Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: zack on May 03, 2008, 06:37:13 AM

Title: What tool is this?
Post by: zack on May 03, 2008, 06:37:13 AM

This is a video for making 'Mousey the junkbot'.  At 1:50, the guy uses a tool to 'carve' holes into the mouse.  Anyone know what this tool is called? 

http://blip.tv/file/249386

Thanks

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: izua on May 03, 2008, 06:50:24 AM

looks like a hand-held drill. or maybe it's a soldering iron, i used to make holes with the soldering iron.. :P

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: AndrewM on May 03, 2008, 07:16:04 AM

It is my favorite tool in the world, a Dremel.  Dremel = rotorary tool.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: zack on May 03, 2008, 08:01:42 AM

Thanks Andrew! Can anyone recommend a good model or what to look for while making a purchase for hobby electronics?  I'm quite certain a pumpkin carver wouldn't be suitable! ;D

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: Steve Joblin on May 03, 2008, 08:17:06 AM

Dremels are a "cornerstone" for many hobbies... like anything else, it never pays to buy junk, so I would stick with the Dremel brand to ensure quality.  I am partial to the 395 Variable Speed MultiPro Rotary Tool Kit (you can google it to find many places that sell it)... the more advanced units have lots of "bling" that you will probably never use, or can easily do without.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: AndrewM on May 05, 2008, 07:24:25 AM

Definitely get the Dremel brand rotary tool (there are a bunch of other brands out there).  For home/hobby use Dremel is the way to go, just avoid the battery operated/rechargeable ones.  The idea seems nifty, but you don't get the speed or torque of a wallpowered model.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: Trumpkin on May 05, 2008, 01:37:13 PM

i've always wanted a dremel.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: pomprocker on May 06, 2008, 12:01:55 PM

Dremel's are approx $60USD very cheap at any hardware store.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: airman00 on May 06, 2008, 08:57:34 PM

or you can buy dremel bits for a battery powered screwdriver / drill

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: Steve Joblin on May 07, 2008, 06:28:00 AM

You can't use dremel bits in a electric screwdriver or even a electric drill because the speeds are way too low... Dremel tools (and the bits) are designed to operate at very high RPM's.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: AndrewM on May 07, 2008, 07:53:06 AM

Seeing as we are on the subject of Dremels, the fifth entry I made to my blog is all about the wonder tool.  A good insight into just how much I love this tool and think everyone should have one.

http://www.iamwhen.com/archives/5-The-One-Tool.html

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: Admin on May 17, 2008, 04:17:15 PM

I've used a dremel for robots many times, but most of the time they only make things worse for me . . . they are really hard to control for smooth cuts and grinding.

I'd only recommend it if you are on a tight budget, otherwise get a table-top drill press.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: reefat on September 07, 2008, 11:53:55 PM

The dremel tool used in the Mouse The Junkbot video is a Dremel Stylus.
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=1100

You can buy it from Amazon for $69.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-1100-01-Variable-7-2-Volt-Lithium-Ion/dp/B000E64WKO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1220853127&sr=1-1

I am also thinking about getting one. But confused  ???

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: kd5kfl on September 10, 2008, 06:33:34 PM

Quote

they are really hard to control for smooth cuts and grinding.

use your left hand  to hold the tool at a right angle to the surface and to apply pressure. Use the right hand horizontal and parrallel to the work surface to oppose the motion of the tool caused by the bit rotation. you should be able to write in about a 20 font size doing this, first time.

Title: Re: What tool is this?
Post by: Gertlex on September 12, 2008, 09:24:48 AM

Quote from: Steve Joblin on May 07, 2008, 06:28:00 AM

You can't use dremel bits in a electric screwdriver or even a electric drill because the speeds are way too low... Dremel tools (and the bits) are designed to operate at very high RPM's.

Yes you can. You just have to be smart about what you're doing. (AKA you're much more limited, but there are things that can still be done fine)