Dremel disks

[StabbyJoe]

I understand that I chewed through my previous disks because they weren't reinforced and I may have pushed a bit hard on the tool...

Ideally I'm looking for an attachment I can use with my dremel-like rotary tool, that won't deteriorate with use that I can use for my homebrew picks... Does anyone know of an attachment like that? (at least one that will take a LONG time to deteriorate)

Failing that there are two online auctions, one for 10x'Dremel Fibreglass reinforced cutting disks', and another for 30x'Dremel Heavy Duty cut-off wheels' going at the same price... which would last longer?

I've also heard of making dremel disks from tin can lids... any thoughts on that? doesn't seem safe, but I'm a cheapass, so I'm considering it.

Thanks in advance for any help, guys ^^,
~Stabby

[Buggs41]

For your own safety, Don't buy cheap attatchments for/or modify tools for the Dremmel tool.

A while back I was using a (Dremel-Non reinforced) cut off wheel. The tool was not near the workpiece, But as soon as I turned it on, That wheel blew apart. I was wearing glasses, And only got a small cut on my beak.

These tools are awesome at what they do. But don't take safety lightly!

[StabbyJoe]

I've been advised against the tin can disks...
And I've also heard that the 10 reinforced disks should last longer than the 30 heavy duty ones...
But I'm wondering if instead of going through all those disks if I should spend a bit more and grab a bench grinder...

[bumber]

But I'm wondering if instead of going through all those disks if I should spend a bit more and grab a bench grinder...

YES, the $19.99 you spend on even a cheap one will outlast the same amount of money worth of disks...the reinforced ones are for bigger cutoff projects as where the smaller brown ones (model #420 from dremel) are for small intricate cutting and notching, although they can be used to cut almost any metal I would use a bench grinder to rough out the pick blank and the dremel for fine detail...and only press lightly on the dremel you almost only have to let it rest on the piece to have it cut it, use a back and forth motion to cut strips or long cuts.

Also check your hardware store for some polishing attachments for it, they are awsome.

[raven252000]

i ve seen mention of using tungsten rotary files somewhere they probably work good on ruffing out the picks.

[StabbyJoe]

thanks guys, all good useful info =)
I'm thinking of getting a cheapie grinder so I can do more at home... using my gf's dad's stuff all the time means I get a short burst on a grinder once every 2 weeks x_x

[Legion303]

I use a carbide-tungsten cutter (not a disk) for heavy cutting work. You should NEVER have to force your Dremel through the piece of metal you're working on, as that will only lead to shattered parts, burnt-out motor, and increased chance of personal damage.

If you're using a disk, don't cut all at once. Cut a little and then back out to let the disk cool off a little (you can leave it spinning). Check your work periodically to make sure it isn't overheating; if it is, pour some water over it.

-steve

[vitti]

I don't use a grinder to rough out my picks anymore because I prefer the control of the dremel. I pretty much only use the grinder now to straighten any uneven lines. Other than that I make mine with nothing but a cut-of wheel. I use the brown "heavy duty" ones because they are much cheaper. I can easily make at least 3 picks with one of one the brown, non-reinforced, "heavy duty" disc. They last a pretty good while as long as you go slow and don't force them.

[StabbyJoe]

hmm... the fact that you can make 3 picks with 1 disk is useful information... I, however am the opposite... I love the control and precision I can get from a grinder because of the flat edge and corner set up... having only a small edge to work with on the dremel means my cuts aren't as straight as they could be... which would mean removing most of my material slowly with the dremel and finishing on the bench grinder... which seems odd to me - I'd think of it the other way around O_o

Something I just thought of now... the way I use mine is that I cut away parallel lines into the metal very close to each other, so as I move across it cuts around the pick by going down to it, then starting another line... is this the same way others cut them, or do you literally just use the disc against the flat side of the metal and cut around the template?

[Kaotik]

Something I just thought of now... the way I use mine is that I cut away parallel lines into the metal very close to each other, so as I move across it cuts around the pick by going down to it, then starting another line... is this the same way others cut them, or do you literally just use the disc against the flat side of the metal and cut around the template?

Don't get me wrong....I have a heck of an imagination, but for some reason I can't get a mental picture of how your cutting the excess metal away. Maybe a quick sketch in paint shop would help?

For my work (which I don't know if you've seen), I work with only a Dremel with the non-reinforced thin and thick cut-off wheels and I can make approx. 2-3 picks aswell. I think it mainly depends on the pressure and if your not cutting straight (e.g., if there is alot of cut-off wheel dust in the air, then your not cutting straight and that will eat up a wheel quick).

I have always drawn my pick onto the metal with a sharpie and cut away the excess first with the thin wheel, then I use the thicker wheel to grind up to the line drawn, the only thing else needed is to lightly smooth out the grinding marks with a fine file, sanding and polishing.

[Safety0ff]

Something I just thought of now... the way I use mine is that I cut away parallel lines into the metal very close to each other, so as I move across it cuts around the pick by going down to it, then starting another line... is this the same way others cut them, or do you literally just use the disc against the flat side of the metal and cut around the template?

Check out my tutorial,try cutting out your templates like that, your discs will last much longer. (Check my sig for the link)

Don't get me wrong....I have a heck of an imagination, but for some reason I can't get a mental picture of how your cutting the excess metal away. Maybe a quick sketch in paint shop would help?

He's making like 100's of cuts very close together to remove the material.

[Kaotik]

He's making like 100's of cuts very close together to remove the material.

Holy shite! Then he's cutting the strips off perpendicular one by one. That's where the problem is with using to many cutting wheels.

Try cutting off the excess in bulk (larger pieces), then all thats left is grinding to the line, template or whatever.

Thanks SafetyOff!

[StabbyJoe]

*feels stupid*
That explains a lot
at least I know what it is now that makes it take so long and use so many disks, heh...

[Safety0ff]

at least I know what it is now that makes it take so long and use so many disks, heh...

Here's a quote from the 5th post of 34 in the twin thread on ezpicking.

You're probably best off figuring out why your cut off disks aren't lasting.

[vitti]

Using the discs properly does take a little longer but makes the discs last longer and doesn't risk overheating the material as quickly.

I prefer to use the cut off wheel to rough out my picks over the bench grinder because of 3 things:

it's not as messy (I'm in an apartment and the balcony can only handle so much metal shavings before looking terrible)

I can control the dremel much better on anything but straight lines (getting symetrical curves on the grinder is tough for me for some reason)

I can use the dremel indoors.

If I had a garage where I could make all the mess I want and not worry about rust stains on the concrete from rain blowing onto the balcony and wetting the metal dust, then I'd probably use a grinder to rough out all my picks.