|
|
Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1893 |
| Messages | 8728 |
|
|
| Subject: | Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one |  |
| Date: | Jan 2, 2005 |
| From: | Paul Roberts | |
A "Dremel Tool" is a hand held motorised rotating tool, like a hand drill, but smaller and much more precise. Instead of a 3-jaw chuck they usually come with threaded collets to take bits of diameter between 3/16" and 5/16" (although small 3-jaw chucks are available, they are less accurate). Some have power cords and some are battery operated. Some are fixed speed and some have variable speed. Dremel is a brand name, but there are many similar machines available from big brands and "no-name" brands, Prices vary, but you tend to get what you pay for.
I have had a Dremel for almost 20 years and I use it on just about every project I built. It is tough and fixed speed. I rigged up a variable speed from a light dimmer switch and, advice that it will burn out the motor to the contraary, I have used it in this condition for all those 20 years with no problems. The Dimmer allows virtually infinite speed variation, but the power available drops as the sped drops, so cutting much at low speed isn't going to happen. WHile I do occasionbaly get the plastic locally melting if I dig in a bit hard, if I take light cuts, I really don't have to lower the speed by much to get consistent material removal from the Dremel. I love it and wouldn't buy a cheap one to save my life. The fact thtat it is tough enough to use for a lot of jobs around the house makes it a very handy tool to have, even if you are not a modeler!
As to cutting a big hole, if you are trying to cut a large viewing hole in the side of a tank to see the inside, a Dremel (or similar) would work fine. Use a small cutting burr and take gentle cuts around the perimeter making sure you don't let the burr skip across the outside of the kit or you'll have lots of filliong to do later. Depending upon the geometry of the place you want to make the cut, a small coping saw with a really fine blade could do the trick as well.
HTH
Paul Roberts
President
Armor Modeling and Preservation Society |
| |
|
|
 | Dremel - thinking of buying one - David Golinsky - Dec 9, 2004 |
| . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - ian sadler - Dec 10, 2004 |
| . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Mike Gardella - Dec 10, 2004 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - David Golinsky - Dec 10, 2004 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - frankforster - Jan 14, 2005 |
| . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Greg Harker - Dec 10, 2004 |
| . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Joseph - Dec 28, 2004 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Paul Roberts - Jan 2, 2005 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Nathan Pereira - Jan 8, 2005 |
| . . . Re: Dremel - thinking of buying one - Sean Walsh - Jan 8, 2005 |
|
|
