Rotary Tool Recommendation

[Trokair]

 

Any recommendations and tips for a hobby dremel/rotary tool/die grinder or whatever they are called.

 

So far in my conversion work in this hobby I have used blades, sandpaper/files, green stuff/milliput and sometimes polycement glue (to soften or melt/blend) to remove, alter or add to plastic bits ad part of the conversion. However there is a project I am thinking of that would require removal of some details from a tight inwards facing curve and I don’t think I can do that with the tools and skills I have.

 

Not sure if one of these rotary tools would work or if I just have to get extra careful with some sandpaper wrapped around some wire bent to the right shaper.   

 

So any recommendations on what has worked for you?

[Bouargh]

My Dremel is fantastic...

 

 

Whatever tool you choose, take one with adjustable chuck. 

 

BTW I have been told that Parkside can be quite OK for a budget. I have other tools from this brand and they are good.

 

[Necronaut]

If you have a dremel, you might look into acquiring a tapered grinding bit. Something this might be useful for what you're describing. I've never tried working on plastic with these myself, but I think starting off on low revs and working slowly would be advisable, removing small amount of material on each pass. Otherwise you might try a grinding or engraving bit with a very fine point/tip if it's very fine detail clean-up you're looking to achieve.

 

https://a.co/d/cZPJM3z

https://a.co/d/d1uQ1xh

 

[Bouargh]

Grinding tools on plastic are quite touchy as the material tend to melt. It is therefore important to carve slowly and let cool. Yet it is one of the most useful tool.

 

The most useful accessories IMHO are:

- chuck - this is the MOST important accessory as it allows you being independant from DERMEL for further items: indeed any size will fit whereas otherwise you are doomed to buy Dremel material. It is not that the diameters are made uncompatible, but most of time there are finishing issues and the fitting is not perfect going to get some loose issue. Which can be dandegrous if the accessory gets out of its place.

 

- high speed cutter/carving - you will need different shapes and sizes if you want to go the sculptor way. Otherwise 2 as such may be enough.

 

- drills (of course) - but was it needed to say it? You will need spares as, even in plastic, the smallest ones when used for pinning may easily break

 

- Top of the Pop: any handle that allows gatting a better grip or more precision, allowing to take the tool as a pen for example.

 

- The cherry on the cup cake (Pimp my Dremel's Edition): somehow a diamond disk for large size job. But this type of tool is hard to use properly and most of times do not worth the RoI

 

Yet, be aware that if tagged "Dremel^TM" all these accessories will cost you an arm if bought on retail; you should aim at a boxed set including all as a special offer. If there is no such kit available, look for alt brand as 4 of these accessories above will probably coast you more than the main motorized tool...

Edited December 30, 2025 by Bouargh
tools added