Looking for suggestions for a good rotary tool

denglish

Member
Hi,
I am in the market for a rotary tool. I currently have a cheap little battery-powered dremel but it is pretty much dedicated to sharpening chainsaw chains. I'd like a little more robust tool that I can use for polishing, drilling and grinding on parts that are difficult to get at on the drill press or with an angle grinder.

I'd be interested in hearing from folks that have a rotary tool they really like and use a lot.
 
I have an 18v dewalt. It was a gift, rarely use it.

I have a Dremmel brand variable speed. I use it all the time to sharpen
chainsaw. I like it better than belsaw sharpener.
 
If you have an air compressor available an air die grinder will eat your dremel for lunch. Put a carbide cutter in it and it eats metal (be sure to wear safety glasses, the metal splinters are super sharp). Mounted stones work well too. Harbor freight has one for $12.
 
dr, thinkin about it, i have a roto zip spiral saw somewhere in the shop. that has a 1/8 and 1/4 collets. basically a mini high speed router. that would prolly do the job if you dont have a compressor to run a die grinder.
 
Mine comes in handy for grinding down my fungus thickened big toe nail. I just have to be careful not to generate too much heat. TDF
 
(quoted from post at 14:24:22 07/20/17) If you have an air compressor available an air die grinder will eat your dremel for lunch. Put a carbide cutter in it and it eats metal (be sure to wear safety glasses, the metal splinters are super sharp). Mounted stones work well too. Harbor freight has one for $12.

Yeah. Maybe I'll go with the 1/4" air die grinder. Most of the things I will want to do will involve working on parts and pieces clamped in a bench vice. Most jobs will be deburring, smoothing edges, polishing, extending or making slots in thin metals. Stuff like that.
 
I have a Milwaukee one the service truck that I like
pretty well. It's a little big and corded. They have
several sizes and cordless. By far not the most used
tool but when you need it I love it
 
If you go with the 1/4" grinder, you'll need a substantial compressor to keep up with it.

One of the machinists at work has a 1/8" "pencil grinder". I've used it a few times, like it for intricate stuff. It doesn't use much air, very compact, easy to control.
Pneumatic Pencil Grinder
 
I have a variable speed Dremel. Very good tool. I use it all
most every day. I have cut a lot of bearings off with it.


Rotary tools don't work well for drilling. They spin the bit too
fast.
 
I have a 1/8" die grinder and a 1 HP Snap On die grinder. Both have their place, but if you wanted to buy only one, the
1/8" is handy as heck. It only cost $20 on sale at Canadian Tire. I see Harbor Freight has the same kit for $30(full
price). A proper carbide burr will cost as much as the tool, but they do make them. They have a surprising amount of
power, and are very easy to handle for fine work, but will also remove a lot of material if you push it.
 
TrueValue hardware stores have a beefed up Dremmel type tool sold under the Master Mechanic label. I think it is a better unit. Sells for under $30 on sale. Watch their flyers. I have worn out a couple Dremmels. Very hood luck with TV units.
 
I use a Dremel tool with a long cable with a chuck on the end that holds burrs, sanding drums and carbide cutters. Works well for me and I have used it for about 40 + years.
 

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