rubbed on your drill bits will make them cut easier and last longer and not catch.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Good news - It removes a ton of material almost instantly.

Bad news - It removes a ton of material almost instantly.

For me, it\'s too powerful of a tool for such small pieces.

 

[freakinacage]

Originally posted by Dragon Forge Design
Drill to fast and your small bits will tend to sieze in white metal/pewter and snap off.

Using a little bee\'s wax or an old candel rubbed on your drill bits will make them cut easier and last longer and not catch.

yup had plenty snapped off. what a pain in the arse. i shall try the wax thing - thanks for the tip jeff

 

[GreenOne]

@DF: Yeah I\'ll try that^^ It has variable speed so i\'ll try to be gentle on the pieces too.

@Shawn: Nice way to explain it I guess I won\'t use it to smoothen the fleur de lys pattern on the border of my king\'s tabard then

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Originally posted by GreenOne
@DF: Yeah I\'ll try that^^ It has variable speed so i\'ll try to be gentle on the pieces too.

@Shawn: Nice way to explain it I guess I won\'t use it to smoothen the fleur de lys pattern on the border of my king\'s tabard then

There are bits that dont chew it up so fast. There is a bit that has a rubber tip with grit in it.

 

[minimaker]

Apart from the drilling and grinding (get some drills and cutters from your dentist next time you\'re there) I\'m also using it as a lathe.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Originally posted by minimaker
Apart from the drilling and grinding (get some drills and cutters from your dentist next time you\'re there) I\'m also using it as a lathe.

I have done that with model sprue when making a fancy rod or gun barrell. Gotta be careful though it heats up and can almost instantly go soft and snap off.

 

[GreenOne]

Originally posted by minimaker: Apart from the drilling and grinding (get some drills and cutters from your dentist next time you\'re there) I\'m also using it as a lathe.

My top right molary reminds me that I\'ll have to ge there pretty soon