What tool is this?

[zack]

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

[izua]

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

[AndrewM]

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

[zack]

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!

[Steve Joblin]

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.

[AndrewM]

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.

[Trumpkin]

i've always wanted a dremel.

[pomprocker]

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

[airman00]

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

[Steve Joblin]

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.

[AndrewM]

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

[Admin]

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.

[reefat]

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 

[kd5kfl]

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.

[Gertlex]

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)