On 25 Nov 2003 04:11:04 GMT, osite (RobertR237)
wrote:

In article , Del Rawlins
writes:


I had a brand new one which ran for about 10 seconds out of the box, and
then died due to a faulty switch.

Not counting defective part failures, I have a tough time seeing how I
could possibly wear mine out, as little use as it sees. For the things
I use it for, nothing else will really do but otherwise it often doesn't
come out of the toolbox for months at a time. I believe that if you
find yourself using a dremel tool that much you need to consider buying
some real tools (i.e. bigger grinders) since the dremel isn't really
suited for continuous use. Not to mention the extra time spent since
using the dremel is slow compared to a larger grinder or cut off tool.

I have a pair of 1/4" electric die grinders (one I bought, then got
another for christmas) each with a different bit, a couple of angle
grinders, a 3" cut off tool in addition to my normal bandsaw, hacksaw,
and bench grinder/sander. If none of those will do the job, only then
does the Dremel come out.


That would depend on what you are using it for. It is the greatest and most
used single tool I have used on building my fiberglass aircraft. With a little
practice you can literally use it to remove one layer of paint at a time. I
use it mainly to remove excess glass and trim sharp edges. Larger grinders are
useless for what I have used it for.

I use one with a 90 degree attachment and/or extension/flexible cable
while the second one is just used straight.

I particularly like to use the "cut off" wheel for trimming. It's
almost like sculpting. I used it along the flat, or at a steep angle
to just take off the high spots, but as you say, you can actually work
your way through a layer at a time.

It's also a good way to trim off any "drips" that get missed at clean
up time. I also use them to trim edges that didn't get trimmed well
when the cloth was in the green state.

As I usually finish up around 3 or 4 AM, there is not way I'm going to
sleep for two hours and then trim. I'd be dangerous and probably make
some really expensive mistakes. It takes me an hour to wake normally
after a nights sleep. Imagine what I'd be like after 2 hours?

They are faster and simpler to use than even the detail sanders, but
they do take a bit of practice to prevent removing a *lot* more than
desired. :-))

I even use them to make cut outs such as the wing and tail openings,
or openings in the firewall...etc...

They are one handy gadget.

You'll have to fix the return add due to dumb virus checkers, not spam
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair?)
www.rogerhalstead.com

Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....

"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)