How to use a Rotary Tool

Before you start, you'll need safety equipment:

1. A decent pair of gloves
2. Clear eye protection
3. Simple dust mask

NOTE: Secure your work tightly as the tool might send it flying.

Rotary tools are designed to be compact, they offer low torque but huge speed. This Rockwell 130 watt model is capable of RPM’s from 10,000 all the way up to 32,000 RPM.

They are ideal for intricate carvings in wood and stone, cleaning old paint and corrosion from the tightest nooks and crannies, sanding, grinding, cutting, drilling, and finally polishing your favourite pieces of work.

The variable speed control is a very important part of your rotary tool and should be adjusted according to the work at hand. Rotary tools often come supplied with drill bits – these should be used at the lowest RPM possible.

At the other end of the scale - to be used at maximum speed - are the diamond tipped engraver bits. Your rotary tool may come with only a couple of these, but there are an extensive range of tip shapes and sizes available for the most intricate engravings.

Somewhere in the middle of the speed range is where your tool should be for use with sanding discs and drums, grinding accessories and cutting wheels.

If you wish to cut, drill or shape porcelain, glass, ceramic or other masonry, you’ll need diamond tipped bits to suit. These are best used in the upper speed range as well.

Grinding stones, sanding discs, polishing pads, wire brushes, drill bits, engraving bits and cutting discs, the rotary tool is a great universal tool for all little jobs that require extra detail.

If you’ve got a lengthy task to undertake or some very tight spaces to reach – you can attach a flexible drive shaft to your tool.

This allows the motor to sit in a stand or rest on your workspace while you work with the smaller, lighter flexi drive attachment.

Remember to take your time when using this tool and not to apply to much pressure as you may damage the shaft that holds the bits.