Rotary tools are one of the basic tool-attachments today. They provide a wide range of attachments like polishing, carving, sanding end else. They practically became an inevitable part of a modern man toolbox. We’ll shortly introduce you to the possibilities these things have, what they are and whose idea was it in the first place to make such tools.
Rotary tools – What are they?
We can say that a rotary tool is a handheld tool. It has a top (or a tip) that can accept many different attachments. This provides a great variety of tasks. With rotary tools, you can do many different things.
These tools are very compact which means they won’t take too much space in your garage. They are powerful and fast. And, you can use them for different tasks (they are very adaptable) which is, we believe their best quality.
What are they good for?
We’ve already mentioned that you can use rotary tools for different activities. One of them is sanding. There is a sending drum that you attach to the tool and set the speed to medium. Once you do this sanding can start.
Besides sanding you can use rotary tools for carving bevels. Again, attach the appropriate drum to your tool and set the speed. It is advised that for these two things you set the speed to medium but this is changeable. If you are skillful and have the large experience we’re sure you can raise the speed. If on the other hand, you are a beginner starting with the lowest rotary tool speed.
There are special carbide bits you can use for carving or engraving.
Also, there are special bits you need for polishing. This is mostly used for polishing metal surfaces. By polishing you give a metal surface a special shine. This process starts after you apply a little polish or wax to the bit before you turn on your rotary tool. Medium speed is suggested.
One more, good thing you can use rotary tools for is removing rust from metal surfaces by using wire wheels. You attach them to the tools and for this process suggested speed is high.
Cordless rotary tools are also great for sharpening. You can sharpen knives, shears, scissors or anything else. For this, a sharpening wheel is attached to the cordless rotary tool. Just like with the rust-removing process, sharpening should be also done at high speed. One advice, be careful when you sharpen something. Keep your tool on the appropriate distance since the sparks tend to fly.
Next, you can use cordless rotary tools even for cutting through small metal pieces. For this process, there is another special wheel, a carbide-metal cutting wheel. Before you start, put some oil onto the metal piece to reduce warming. It is advised to use medium speed here.
Some good sides of cordless rotary tools
Well, the first thing to say is that they are extremely easily packable. They are small and won’t take too much space wherever you put them.
When you buy them, they mostly come with the set of bits which will allow you many different activities. As we already said (It’s not a waste to say it again), you can use them for polishing, sanding, sharpening, carving, rust removing and even metal cutting. They offer a wide range of possibilities and that’s the way you just have to love them.
Another great thing about cordless rotary tools is they don’t have a cord. We all know what that means- no electric cables and no restrictions. You won’t tangle into a bunch of cables. You can take them anywhere you go which makes them good partner tools. Even pros use them.
With these tools, you’re not limited on wood and metal only. You can also use them on plastic, sand or fiberglass and other materials.
Cordless rotary tools are great for different installations. You can use them to install baseboards for example.
They are quite helpful when you bump into a rusty nail or a screw. They know to be stubborn. This is when a rotary tool jumps in and you can cut it in no time (by using a cutting attachment).
Most cordless rotary tools have the possibility to change speed (mostly low, medium and high) and this makes your job easier since different operations require different speed (we’ve mentioned some speeds suggested for appropriate actions).
Most producers provide lists of possibilities and actions that a particular cordless rotary tool has. The only thing you have to do is to use your imagination.
How are the rotary tools divided?
Mostly, these tools are divided into two groups: basic and cut-out rotary tools.
We use these basic tools mostly for some very precise actions like engraving, shaping or smoothing. They are smaller with less power (around 1A). This smaller power isn’t a bad thing. On the contrary, it provides you with greater control.
On the other hand, cut-outs have larger motors and more power (between 3A and 5A). For this reason, they are heavier than and not as controllable as basic rotary tools. You can use them for cutting different materials.
We can say that for pros cut-outs are the preferable choice, while for common people more popular and cheaper are basic rotary tools. Of course, the choice depends on what you need them for. If you can buy both, that’s what you should do.
Founders of rotary tools
Rotary tools were invented by Albert J. Dremel in 1932. The original concept was to make the rotary tool capable to rotate the bit quickly.
Cordless rotary tools are getting more and more popular. They are the tools you must have in your garage. Considering the fact they can do so many things it’s not a surprise they became a sort of necessity. Ones you try them you won’t go anywhere without them.