A rotary saw, also known as a spiral-cut saw or a cut-out tool, is a power tool that can cut through various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and tile. It has a small, circular blade that spins at high speed and can make plunge cuts, straight cuts, and curved cuts. A rotary saw is often used for remodeling, carpentry, and DIY projects.
A Dremel is a brand of rotary tools that can be used as a rotary saw with the right attachment and accessory. A Dremel tool is a versatile, handheld device that can perform various tasks, such as drilling, sanding, carving, engraving, polishing, and cutting. A Dremel tool can be fitted with different attachments and accessories to suit different purposes and materials.
In this article, we will explain how to use a Dremel as a rotary saw, what are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, and what are some tips and precautions to follow. We will also compare a Dremel with a dedicated rotary saw and help you decide which one is better for your needs.
To use a Dremel as a rotary saw, you will need a Dremel tool, a cutting guide attachment, and a cutting wheel accessory. Here are the steps to follow:
Choose the right cutting wheel for your material. Dremel offers a variety of cutting wheels, such as metal cutting wheels, wood cutting wheels, tile cutting wheels, and multi-purpose cutting wheels. Make sure to check the compatibility and specifications of the cutting wheel before using it.
Attach the cutting guide to your Dremel tool. The cutting guide is a plastic attachment that helps you control the depth and angle of your cuts. It also has a dust port that you can connect to a vacuum cleaner to reduce the dust and debris. To attach the cutting guide, loosen the collet nut on your Dremel tool, insert the cutting guide into the collet, and tighten the collet nut.
Insert the cutting wheel into the cutting guide. The cutting wheel is a thin, circular disc that has a metal shank on one side. To insert the cutting wheel, loosen the screw on the cutting guide, insert the metal shank into the hole, and tighten the screw.
Adjust the depth and angle of your cuts. The cutting guide has a depth adjustment knob and an angle adjustment knob that you can use to set the desired depth and angle of your cuts. The depth adjustment knob has markings from 0 to 19 mm, and the angle adjustment knob has markings from 0 to 45 degrees. You can also use the edge guide on the cutting guide to align your cuts with the edge of your material.
Turn on your Dremel tool and start cutting. Plug in your Dremel tool and turn on the power switch. Set the speed to the recommended level for your material and cutting wheel. Hold the Dremel tool firmly and steadily, and press the cutting wheel against the material. Move the Dremel tool along the desired cutting line, following the edge guide or a pencil mark. Do not force the Dremel tool or apply too much pressure, as this may cause the cutting wheel to break or wear out quickly. Let the Dremel tool do the work and cut at a steady pace.
Benefits and drawbacks of using a Dremel as a rotary saw
Using a Dremel as a rotary saw has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before deciding to do so. Here are some of them:
Benefits
A Dremel is a multi-purpose tool that can do more than just cutting. You can use it for other tasks, such as sanding, carving, engraving, polishing, and more, by changing the attachment and accessory. This makes it a versatile and cost-effective tool that can save you space and money.
A Dremel is a compact and lightweight tool that is easy to handle and maneuver. You can use it in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas, where a larger and heavier rotary saw may not fit. You can also use it for intricate and detailed cuts, such as curves, circles, and patterns, that a rotary saw may not be able to make.
A Dremel is a user-friendly and beginner-friendly tool that does not require much skill or experience to use. You can easily adjust the speed, depth, and angle of your cuts, and follow the instructions and guides provided by Dremel. You can also find many online tutorials and videos that show you how to use a Dremel as a rotary saw.
Drawbacks
A Dremel is not as powerful or fast as a dedicated rotary saw. It may take longer to cut through thick or hard materials, such as metal, tile, or concrete. It may also struggle to make straight and smooth cuts, especially on large or uneven surfaces. You may need to make multiple passes or use a different tool to finish your cuts.
A Dremel is not as durable or reliable as a dedicated rotary saw. The cutting wheels are fragile and prone to breaking or wearing out quickly, especially if you use them on inappropriate materials or at high speeds. You may need to replace them frequently or buy extra ones to complete your project. The Dremel tool itself may also overheat or malfunction if you use it for too long or too hard.
A Dremel is not as safe or comfortable as a dedicated rotary saw. The cutting wheels can shatter or fly off, causing injuries or damages. The Dremel tool can also vibrate or kick back, causing fatigue or loss of control. You need to wear proper protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, and follow the safety precautions, such as unplugging the tool when not in use, keeping your hands away from the cutting wheel, and securing your material.
The answer to this question depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. There is no definitive answer, as both tools have their pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a Dremel and a rotary saw:
The type and size of your project. If you are working on a small or medium-sized project that requires precise and intricate cuts, such as crafts, hobbies, or repairs, a Dremel may be a better choice. If you are working on a large or heavy-duty project that requires fast and efficient cuts, such as remodeling, construction, or demolition, a rotary saw may be a better choice.
The type and thickness of your material. If you are cutting thin or soft materials, such as wood, plastic, or drywall, a Dremel may be sufficient. If you are cutting thick or hard materials, such as metal, tile, or concrete, a rotary saw may be necessary.
The availability and affordability of the tool and accessories. If you already have a Dremel tool and some cutting wheels, you may not need to buy a rotary saw. If you do not have either tool, you may want to compare the prices and features of different models and brands. A Dremel tool may be cheaper than a rotary saw, but you may need to buy more attachments and accessories to use it as a rotary saw. A rotary saw may be more expensive than a Dremel tool, but you may not need to buy any additional items to use it as a rotary saw.
Conclusion
A Dremel can be used as a rotary saw with the right attachment and accessory. However, it may not be as powerful, fast, durable, reliable, safe, or comfortable as a dedicated rotary saw. The best tool for your project depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each tool and consider the factors mentioned above before making your decision.
