Rotary Tool
What jobs do rotary tools do?
A rotary tool accepts many types of attachments to perform various jobs, including cutting, grinding, sanding, honing, polishing, and carving. Some examples of projects include carving designs into wood or metal, cutting and sanding wood or plastic, etching glass, cutting tile, cutting sheet metal, sharpening knives, polishing devices, and removing rust from metal, as well as plumbing projects. Because of this high versatility, a rotary tool can replace much heavier power tools.
Know the difference between a rotary tool and a die grinder. A die grinder is a pneumatic version of a rotary tool. Professionals use heavy-duty die grinders while electric rotary tools handle more general tasks.
Is a corded or cordless rotary tool better?
Both electric corded and battery powered cordless rotary tools have their advantages and disadvantages. As long as corded tools are plugged in, they never run lose battery, and they perform at high power, making them the most powerful rotary tool ideal for heavy duty projects. However, the cord limits where the tool can reach, making it difficult to work in tight spaces. Corded rotary tool speed goes up to 35,000 rpm.
Cordless tools run on lithium ion batteries and can be used anywhere, making them more portable. However, you can only work as long as the battery lasts. The battery also adds extra weight to the tool, increasing the user's fatigue. Cordless tool speeds only reach about 15,000 rpm.
What attachments are available for rotary tools?
Rotary tools accept a wide variety of bits for different jobs:
- Carving and engraving: high speed cutters, engraving cutters, carbide cutters, diamond burrs, diamond wheel points and sanding drums
- Routing: router bits- straight router bits, keyhole router bits, corner router bits, groove router bits
- Drilling: drill bits
- Polishing: polish points or cones, sharpening wheels, sanding drums