Dremel for Brush Restorations

**Darjeeling Express** · 10-08-2009, 10:46 AM

I think it may be time to get a Dremel. I really have no use for it except for brush restorations. The Dremel 750-02 Minimite 4.8-Volt Two-Speed Cordless Rotary Tool, is priced right, but does it have sufficient power and battery life? I would appreciate hearing from our experienced restorers and whether or not they would recommend this model or a different one. All thoughts welcomed and appreciated.

**cooncatbob** · 10-08-2009, 11:00 AM

Next to the Roto-zip the dremel's probably one of the worlds most over rated tools.
That being said I use mine all the time with the small wire wheels to help clean up razor heads for replating.
If you have a compressor already for less money you can buy a small air powered die grinder and use dremel tool bits in it.
I use this with the cut off wheels to cut stainless steel threaded rod.
My dremel is corded, since a dremel is low torque high RPMs I don't know how well the cordless tool would maintain the high RPMs.
The dremel commercial where they show the guy cutting off a nail with a cut off wheel cracks me up

you could grab a pair of dikes and cut the nail much quicker they getting out a power tool.

**vitaman** · 10-08-2009, 11:53 AM

Good afternoon Sir, I too do not own a Dremel. For my restoration projects I use Dremel bits in my Craftsman cordless drill. I prefer the lower RPM and more torque w/ the drill. Hope that helps, have a good weekend!!

**Bit2** · 10-08-2009, 04:05 PM

If you can get a corded one cheap, I would do that.

I own a Craftsman version of a corded Dremel. I plan on using it in my brush restorations. I have had it for a decade and used it a couple times.
Hopefully it will become useful in getting the knots/glue out of the brush handles.

John

**Sueto** · 10-08-2009, 04:47 PM

Not sure what tools you already posses, but my dremel has been a handy tool. I used it to get rid of grout from the bathroom tile to doing some detail work on computer cases. I haven't liked the cordless option. If you doing engraving or something similiar it might be ok. I'd stick to the stanard models if you plan on possible using any of their desktop jigs( drill press, router base). I like the wand attachment. It us a bit easier to use I'm smaller things where you want more controll.

As far as a brush restore I have never done one so I can't for certain say my previous experiences will be applicable.

**Darjeeling Express** · 10-08-2009, 07:07 PM

Great feed back guys. Much appreciated. Corded sounds like the way to go.

**garyg** · 10-08-2009, 07:12 PM

Joe - I am trying my first restore, have both corded & cordless dremels, and neither is that effective in my hands though the corded is much better for it. I think a drill press is the way to go, but haven't the inclination to make that kind of capital investment to save a 10 dollar brush ..

Hopefully the really experienced guys will weigh in .. I am interested as well

**vitaman** · 10-08-2009, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by garyg

Joe - I am trying my first restore, have both corded & cordless dremels, and neither is that effective in my hands though the corded is much better for it. I think a drill press is the way to go, but haven't the inclination to make that kind of capital investment to save a 10 dollar brush ..

Hopefully the really experienced guys will weigh in .. I am interested as well

I have tried the drill press routine for boring out my restores and in order to hold the plastic brush handle tight enough you really have to crank down on the vise, possibly cracking the handle. I have found that holding the handle in my hand while drilling w/ a drill and drill w/ dremel bits I can better control the angle and pressure being applied to the handle. Thats why I prefer the cordless drill w/ more torque over the Dremel. Hope that helps.

**cooncatbob** · 10-08-2009, 08:32 PM

The best way to clamp a brush for drilling with a drill press is to take a piece of scrap wood drill a hole the same diameter as the handle.
Then cut this piece in half through the middle of the hole, now use these 2 pieces with your drill press vice, you can line them with felt or fabric to protect the handle.
Inexpensive vices can be found at Harbor Freight, they also have inexpensive drill presses but with power tools quality cost more.

**Bit2** · 10-08-2009, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by cooncatbob

The best way to clamp a brush for drilling with a drill press is to take a piece of scrap wood drill a hole the same diameter as the handle.
Then cut this piece in half through the middle of the hole, now use these 2 pieces with your drill press vice, you can line them with felt or fabric to protect the handle.
Inexpensive vices can be found at Harbor Freight, they also have inexpensive drill presses but with power tools quality cost more.

+1
Cooncatbob shows in his posts that he is a professional carpenter and knows his way around the proper tools (drill, vice, lathe etc).
Great advice on the vice,

John