New with question on Dremel tool

[Rabble]

I'm just getting started and trying to put tools together that will help me.  

I have an old Dremel Tool, model # 380 66-3, looks to be variable speed from 5,000 rpm to 25,000.  Can't find an owners manual on their site, was hoping to see what speed would be good for leather, I'm thinking this unit might be too fast.  

Is its lowest setting too fast?  And if so, would anyone know if there is a way to slow it down to a more appropriate speed?

Thanks,

George 

[rejerome]

Not sure what you're going to do with your Dremel, but I use a newer variable speed model that has load sensing (maintains speed under load).  I use it with sanding drums to even up edges and I also use it with various attachments for edge slicking.  It also works great on the inside of holster belt slots  For me, running at 10k-12k RPM seems to work best.  Any faster and it will quickly burn edges.  Slower is just, well, slower.

When burnishing be sure to keep the edges plenty wet.

When slicking edges on items like belts I just use a QuikGrip clamp and clamp it to the bench top and use it as a stationary bench top tool.

I've made some of my own special shaped slicking tools for it.  You can purchase arbors for them but I have found that a large sized pop rivet is just about the right size.  The rivet end goes into the wood of the slicker and the nail shank goes into the Dremel collet.  I also highly recommend a keyless chuck which you can purchase for less than $10.  That way you don't have to keep track of that tiny collet wrench.  I've also made a leather drum for it and it works great to quickly strop edge tools running at a slower speed.

Just experiment on scrap and you'll quickly learn what speeds work best for you.

I've read where you can control the speed using those widely available foot pedal switches, assuming you're Dremel is compatible.  I have NOT tried using one.  Just Google the phrase "dremel foot pedal speed control".

[Halitech]

I have a power fist rotary tool will speeds from 10k to 35k RPM. I usually run mine at the 2 setting for sanding. I'm waiting on a friend to make a burnisher for me so not sure on the speed required for that.

[bikermutt07]

Just a plug.

Pro edge burnishers makes burnishers for dremels.

[Halitech]

Bikermutt, I know they do but when a friend can make them for $15.00CDN, doesn't make much sense to pay $35US plus shipping :D

 

[Rabble]

Thanks for the quick responses.  That's exactly what I was hoping to be able to do with it.  Sounds like I'm in good shape speed wise.  What grit of sanding drums would you recommend?  I'll take a look around for a burnisher I can use with it.  I'm only just getting started but will be doing a Slim Jim tooled holster for my first project.  I'm planning on being a regular on these boards.

[Halitech]

I usually keep a 120grit on mine and then use emery boards (yes, the ones women use on their nails) to finish with

[rejerome]

For me, 80 to 120 grit works well.  The 120 might load up a little faster....just depends on the leather.

The pre-made slickers are nice but pricey for what you're getting.  It's pretty easy to make your own slickers.  It's easiest to start with a hardwood dowel that's close to the diameter you want.  Cut it to the approximate length, drill a hole in one end, expoxy in an arbor or a large pop rivet.  Chuck it up in your Dremel and clamp the tool down to a table top.  Turn it on and start sanding the wood to the shape you want.  If you have any vibration you may need to have a stationary "tool rest" of some sort so you can true up the wood to make it concentric with the arbor.  Either that or the arbor is not straight.  If that's the case you can usually rotate it by hand and figure out what you need to do to bend the arbor to straighten it visually.

Even the "store bought" slickers may vibrate.  Usually its a bent arbor.

 

 

[Rabble]

Thanks Halitech, I'll get some 120 grit on order, be a while til I'm on that part of the project.  Did a search and Amazon came back with some from Pro Edge that look real nice, but also a pair from Co-Link that look pretty good and are a lot less.  Anyone have experience with them?  Reviews seem pretty good overall.

[rejerome]

Rabble,

Since you're looking at Amazon, get something like this: 

https://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-51pc-Drum-Sanding-Kit/dp/B007FER2IW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478094741&sr=8-4&keywords=dremel+sanding+drum

Those smaller dia drums are pretty handy!

[bikermutt07]

6 hours ago, Rabble said:

Thanks Halitech, I'll get some 120 grit on order, be a while til I'm on that part of the project.  Did a search and Amazon came back with some from Pro Edge that look real nice, but also a pair from Co-Link that look pretty good and are a lot less.  Anyone have experience with them?  Reviews seem pretty good overall.

I haven't tried the dremel versions of the pro edge. I bought the one for an electric motor.

And yes if you have a friend with a lathe then turning your own makes plenty of sense. I have been a carpenter for over 20 years and have never had access to a lathe or drill press. I guess I'm a field man not a shop man. So, I went with the pro edge couldn't justify price or space for a lathe). It is very nicely made.

As far as co link goes..... I have their stitching chisels and am pretty happy with those.

[strathmoredesigns]

On 11/2/2016 at 8:40 AM, rejerome said:

When slicking edges on items like belts I just use a QuikGrip clamp and clamp it to the bench top and use it as a stationary bench top tool.

I've made some of my own special shaped slicking tools for it.  You can purchase arbors for them but I have found that a large sized pop rivet is just about the right size. The rivet end goes into the wood of the slicker and the nail shank goes into the Dremel collet.  I also highly recommend a keyless chuck which you can purchase for less than $10.  That way you don't have to keep track of that tiny collet wrench. 

@rejerome any chance you can link to an example of the QuickGrip clamp you use and the type of pop rivet you're talking about? I spent all weekend trying to figure out how to attach a double groove wood slicker from Tandy with a 1/4" hole to a Black and Decker Rotary tool that can take shanks between 3/32" and 1/8". I was looking for an arbor adapter, but couldn't find one the right size.

[rejerome]

  

Got a drill?  Just chuck up the Tandy slicker in a drill and clamp it to a bench.

8 hours ago, strathmoredesigns said:

@rejerome any chance you can link to an example of the QuickGrip clamp you use and the type of pop rivet you're talking about? I spent all weekend trying to figure out how to attach a double groove wood slicker from Tandy with a 1/4" hole to a Black and Decker Rotary tool that can take shanks between 3/32" and 1/8". I was looking for an arbor adapter, but couldn't find one the right size.

Oops...images didn't attach....trying again.

[strathmoredesigns]

@rejerome thanks so much! I'm going to give these a try! And if they don't work, I'm reaching for my drill!