Using a Dremel, Advice?

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 19:39

I just bought a dremel kit and tomorrow will be doing some work on my panels.

any advice when using these? I've watched a few videos and learnt a fair bit but if any forum members would like to share their experiences with using this multi tool, please write it in here. Would love to learn more so i can open up new ideas and try out new things in terms of modding rather than the same generic thing we see so much of these days.

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 19:48

Mastergrip 130W

Not bought an actual dremel brand haha, can't afford the premium price tag but this one works really well. Done a few tests cut and it's really steady with the speed control.

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 19:55

Going to be cutting the front panel like this:

The holes will be filled by a plexi window with cut outs for more direct airlow. I also want to experiment with Light tape

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 22:03

I have some old plastic at hand so will give that a woosh tomorrow.

sorry just realised i posted the wrong picture in my 2nd post. Does anyone know if plexi is hard to cut?

what shall i use to hold stuff down because i dont have any clamps!

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 22:15

Do you just lay it down on a cardboard box, rest your knee on it or something heavyish and go from there?

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 22:34

Cheers for that guys, will have a look in homebase tomorrow or local hardware store to see if i can get hold of some reinforced disks.

I have goggles, they're in the shed i think

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 23:47

Seems like it's all down to experience from what you're saying. I'll see if i can gather some materials together aswel and try everything tomorrow.

While a little off topic, does anyone know where i can buy some U channel from for hiding the rough edges?

Jay85 · 17 Jul 2012 at 23:58

Sin_Chase said:
I used a dremel to cut perspex and the thickness made it a NIGHTMARE task!

When cutting plastics etc do not use too high a speed or it will just melt.

So low speed and gently touch the plexi? Would adding water while cutting help?

Jay85 · 18 Jul 2012 at 00:09

Probs best to use deionised water then rather than normal tap water. Sounds expensive haha.

I have goggles, dont worry. Got my overalls aswel just incase!

Jay85 · 18 Jul 2012 at 00:11

jak731 said:
Yep practice is the best way to get good at it.

The friction based cutting discs are really not meant for cutting plastics, whereas spring steel cutters are designed for it. They are flexible and very forgiving, I haven't broken one cutting plastic. Also they doesn't melt the plastic so there are no carcinogenic fumes.

I wish they had this stuff at say your local homebase or halfords/similiar.

Learning a lot here, thank you for the info.