Dremel or similar tools - how effective?

Post by **simmitc** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:37 pm

I've been doing some welding and ended up with some internal corners where the angle grinder can't reach. I would love to flatten the weld back. Has anyone used a Dremel or similar tool for this sort of work, and would it be effective? Also, I've only seen them advertised in kits. Given that any grinding attachment would wear down pretty quickly, and I don't need all the fancy bits, is it possible to purchase only the relevant drive unit and soecific attachments? Thanks for any advice.....

Post by **d_harris** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:46 pm

It is possible to buy the drive unit seperatly. I *think* b&q does a budget one with no attachments or anything with it.

I only paid a tenner for my B&D one as it was a return with lots of the extra stuff missing. The grinding discs will wear down mighty quick though

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:14 pm

They do work, but the motors are tiny and don't give much grunt at the work piece. Compressor driven air tools are much better, but for light use a Dremel style tool is fine.

Post by **d_harris** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:47 pm

I've used mine for awkward cutting on the mog where I couldn't get a grinder in, but it worked a treat for neat, accurate cuts. Chewed through lots of wheels though

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:12 pm

Dremel is for model making - and not much use for anything else!

Post by **les** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:11 pm

Try a black & decker powerfile, I was recommended this tool and would not be without it now, awkward areas can be reached, and if you buy the tough belts they will be long lasting and able to smooth out rough welds. Various grit sizes are available. Btw I do not own the company!

Post by **d_harris** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:17 pm

I've heard very good things about them too, but never used one

Post by **melburgorbust** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:37 am

the dremels are great for tight spaces and small cuts.

Post by **Orkney** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:40 am

How about a flexidrive attatment for a power drill? Handy tool to have - imagine the little discs/grinding wheels would be dear though?

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:47 am

10mm belt sanders the one to go for in this application, normally air driven though.

Post by **paulhumphries** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:41 am

jonathon wrote:10mm belt sanders the one to go for in this application, normally air driven though.

I've got a B&D one but also an attachment that converts a standard 115mm angle grinder.
Never used it (yet - might dig it out today and have a play) but seeing it was 3 Euros in a French DIY store clearance bin I haven't much to loose

I find a Dremmel useful but rarely for car bodywork.
Like other say more like model / detail work.
For aggressive metal removal in tight spaces a carbide burr in an air die grinder works best for me.
BTW I wouldn't waste my money on a proper Dremmel again as I've used the cheaper types and they work just as well.

Paul Humphries.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:03 am

jonathon wrote:10mm belt sanders the one to go for in this application, normally air driven though.

agreed! I've got the Clarke one which is OK, but the more expensive ones at college are even better (Sealy by the looks of them). You can grind welds in very tight spaces and with more accuracy and finesse than a grinder. Buy decent quality belts- the ones that came with my belt sander wore out very quickly.

There was a review of 10mm belt sanders in Practical classics recently.

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:25 am

Agreed John, 3M belts are the best, also go for a single end wheel and not the double ones. We have a Sealey and get through bearings in no time, so bought a good quality single wheeled one. if enough folk would like one of these sanders please Pm me and I can investigate a bulk buy with our reasonable trade discount. The 20mm belt sanders are brill too.

Post by **Peetee** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:39 am

You can find a chuck extension piece for a 'standard' sized drill that is about 9" long that would prove more effective.
Got to disagree with you BMC. I have gas flowed a few A-series heads with a mini drill. It's slow work but very theraputic in a heated shed (electric and/or single malt) in the middle of winter.

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 6:58 pm

Dremel do different spec machines - some are only for light craft work but some are suitable for heavier and more prolonged use.

I've used mine constantly while restoring the components from the van - polishing, stripping, removing burrs... including an emergency burr removal from inside the bore of my engine's spigot bearing after getting the old bush out with a cold chisel...

Onne and I had a great time fighting over it while restoring my carb

Post by **simmitc** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:49 pm

All - Many thanks for the ideas and advice.

Jonathan - I'd probably be interested, but can you point to a link to view the said machine, or quote a model number for which to search?

Juliet - if yours is a heavier duty type, could you please quote the model number?

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:23 pm

hi simmitc,

No, sadly mine is a poofy one, but has stood up to some serious abuse. It's a "300 Series Multitool". The Series 400 is supposed to be tougher: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... i-tool-kit

wibble xx

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:30 pm

Simon,
I'll post details tomorow, but the price trade for one is £125 plus vat