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Dremel & Curves

R

Ryck

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 7, 2003
Messages
345
Okay all I got the new dremel XPR400. Now I have a ton of dremel attachments as well. Now will the dremel do curves well or is there another tool that I should use? I have about 20 fiber cut off wheels and other heavy duty wheels as well. I will also practice on my junk case which was purchased for just this purpose. Oh the curves are not to intricate just on the corners to round it off and give it a flowing feel, I picked up some nice black automotive edging to cover the corners.

Okay the sum up questions ?

Will the dremel do curves well?

If so what attachments should I use for the curves (or just use the cut off wheels)?

How would I go about deburring and smoothing the edges (plain old file or a dremel attachment, if so what attachment)?

Any other suggestions that might assist me would be greatly appreciated :)
 
basically what you do is use the cutoff wheels to do as much of the straight line cutting that you can.

you then use one of the grind/sanding bits or wheels to finish off any curves or edges.

its pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

*BUT LIKE ALWAYS*

be sure to ALWAYS use good eye protection when using one of the babies. I cannot emphasize that enough!
 
Yeah no doubt I have goggles sitting in my work pack with the dremel, also have a face mask cause I do not want to inhale metal shaving :)
 
Ryck said:
... also have a face mask cause I do not want to inhale metal shaving :)
Click to expand...
Cant say I have ever done anything like that, nor have I heard of that happening.

Protection is always good though :)
 
DaRkF0g said:
Cant say I have ever done anything like that, nor have I heard of that happening.

Protection is always good though :)
Click to expand...
Dude, the whole time you are using that bad baby you are inhaling metal shavings. When I was cutting up my case-didn't use a mask-you could have put wheels on me and pulled me with a magnet. If your face gets covered, your hands get covered, your arms get covered, your shoes get covered... hell your dick gets some metal shaving on it... why wouldn't it go up your nose or in your mouth?
 
I covered myself self up completely, had a hooded sweat shirt, goggles, mask, and latex gloves. I take no chances, whats the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I do not to take any chances :)
 
I don't do the golves, but the hoodie, googles, and dust mask (cheap 99c one) are a must. I just got done cutting a bracket for my graphics card without one, cause my local hardware store is closed on Sunday, and let me tell you. I have been picking my nose for 10 minutes, the boogers are BLACK, and are magnetic.

Also, even worse than metal shavings are the shavings from those red cutting discs, the ones that wear out real quick.


As for your question concerning tight round corners/curves, I prefer my flex-shaft, with a small diamond point grinder/engraver. If it's big enough just get the slightly worn cutting disc and cut inside the line, and sand it flush.
 
i only use my fiber discs for cutting tough stuff...

i got a couple 100 packs of the cheap cutoff wheels and i just use those mostly. the way you should do curves is as suggested above.........PLUS you could go into the curve a little using these not-so-tough cutoff wheels (the light duty ones) by first getting them real small.......then using them (could run the wheel into a big thick block of steel or iron, that would wear it right down....

make it have a diameter of less than 1.5cm and use that do do a little bit of curved cutting. then smooth it out with the sanding wheel/drum

i envy you for having such an "ub3r 1337" dremel set. my variable speed dremel is stuck at 35000 rpm....real great when i mostly cut plastic....
 
A Dremel is multi-function tool. Now most multi-functions tools are not great for any specific thing, but can be applied to many tasks. A Dremel is a handy tool, however I use it rarely when fabricating because it lacks the power and durability that I need.

For cutting curves in aluminum I don't recommend a Dremel. Actually for cutting in general I can't say I really recommend it all that much because even with the reinforced cutoff wheels it's not all that. For cutting curves in aluminum and mild steel, I use a Jigsaw. You'll get a far superior cut. If you are cutting straight lines, then I recommend a power shear. If you do repeated cuts, then I recommend making a jig and using a power nibbler. I have all of these tools and much more.

Does that mean the Dremel sucks? Heck no. It's a nice tool to have. I'm biased because I have a lot of the other tools in my shop that make the Dremel stay in it's little box more than it comes out. However for those who do basic work with cases - get a Jigsaw and some fine metal cutting blades. Go slow, take your time and then clean up the cut with the Dremel if required.

I used a variety of tools, from power shears, nibbler, drill press, hole saws, jigsaw, hand punch, drill, Dremel (deburing only) and a few other hand tools to work on my recent project that can be seen here:

http://www.dmwtech.com/gallery/pc73slb

Good luck and remember - use the right tool for the job! :)
 
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