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DIY Dremel Bits

In 1932, A.J. Dremel invented the hand-held rotary tool and founded the Dremel corporation around the idea that fine wood detailing can be accomplished with a power tool, not just traditional hand tools. Dremel rotary tools spin at rates of 800 to 35,000 revolutions per minute and are renowned for facilitating precision detail work. The collets of modern-day Dremel tools can accommodate accessory shanks from 1/4 inch to 1/32 inch in diameter. This versatility allows hobbyists to choose from literally hundreds of Dremel and third-party bits whether cutting, polishing, engraving or creating intricate routed edges. Almost any bit can easily and safely become a do-it-yourself Dremel bit.

Things You'll Need

Assorted router bits
Dremel plunge-router mount
Assorted engraving bits
Dremel Flex Shaft (optional)
Assorted polishing and sanding bits
Assorted drill bits
Assorted cutting discs

Instructions

- 1
  Select mini router bits with 1/8-inch shanks made by any manufacturer. These ultra-small bits will create single-, double- and even tri-bevel edges.
- 2
  Install a standard 1/4-inch shank router bit into your Dremel rotary tool and lock the tool into the plunge router mount to create deep tracks for nail less tongue in groove woodworking projects.
- 3
  Skip creams or acids and load a diamond or tungsten carbide engraving bit into your Dremel to etch glass. For unprecedented control, load the bit into a Dremel Flex Shaft, then attach the Flex Shaft to the rotary tool. Prop the rotary tool on your work surface and hold the lighter head of the Flex Shaft in your hand while you etch.
- 4
  Choose an abrasive brush bit, a sanding band in a 1/4- or 1/2-inch size, a flapwheel or sanding disc, or a rubber, felt or emery polishing disc bit to clean, shape, sand and polish any fine woodworking. Detailed finishing work is made much easier with a rotary tool.
- 5
  Tighten most standard drill bits into a Dremel rotary tool for a drilling option several pounds lighter than a standard power drill.
- 6
  Cut through veneers and thin embellishments in either softwood or hardwood, fiberglass, plexiglass or laminate with a tungsten carbide wheel bit.

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