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Thread ID: 114634	2010-12-11 06:03:00	Dremel? or equivalent	The Error Guy (14052)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1160627	2010-12-11 06:03:00	I have come across a project that is going to require me to do some cutting of some plastic around 7mm thick, the designs need to be cut into the plastic and will be quite detailed, think tattoo. There will also be 1<mm thick sheet metal on the reverse side of the plastic but that doesn't need to be cut nicely like the plastic since it won't be seen so i could use tin snips here Is there a tool that would do something like this? I was thinking maybe a dremel or similar with some sort of cutting attachment that would let me cut the design into the plastic. I don't have a dremel but I might be able to borrow one... not likely though. I have no idea what this sort of tool would cost either :p :thanks	The Error Guy (14052)
1160628	2010-12-11 06:16:00	Dremels are super cool and can do so many things . I used mine to install a new pickguard on my new bass today and it did everything I could ask . . ggpht . com/_cRmowvPKcq4/TQK7uDNuSdI/AAAAAAAAGP8/roOsO9-iFr4/s640/100_7390 . JPG" target="_blank">lh5 . ggpht . com I have a few different Dremel tools from the small 3-speed rechargeable version to the more common with the power cord and variable speeds, all the way up to a Professional version that you had better have two hands on it when it's running . To cut plastic of that thickness is well withing the normal sized Dremel's capacity, but you will need to have the correct bit to do the actual cutting . Slow arbor RPM is important too as the plastic can get hot, melt and ball-up on the cutter and make a general mess of the job . You need to CUT, not MELT the plastic - keep that in mind . It's tempting to crank it to MAX RPM and just go at it - but don't . It does sound cool though . Is this so precision that you might not get a good cut by hand-holding the tool? Consider that, as a Dremel can create some nasty gouges and odd cuts, going off on it's own tangent if you aren't ready for it .	SurferJoe46 (51)
1160629	2010-12-11 06:24:00	I have a knockoff Dremel - $24 from Mitre 10 Mega a number of years ago. It works well for things like engraving, but it's useless for cutting.	somebody (208)
1160630	2010-12-11 06:55:00	Dremels are super cool and can do so many things . I used mine to install a new pickguard on my new bass today and it did everything I could ask . Never knew you played bass! :D Slow arbor RPM is important too as the plastic can get hot, melt and ball-up on the cutter and make a general mess of the job . You need to CUT, not MELT the plastic - keep that in mind . It's tempting to crank it to MAX RPM and just go at it - but don't . It does sound cool though . I have had experience with that when drilling and sanding, not good . I'm doing this on my 360 so I don't plan to hack it to bits . . . or do I? Is this so precision that you might not get a good cut by hand-holding the tool? Consider that, as a Dremel can create some nasty gouges and odd cuts, going off on it's own tangent if you aren't ready for it . Not ULTRA precision, I will be using a tattoo stencil for the template, I just need to find the right patter (i'm planning on a pheonix but any thing will do) I just need to get the right shape and the holes cut out, Usually people just get a viewing window cut in, that can be cut with a coping saw (but IMHO, those windows look tacky) Any fine detail that goes below dremel's minimum thickness can be carved out with a file . I might take a sample to Mitre 10 and see if the cheapie will cut well enough . Cheers surfer joe, helpful as ever! Quick note, behind they pheonix will be frosted acrylic in blue/white or red and orange . below will be a series of flames in clear acrylic as the viewing window portion, that will be light in blue or white . this mod will be done on an original 360 case, dyed black (elite style) with blue SMD's on wireless receiver and controllers . will look pretty mean!	The Error Guy (14052)
1160631	2010-12-11 07:18:00	I have a knockoff Dremel - $24 from Mitre 10 Mega a number of years ago. It works well for things like engraving, but it's useless for cutting. I have found the same, thought of buying Dremel kit for specific job, should work.	Cicero (40)
