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Originally Posted by Martin Derouin:

I had used a regular Dremel back in the 70's.  But what I found out is that when you use the cut off disc, like to cut track, you canot do it at full RPM...I brought a Craftsman model 61002, it has variable speed.  I have been using it for over 30 years.  And it has seen its fair share of work.  No problems with it.

 

Marty

 More speed, less pressure. It sometimes seems like its slower cutting, but the right pressure for RPM is lacking is all.

 

Note, CW said goggles, not glasses.

 Glasses can trap the rebound off your big forehead, and funnel things down into your eyes. Things that would have bounced clear without them on for a catch 22.

 Goggles!

 Or at least a full face mask with a forehead shelf to block falling debris.

Make it a habit.

 

Even a habit fails.

  I've had no less than 12 trips to the hospital for removal of debris from my eyes. They started sending me home with eye numbing drops to store for future use till I could get to a doctor..... "Next time"

 I wear glasses every day to see too. Only two of those times, I wasn't wearing anything. 

 

 We could talk about big grinders and new front teeth too.

Originally Posted by C W Burfle:

I have certainly broken my share of Dremel cut-off wheels. As far as I know, it's never been due to excessive RPM's.

If it's from anything, I've found that they break from encountering an ID-10-t user holding the Dremel and not holding it steady and straight while cutting something.  Slow and steady hands preserve cut off wheels.  I've never had one break from good use at max rpm - btw, I generally use an older Dremel 395........

Last 2 I broke were from my picking up the Dremel and forgetting to clear the edge of the drill press base - ID-10-t user - brittle stuff that does not flex around corners well,

The Dremel's with the internal speed control just don't go slow enough for drilling plastic. I prefer to use a Dremel with no speed control with an old Dremel external speed controller. That way I can get the speed way down and drill, not melt the plastic I'm working on. The ones with an internal speed control won't work with the external controller. 

Before Dremel came out with their models with speed control I used a variac to control the speed. A variac will work with a speed control Dremel if you first set the Dremel to max. Probably work at less than max setting too.

I bought my first Dremel in the '70s. I used it with their drill press which I found very handy and had far less runout than a full size drill press. Then I burned out the motor working on cars and when I sent it to them for repairs they sent me a newer model which no longer fit in the drill press. I was bummed out.

 

Pete

 My model #2 didn't die until about 2005 when I dropped it and broke a brush holder.

That's how I ended up using the newer 1970s Dayton tool. The Dayton had been sitting around as backup, used only for jobs #2 couldn't fit around as well.

 I had a 270 as well, but mine was a lemon. One of three motor tools that burnt up with normal use. The others, both newer models with a circuit board. The other new "board model" was a Craftsman.

 I figured something on the boards was limiting amperage so I just stuck with the old school stuff vs buying a new one again. 

 

Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

For drilling plastic I use a hand drill with a pin-vice bit for small drill bits.  I can go as slow as I like with no heating issues.  I don't see the Dremel as an ideal tool to drill in any case.

 When I was a kid, and brittle plastic was everywhere, my Grandfather showed me a bit run backwards heated and softened the plastic. A quick reversal would then cut quickly and usually not snag, and shatter the plastic.

 You can melt through going backwards too if its thin.   

I bought my dremel in 1972 and have been using it all these years.  It did start to make groaning sounds about 4 years ago so I took it apart and greased it up and it is still going strong today.

 

 I did buy a new one with all the trimmings 4 years ago figuring the old one was not long for this world.  The new one and all the attachments really looks and sounds great.  I gave it a try to see it work and then put it back in case figuring I would pull it out when the old one bites the dust.  4 years later and the old one is still going strong and the new one is still in the box waiting it's turn at bat.  

 

IMO the dremel is the perfect tool for a train hobbyist.

Ed

 

 

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