How to Use a Dremel Rotary Tool

A rotary cutting/sanding tool is useful for many home projects.

The Dremel rotary cutting and sanding tool is a convenient all-purpose tool for a variety of crafting and shop projects. The wire brush attachment is highly useful for removing carbon corrosion from other tools or for removing bits of old, flaking paint. The Dremel tool is designed for comfort and ease of use, so you can begin to operate your Dremel the same day you buy it. With a little practice, operation of your Dremel tool will become second nature, and you will find many applications for the array of attachments available.

Things You'll Need

• Dremel rotary cutting/sanding tool
• Dremel accessories
• Scrap wood or metal for practice
• Eye protection

Instructions

1. Review the instruction manual that came with your Dremel. Identify the following crucial parts of your Dremel: collet, collet nut, collet wrench and shaft lock button.

2. Select the appropriate Dremel accessory for the job at hand. Practice using each accessory on a piece of scrap wood or metal before using it for a project. Match the accessory to the material you are using; accessories meant only for use with wood, masonry or metal are labeled accordingly.

3. Tighten or loosen the collet nut with the wrench until the opening at the tip of the Dremel is just slightly larger than the accessory or attachment you would like to insert. Insert the accessory, and tighten the collet nut with the wrench until the nut is secure.

4. Compare the shaft of the accessory with the collet. If the shaft is too small or large for the collet, remove the collet nut completely with the collet wrench. Depress the shaft lock button, and remove the collet. Insert a collet sized to fit the accessory, and replace the collet nut.

5. Hold the Dremel tool close to the tip, where the tool is indented to fit your hand. Lightly move the Dremel across the surface of your piece of scrap metal, operating the tool at a low speed.

6. Keep the Dremel moving when sanding to avoid burning the material or damaging the accessory. Experiment with different speeds of operation before using your Dremel for a project; the feel of the tool will change depending on the speed.

Tips & Warnings

• Never do any sanding or cutting without eye protection.

References

• Bit-Tech: Meet the Dremel