1160632	2010-12-11 07:25:00	Hopefully you can get this all worked out and to your satisfaction . Yeah - I play bass - pull up a chair and a beer -------- This the one I was working on today ( . ggpht . com/_cRmowvPKcq4/TQK8QHFKO1I/AAAAAAAAGQw/V8V-yB66Cfk/s512/100_7405 . JPG" target="_blank">lh5 . ggpht . com) - I still have to put a bridge cover on it and it might be ready then . These are a few of what I have at home . ( . ggpht . com/_cRmowvPKcq4/TJK9P0sfhbI/AAAAAAAAE-E/6E96yaFCzFA/s640/100_6832 . JPG" target="_blank">lh5 . ggpht . com) And here's a Squier Affinity Precision, and although it's my cheapest bass, it's got a lot of heart and can really sing well . This is the way I have it right now ( . ggpht . com/_cRmowvPKcq4/TCS5JBljYpI/AAAAAAAAEDg/Zy7PFTHvt-w/s640/100_6515 . JPG" target="_blank">lh4 . ggpht . com) and notice the original 1-ply plastic pickguard! It makes the gearheads cringe when it sounds so good . In a while, I'm going to repaint it with Corvette Black 3-stage urethane and add a tort pickguard to further confuse people as to what it really is . Here's some guy (me) and my new Jaguar P/J bass . ( . ggpht . com/_cRmowvPKcq4/TKNtEwhRkBI/AAAAAAAAFeA/GQWAD_PFczM/s512/100_7151 . JPG" target="_blank">lh4 . ggpht . com) That's my SRV hat too . I have a LOT more pixs, but you'll need to have more that just one beer .	SurferJoe46 (51)
1160633	2010-12-11 08:40:00	I've been doing a fair bit of research into rotary tools since I'm looking at buying one in the new year. They are really useful for a whole bunch of stuff, and I'm looking forward to getting one (when I have the $$$!). A Dremel tool will cost from $100 for the standalone model and some attachments, increasing in price as you add on accessories like the flexible shaft. Accessories will generally cost from $60-90, for things like drill press stand, router attachment, project table, etc. There isn't much room for movement in these prices, as they are largely the same across different stores, even on Trademe. Reviews however are mixed, from saying they will do the job to their falling in quality in recent years, and there is more of the latter than the former. While you won't need to use them at full rev, if you do you will find them pretty loud, although they are doing 35,000 RPM at the time. Having said that, they are still better and more tractable than the cheaper models available in Trademe and in the stores like Mitre 10, Bunnings, Jaycar etc. They tend not to have as many speeds, and reviews reflect their lower price and quality, although for occasional use they will do the job. DSE used to do one, but it's not in the catalogue anymore. There are better brands, but price of these is high and availability is low, and Dremel bits and bobs are sold everywhere, so find a good one and go for it. Of course, between Christmas/New Year sales and Mitre 10 vouchers, you should be able to get one for a tad less (track the prices now though, just to check!). I don't think the prices on TM for used Dremels are that great, and new ones come with warranty. Having said that, some of the cheaper models can be found for $20 or so. I hope this helps, good luck!	Sick Puppy (6959)
1160634	2010-12-11 08:50:00	Hopefully you can get this all worked out and to your satisfaction . Yeah - I play bass - pull up a chair and a beer -------- Very awesome, always have a soft spot for musicians, especially ones who actually know their intrument well enough to play and repair . A mate of mine plays the bass pretty darned good . the other guy I know plays piano, guitar, bass and is learning double bass . I was going to give bass a shot but that fell through . might get sean or sam to hit me up one time I'll get some pics of the concept up soon, I just mentioned it to my dad (who's in china) on skype, he did not sound impressed that I was making the case black, i'll probably not fill him in that i'm slicing it open until its done . I don't want to kill it (aesthetically) either so a few test runs will do no harm	The Error Guy (14052)
1160635	2010-12-11 09:38:00	Any fine detail that goes below dremel's minimum thickness can be carved out with a file. I might take a sample to Mitre 10 and see if the cheapie will cut well enough. Take it from me, the cheapies are noisy as hell, don't have good bearings and the bits don't run true, They don't have stable speed or torque either, so you have to start with more revs than you need which also makes fine work difficult. Their tools are crap too. That is why I'm looking to buy a Dremel at present. There is just no substitute for quality. Cheers Billy 8-{)	Billy T (70)
1160636	2010-12-11 09:46:00	Dremel FTW. Best tool ever. The cheapy version I got died in my hand after less then an hours total use. Love my dremel.	Metla (12)
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