Dremel cutting bits

[peteski]

If you decide to do this manually with a Dremel, MAKE SURE the bits are solid carbide.  The frames will eat high speed steel like nobody's biz.

And wear gloves- they will get REALLY hot.

The soft white metal dulls HSS bits, or is it galling where the soft metal sticks to the cutting surface?

[Dredgeboater]

To All,

I do have quite good success with dentist's bits, which I did get from my dentists.
Works slow but at higher revs and given te small cutting surfaces, all you need is a steady hand (and good vision)

Dredgeboater

[randgust]

If you decide to do this manually with a Dremel, MAKE SURE the bits are solid carbide.  The frames will eat high speed steel like nobody's biz.

And wear gloves- they will get REALLY hot.

Thanks, you said that already, but underline, if you're using a Dremel, full eye protection (not just glasses, I use goggles) and good LEATHER gloves, not just because they are hot, but if you loose control you've got adequate skin protection.   I've used Dremel abrasive disks and cutters, but it's still a miserable job.  And I do it outside on my deck, because scattering all those metal chips is another job in itself.

I probably shatter about one disk every three frames I cut, and that's after practice.

[chuck geiger]

Pondering? Why doesn't the 3000 package come with extra collets?

[wazzou]

Pondering? Why doesn't the 3000 package come with extra collets?

Not sure what you're referring to, but shaft diameters of bits are not necessarily all the same and having a collet that can open wider or close more tightly can be required.

[chuck geiger]

Not sure what you're referring to, but shaft diameters of bits are not necessarily all the same and having a collet that can open wider or close more tightly can be required.

There is one medium size in the package and not anymore.

[wazzou]

There is one medium size in the package and not anymore.

Ah, my bad.  I read it as "does", not doesn't.
I still don't know what the "3000 Package" is though, lol.

[Mike C]

   @wazzou  This is the 3000 package and yes it could use a smaller collet .   Mike     https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3000-1-25-Attachment-Accessories/dp/B00LUJONH6

[peteski]

Looks like since all the included accessory bits have 1/8" shafts, they only included that collet.  Dremel sells a set of collets too, and it is not too expensive.

[craigolio1]

I use this Dremel high speed cutter for most of my loco frame mods. It works well. I keep a fresh one I stick at all times as it does wear out but not very quickly.

https://www.dremel.com/gn/en/p/high-speed-cutter-78-mm-26150115ac

Craig

[nkalanaga]

Finally, if holding the frames in your hand, be very careful how/where you hold them.  If that bit slips, you don't want your hand in the way!