Hi Dremel Community family,
While engaged in my duties of encouraging the exchange of ideas inside the Dremel Community, I sit in close proximity to the Dremel consumer service team whose job it is to answer questions from Dremel consumers like you. The consumer service team answers all types of questions that are both complicated and simple. I often hear the topics that Dremel users ask us about and it is often some of the simple questions that interest me the most.
Being with Dremel for many years, I run the risk of knowing too much about Dremel products. By this I mean that I risk assuming that people automatically know items about Dremel products because I know about them. Along with the entire Dremel team, I make it my business to view things from our user’s perspective and not make assumptions that everyone should know this or that just because I think they should.
That gets me to the topic of this blog. Some users really get confused on what an accessory is and what an attachment is. New rotary tool users can get confused on what attachment goes with what tool and the same for accessories. Ultimately, if I can help define and show a new Dremel user the difference between an accessory and an attachment it can help them enjoy Dremel product that much faster.
The Rotary Tool System
As the manufacturer of one of the most valued tools in the world, Dremel works hard to increase the value of its tools by making attachments and accessories that easily adjust and alter their function. The Dremel high-speed rotary tool is an entire system of functional options that center around a core tool. This system makes the tool multi-functional, versatile, and easy to use.
Rotary Tool Attachments
Rotary tool attachments are part of the system of options that can adjust and alter the function of the rotary tool so it can perform a specific application such as sharpen a chainsaw or remove grout. Attachments do just that, they attach to the rotary tool, usually by screwing onto the threaded part of the tool that lies beneath the nose cap.
Some of the attachments that are available for rotary tools include:
Drill press (Workstation), flexible shaft for carving, router table, router base, cutting guide, grout removal, right angle, lawn mower blade sharpener, chain saw blade sharpener, circle cutter, straight edge cutter, and a multi-position project vice.
Rotary Tool Accessories
Rotary tool accessories are part of the system of options that can adjust and alter the function of the rotary tool so it can perform a wide variety of applications on a variety of materials. Accessories are inserted into the rotary tool itself, and held in place by the collet, and collet nut.
Keeping all of the accessories for the rotary tool straight can sometimes be challenging. To simplify, think about them in terms of what can be done with them and how useful they really are.
Accessory bits are classified by shank size, grit material, and the shape or size of the head on the shank. For example, an accessory has a 1/8” shank, aluminum oxide grinding stone, with a 5/8” head. Most of the accessories for rotary tools have a 1/8” shank diameter. Other shank diameters include: 3/32”, 1/16”, and 1/32”.
Speed ratings dictate the successful use and longevity of any accessory. With the exception of rotary brushes, grout removal bits and finishing abrasive buffs, most rotary tool accessories are rated for 35,000 rpm. Brushes and abrasive buffs should never exceed 15,000 rpm, as the brush's bristles will bend and break, and the buffs will fly apart. Grout removal bit should not exceed 20,000 rpm, as the heat will wear the accessory out very quickly.
Dremel uses color-codes to identify its accessories into usage categories, to make it easier for consumers and store personnel to select their application. Dremel uses the following color codes:
Teal: Carving/Engraving
Orange: Routing
Green: Grinding/sharpening
Red: Cutting
Yellow: Cleaning/Polishing
Purple: Sanding
Black: Grout removal
Gray: Collets/Miscellaneous
Mauve: Drilling
And there you have it, Dremel aficionados! The insider's guide to accessories and attachments to take your Dremel game to new heights. Remember, we're here to make your projects not just doable but downright delightful. Until next time!
-John
Some resources for you:
Rotary Tool Accessory Guide Poster
Dremel Rotary Tool Accessory Videos
