What can you do with a Dremel? | Uses and Tips

Last updated on October 14th, 2022 at 08:03 pm

What can a dremel do

Dremel is a rotary tool that cuts, sands, polishes, restores, engraves, and carves materials. These materials include wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic. What makes it versatile are the multiple applications it brings and the ability to work on several materials. 

What makes it possible for the tool to complete the tasks are the features that accommodate several materials. Amongst the features is the speed variance that allows you to match speed with the material. 

A rotary tool is a valuable tool that makes you complete projects in a short s[pace of time with ease and comfort. I will take you through a thorough discussion on what you can do with a Dremel so that when you buy the tool, you know its value. 

The tool is appropriate for both homes and workshops. When purchasing the rotary tool for removing excess material on your tabletop, that does not mean its use ends there. You still use it for other purposes. 

With the right accessories and the rotary tool, you have a lot of activities to complete. Remember to put on your safety gear before you power on the rotary tool. 

What can you do with a Dremel (Dremel Uses)

Cutting

The cut-off wheel allows the Dremel to cut through material with ease. Since a grinder works on more significant projects, Dremel performs better on smaller tasks. Unlike the grinder that requires skill and experience, Dremel is easy to use to the extent that beginners will grasp the cutting skills. 

Dremel brings you closer to the material, allowing you to make accurate cuts. Detailed cuts are also easy to execute. The Dremel EZ lock cut-off wheelset is for both metal and plastic. It comes with ten wheels and one mandrel. The wheels are labeled, and that brings easy application identification. 

Maximum performance is a result of a powerful motor and the wheels. The removable pivot light that is part of the accessories increases visibility. Cutting boards are an additional accessory that makes the cutting process bearable. The Dremel Saw-Max is ideal for smaller cuts, and it is sturdy. It makes flush cuts,  straight, and plunge cuts with ease. 

Sanding

A Dremel can work as a sander, and what makes it an efficient sanding tool is the ability to get into tighter and delicate spots. Dremel comes with multiple sanding accessories that make your projects enjoyable. 

Amongst the accessories are sanding discs, mandrels, and grinding stones. The accessories are compatible with the Dremel, and you need a sanding drum to complete the task. The drums come in different shapes and sizes. 

When purchasing the tool, make sure you get one with all the accessories needed. Sanding sleeves of multiple grits are also part of the accessories. Clean the surface as you prepare to sand. Use an old rug and avoid anything wet. Attach the sanding drum mandrel attachment and a wrench. Fit the sanding sleeve and lock it in place. 

Some sanding drums need screwing since they are old-school, whereas some come as a plug and push kit. Start by sanding at a low speed as you increase. When sanding edges, tilt the tool to 45 degrees and start sanding one end to the other.  

Polishing

Dremel polishes items such as jewelry and crafts. Some Dremel accessory kits include polishing compounds. However, you can still pick them separately to suit different materials. The process involves molding items, and that is a repetitive process done yearly. 

Place one piece of molding into the corner that you want to trim. Cut the opposing piece at a 45-degree miter. Sand away the material using a high-grit sanding drum. Once you get rid of the material, check if the wood piece fits. Switch to a less aggressive sanding drum. 

There is no standard grit to use all the way. Switch between sanding drums of various grits when molding. The tool polishes both metal and plastic. Apply the polishing component on the material surface and fit the Dremel tool with a polishing wheel. Avoid high speed since it compromises an even polish. 

Carving

The Dremel tool allows you to make designs of your choice. The carving process involves tracing a pattern design before you damage your material. The marking is your guideline as you follow them when carving. Use a cutting kit to adjust the cut depth and start making fresh designs.

Engraving

The tool makes decorative designs on tables, desks, and any other items made of wood. Carving bits are required to complete the process. The process cannot be rectified once there is a mistake. 

The accessories need to include carbide metal bits, specifically for engraving. A flex-shaft attachment may be necessary, depending on the project you are working on. Choose the design you intend to engrave before you start on your piece of furniture. Grab scissors, carbon paper, and tape. 

The process is almost similar to the carving process. What differentiates the two is the precision and care needed when dealing with furniture. The surface of your item has to be smooth before you start working on it. 

The pattern has to be designed from the computer and printed out on paper. Engraving includes both letters. You are cutting down the designs, whereas when carving, they appear above the surface. Use appropriate bits on metallic surfaces for efficiency. If you cannot have carbon paper, use the blackboard chalk on the backside of the paper with your pattern. 

What is a rotary tool?

A rotary tool is a hand-held power tool that comes in a pencil-like shape and size. It rotates like a router and allows you to adjust speed depending on the material you are cutting. Hard materials such as hardwood attract high speed.

 Metals attract medium speed and plastic with slow speed. Dremel tools have a maximum of 35,000rpm. You are allowed to add attachments to the rotary tool, such as extending the shaft. You have multiple options when it comes to bits since they range from 1/32 to 1/8inc. 

What determines the bit you are going to choose the material you are working on. The tool is comfortable and easy to use. The On/Off switch is close to your fingers, and that makes the rotary tool convenient to use. The On/Off switch also works as a control dial. Amongst the rotary tools, there are cordless tools that are easy to move around. 

Features of a Dremel

Bits

A bit is a tool that changes the function of the Dremel tool and gives it a chance to run a variety of tasks. Bits come in different types. There are sanding bits, cutting bits, etching and engraving bits, routing and drilling bits grinding and sharpening bits. Each Dremel bit has its specific function. There are bits for wood cutting, metalwork, and glass cutting. 

Shaft

Although Dremel comes with a comfortable hand-held tool, it still needs a Flex-Shaft attachment for polishing, glass etching, engraving, and wood carving. As soon as you attach the rotary tool, it gives you a proper bend radius and more flexibility. Fewer vibrations are what you experience since it allows you to operate far away from the motor. The tool has easy access to tighter spots, and you have more control over the rotary tool. 

Speed variance

The variable-speed motor makes the tool fast. You have control over the rotary tool since you can adjust the speed. Precision and maximum performance are what you get from the Dremel tool.