Gunsmithing Dremel tools

Walsh

Walsh

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 5, 2009
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Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#1
I notice that a buch of people on here have used a dremel tool. Can anyone tell me which one would be better for wood. I am planning on making my own wood stock sometime and thought that this would be a bit easier then files, saws, and sandpaper by hand.

I went to www.dremel.com to see what they even looked like and how to use one. Dosen't seem too bad, looks kinda easy really.

But can I please get some opinions on which one would be better for stock making, I am favoring the Stylus:

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pa....aspx?pid=1100

And if anyone has any experience with one or this particular model, please let me hear some feedback.

Thanks,
P.B.Walsh
 
#2
Re: Dremel tools

The key, for me anyway, is to think about what you are wanting done and proceeding slowly. The Dremel removes a lot of material, esp wood, in a hurry.

On stocks, I have been removing bedding compound from the barrel channel and had the tool get away from me and run over the edge of the forend and make some VERY unattractive marks.

Take your time and think about where you are going.
 
#3
Re: Dremel tools

I agree with nashlaw, the Dremels are great tools, but you can read here and everywhere in gun forums about "Dremel jobs" in a derogatory manner. They have a habit of "slipping". My advice is to use the lowest rpm you can use for the given task (most cutters/grinder/tips have a recommended RPM range on the box) and hold the tool TIGHTLY. The other option that I have found works well is to get the extension tubing for the tool which has a much smaller handpiece. Easier to really get a good hold on. For more precision work (yes, I know it's a Dremel but that doesn;t mean you can;t increase the precision) they make a small router table attachment and a small drill press attachment which are inexpensive and do a good job.
madd0c
 
#5
Re: Dremel tools

I prefer an air pencil grinder over a dremel. Not as much wieght and much easier than a dremel to control. And can have a higher rpm.

I keep mine at work. It's a Matco one. I actually bought it for cleaning rust out of wheel speed sensor holes burs of of spindels but found that I like it for more than the small size and use it at home too
 
#6
Re: Dremel tools

I think you'll find that when working with wood, files and saws and chisels work better and faster than the Dremel. It tends to load up and burn the work. For inletting the action it can be useful, but as the above workers state, it can get away from you in a hurry. You won't find many of the better stockmakers using a lot of the Dremel tooling. Be afraid...be very afraid. JMHO
 
#7
Re: Dremel tools

I stick to a Dremel on metal, and use hand tools as referenced above unless cutting out large chunks in the beginning. If you think you have to use a Dremel; use one of the lowest settings, also there is a pencil type of attachment that makes precision work easier to control.
 
#8
Re: Dremel tools

Dremel tools are nice to have, but can get away on ya. They can be put to a lot of uses, just practice with it on something you don't mind making mistakes on.

I went with the 8200 since it's cordless. Accessories can be a big help, especially the tube extension.
 
#9
Re: Dremel tools

A Dremel Tool is very useful, but as mentioned above, it can run away from you quickly. My best friend, (now deceased) MSGT Paul Musser, of the USAF Marksmanship Unit(Circa 1970s) rigged his Dremel Tool with a common Singer Sewing MAchine Treadle/Pedal, and thereby controlled the tool remotely and precisely w/o having to use the on-tool RPM switch. We did lots of work with it with excellent results.
 
#10
Re: Dremel tools

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bubbinator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Dremel Tool is very useful, but as mentioned above, it can run away from you quickly. My best friend, (now deceased) MSGT Paul Musser, of the USAF Marksmanship Unit(Circa 1970s) rigged his Dremel Tool with a common Singer Sewing MAchine Treadle/Pedal, and thereby controlled the tool remotely and precisely w/o having to use the on-tool RPM switch. We did lots of work with it with excellent results. </div></div>



I used one similar to that in High School Art class. Googled it, its called a Flexible Shaft grinder. In my opinion way better then Dremel in the fact that you can control the speed so it wont get away on you.
 
#12
Re: Dremel tools

Ive got a dremel with a flex shaft and I reckon its alright for the occasional job but IMHO if a shooter was going to be doing alot work with one he would be better off to get a dedicated setup like the foredom. Every time I use mine I wonder when that shaft is going to come shooting out of the sleeve cause it makes alot of racket and isnt very smooth to operate. I like the idea of being able to grease the components, leads me to believe that the unit will operate smoother and last longer. My$.02
 
#13
Re: Dremel tools

Get a battery operated one - they work good for removing SMALL portions of wood, slowly.

I have 2 Dremel's, one is battery powered and can be run at 5000 rpm .


It is what i use on my bamboo flutes, the normal dremel just chews through crap - it's a good cutter and grinder but not for fine wood working.

The electric dremels tend to burn wood too.

Here's a sample of what a battery Dremel can do - note the very end - this is before fine sanding but it rounded the bamboo just fine for me.

http://www.tngbbs.com/ebay/Flute105c.jpg
 
#14
Re: Dremel tools

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshotbml</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These are the ultimate in rotary tools:
http://www.foredom.com/home.asp
Foredom tools have awesome torque and when used with the foot control they are very versitile, smooth cutting instrument. Well worth the price. </div></div>

This is the only way to go with a rotary tool.
 
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