Rotary Tool Introduction

From CoMakingSpace Wiki

This is the content required for an introduction to our rotary tool - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Lukas, Mitja, Luzian, Patrick, Utis

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual.

Safety

Personal protection: Protection - goggles.svg

(hearing and breathing protection recommended depending on bit and material)

As there are many different bits and materials you could use with this tool, not all dangers may be relevant to your current use case but you should be aware nonetheless:

Dangers Precautions
rapidly spinning exposed chuck & bit, binding can cause kickback
  • make sure the collet is properly tightened around the inserted bit
  • stay clear of the rotating accessory and the direction where kickback might occur
  • put small workpieces in a vise or clamp them down
  • let the tool reach full speed before contacting the workpiece
generation of hot sparks that are expelled in varying directions
  • wear goggles to protect your eyes
  • do not attempt to vacuum up sparks! The dust collection bag could catch fire
sparks fly very far and deposit themselves as fine dust, (metal) dust can be a health hazard when inhaled use breathing protection if your use case demands it
the workpiece can heat up and stay hot for a while wear suitable gloves to prevent burns from sparks or the workpiece
aluminum can clog an abrasive disc and cause it to overheat until it breaks do not use abrasive discs on aluminum
cut-off wheels could shatter under (side) force
  • do not apply any side force to these wheels
  • in general only little force should be applied while cutting. Let the tool do the work!
medium amount of noise, but potentially close to the operator's head wear ear defenders if it's too loud (normally you don't need them)
Danger - sudden start.svg
has no prevention of turning on after loss & restoration of power (keine Anlaufsicherung)
if the power has been lost for whatever reason, always return the power button to the "off" position before restoring it!

Suggested Reading

When you use this tool, please read & add to the information about rotary tool bits!

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:

  • inserting a bit
  • attaching a handling accessory, e.g. the flexible shaft