Dremel/Rotary Tool recommendations

[HQi88]

I am thinking about buying a rotary tool to help me with an upcoming project. I have only cut wood before, so I am unsure what I should look for in a rotary tool. For example, what should be the RPM, power output, etc. I am planning for the tool to cut metal (less than 5mm thick), plastic, and acrylic.

Also, any tips on how to make clean cuts with this tool would be appreciated!

 

[AsRock]

A dremel, mines still working after 12 years, as for plastic or arcylic maybe different cutting tools as with a dremel unless you go real slow it's just going melt\clog and then you may as well use a fine saw or alike.

If you do get a Dremel make sure it has a variable speed on it and not 1-3 speeds or some thing silly.

 

[tabascosauz]

I am planning for the tool to cut metal (less than 5mm thick), plastic, and acrylic.

Also, any tips on how to make clean cuts with this tool would be appreciated!

I've got a Dremel 3000 that I use for little projects involving plastics and wood. It's got a decent selection of variable speeds and isn't too expensive. Would not recommend the Dremel 100, it sucks.

Steady hands and take it slow? Not too much to it. If this is your first time using any dremel I'd instead remind you to remember your safety glasses, dust mask and some hearing protection. Especially with some plastics that shit flies everywhere.

 

[bobbybluz]

It takes practice to make straight clean cuts. Use the diamond wheel at highest speed. Let the wheel pull itself along and guide itself. I used to use steel banding held with clamps as a cutting guide when using the far more fragile cutoff wheels. I use masking tape on top of what I'm cutting to layout what I'm going to be doing. Safety goggles, face shield or glasses with side shields are a must. Going to the hospital to have debris mined out of eyeballs is no fun (have done that far too many times). Practice makes perfect.

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

Dremel has a ton of accessories that you can get, different cutting wheels for each type of material.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I got a rotary 2001 model and it's fine don't use it much
I love their multi-max tool too so dremel the company makes more than one tool and crapload of attachments
Narrow router basically think there are accessories like tables/... for them too or you can make your own to help with straight/ round cutting.

 

[HQi88]

A dremel, mines still working after 12 years, as for plastic or arcylic maybe different cutting tools as with a dremel unless you go real slow it's just going melt\clog and then you may as well use a fine saw or alike.

If you do get a Dremel make sure it has a variable speed on it and not 1-3 speeds or some thing silly.

I don't have too much of a budget for this. I am thinking of buying a used Dremel locally for cheap. I also do not foresee me using it often in the future. It is a Jobmate 1.2A rotary tool. Can it still get the job done?

 

[AsRock]

I have cut a shit load of holes in cases, just takes time and patience how ever any thing over 1.2mm thick you might have to let it cool down haha.

Just test it out before buying it, make sure it runs smooth and the end piece can be taken off and changed.

Make sure the brushes are good on it if it uses them. Mines a old Dremel 400 i believe the brushes are still available for them.

And as some one else said use protective gear as if one of those disks break you will hear it hit some thing typically.

 

[xrobwx71]

I've been using Dremel products for 20+ years. They have never let me down.

The one you posted, should do what you need. At $14.99, I would be skeptical.

 

[witkazy]

Agree with all above pretty much, all that i can add is tip for cutting longer straight pieces of acrylic up to 3mm thick.
Instead of using disc or saw i use ruler and exacto knife ,make cuts on both sides of sheet and break it with one decisive move just like you'd do with glass panel,cheers.