How thick metal can a dremel tool cutting wheel cut?

[mikey03]

If it matters I got a m12 fuel dremel. Wondering the max thickness of metal I can cut through with it. I tried on some shelf brackets and I got a little through it but seemed like it exceeded the tool limits so I stopped.

 

[strutaeng]

24 guage, lol.

 

[zimman]

Dremel tool are for model making. LOL
Oh, and two other things I can't remember.
Zim

 

[KwikFab]

Since you've got Milwaukee tools, just get their M12 mini cut off tool.

Works great if you want something small that'll easily cut steel.

 

[strutaeng]

Get a real tool for men: an angle grinder! No men should be without one.

 

[jblnut]

4-1/2” angle grinders are pretty inexpensive these days. If you plan to do any actual metal work I’d invest in one.

To answer your question I’ll ask another. How thick is paper ?

 

[strength_and_power]

Depends on how often you plan on cutting metal. 1-2 times a year, I’d probably suffer through with the dremel. 1-2 times a month, M18 4-1/2” angle grinder with a good quality cut off wheel. More frequent and thicker material, I’d go corded,

 

[MovingAlong]

It's really a question of "How much patience do you have?".

If you're considering a new M12 tool, I'd be looking at the Hackzall:



Or the Band Saw:



Pricey for my needs, but I really want the band saw!

 

[mikey03]

Honestly I got an angle grinder and a m12 cut off tool and a m12 right angle die grinder and a hacksawl but they don’t seem too precise. I’m thinking sometimes I need to cut something small metal and need it more exact to fit on something. It would seem like the m12 could be more precise and easy to control.

 

[dchawk81]

I tried using my Dremel on shock eyelets and it didn't do much of anything. The little cutoff disk snapped before it made much more than a little nick in the metal.

 

[four.cycle]

ummmmm..... aluminum foil?

(NOT the "heavy duty" barbecue stuff, though.)

 

[RoninB4]

Honestly I got an angle grinder and a m12 cut off tool and a m12 right angle die grinder and a hacksawl but they don’t seem too precise.

-"Precise" is a relative term but your desire for accuracy from a hand held device are likely too high. You'd have to post your expectations of tolerance to comment on.

I’m thinking sometimes I need to cut something small metal and need it more exact to fit on something.

-"Exact fit" hints at what you want but numbers and application would get better replies/suggestions

It would seem like the m12 could be more precise and easy to control.

-Using only hand control of the device does NOT assure better results. Technique and fixturing make all the difference.

 

[RoninB4]

I tried using my Dremel on shock eyelets and it didn't do much of anything. The little cutoff disk snapped before it made much more than a little nick in the metal.

-When using an abrasive disk your technique makes a huge difference in the outcome. You can't just plow into the material and expect it to stand up to the loading, pressure, and flex. The Dremel type moto-tool isn't capable of that sort of operation without being mindful of how underpowered the Dremel is and how fragile those disks are. Material loading of the disk leads to bogging the Dremel which leads to increased pressure at the disk which leads to the disk coming apart. Add flexing of the disk to the process and it will explode in seconds. The tiny little Dremel isn't capable of cutting through a shock eyelet without your assistance. JMO

 

[Copymutt]

Dremels have there uses. Restoring camed out slots in screws is a common use. Dressing inside corner welds where angle grinders wont clear is another.