Explain what I am doing wrong.

[smokeysevin]

I have for some reason been destroying electric rotary tools like someone with a prejudice, In theblast year I have burned up 5 dremel 4000s and my new Milwaukee m12 let some magic smoke out last night after just 3 uses. Granted I was doing porting work with them but they dont get hot, just warm to the touch and then I let them rest. I primarily do fiberglass or aluminum work with the tools so dust could be a factor but after any of them have burnt up or shorted they arent dusty or full of shavings. I cleaned the m12 out with some canned air last night after it smoked and it seems fine but what the hell have I done that destroyes these things so fast? In every case with the dremel its been the speed control that frys.

Sean

 

[Fretters]

Are you covering the ventilation slots with your hands during use? A lot of people tend to wear thick gloves and cover the slots which leads to overheating in no short order.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

You need an industrial quality tool for porting work. Typically, a pneumatic tool is used.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I can't say about the Milwaukee, as they are as good as any, but Dremel is just a **** brand. I'm surprised you got more than one use.

 

[dnschmidt]

I think you already know the answer. A Dremel is not used for porting or polishing heads. A three hundred dollar electric die grinder is. I have three Milwaukee and one each Makita and Metabo. What you're doing is way beyond the scope of these tools which typically are used for thirty seconds and then put away for a year.

 

[mojo3120]

Foredom makes Industrial rotary tools

 

[kc-steve]

You need an industrial quality tool for porting work. Typically, a pneumatic tool is used.

That would be my guess as well. I have a Dremel too but I never considered it much more than a toy. When I set a real grinder next to it, it all becomes very clear to me.

Steve

 

[smokeysevin]

Kind of what I figured, just too much for a cheap tool. I do not cover the vents when using them, learned that the first time.

What do yall recommend in the electric variety, And whats a good source of cutters? Sadly I won't have a good large compressor for another year or 2.

Thanks,

Sean

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I can't say about the Milwaukee, as they are as good as any, but Dremel is just a **** brand. I'm surprised you got more than one use.

I agree. I quit buying Dremel rotary tools, but still buy their bits as they aren't bad. My last rotary tool came from HF and it's been every bit as good as my 2 Dremel tools I went through. $9.99 vs. $40+ for Chinese quality.

 

[geojag]

I have a dewalt electric die grinder that I picked at an auction. It had been used hard. I think it uses 1/8 inch bits and has a larger chuck/collar with the bits. I have cleaned up quite a few heads and exhaust manifolds with it. It is much larger than a dremmel, but it is faster and holds up well.

 

[scw1991]

I've heard years ago that the fine aluminum / metal dust particulates get into the motor windings and ultimately cause a short circuit leading to motor burn out. Cannot confirm nor deny but sounds plausible.

 

[Wamsutta]

What do yall recommend in the electric variety,

Bosch DG490CE or DG355LCE

 

[gtermini]

I really like Dumore hand grinders when I don't use air. They are very well built and American made if that matters to you. They are a purchase for life.

www.dumorecorp.com/grinders/hand-grinders

Greyson

 

[theoldwizard1]

metallic dust

 

[Bigplum]

Dremels are a bit on the crappy side for regular use , fine for the occasional user , the motor is very similar to a child's remote control car , low end bearings etc

 

[creativecars]

Basically the problem is using toys where tools are needed.
I have never understood why people try to use Dremel unless they are working on models of crafts... not much use in a shop

 

[blackedout12v]

You need an industrial quality tool for porting work. Typically, a pneumatic tool is used.

a electric is my go to tool for porting work, i have used air but prefer electric

 

[blackedout12v]

i have used the long shaft electric grinder from hf with sucess. a dremel is hands down only a hobbiest tool.

 

[doan]

metallic dust

This and duty cycle. Dremels are not designed for continuous use.

 

[dnschmidt]

Any of the Bosch, Makita or Milwaukee shown on this page should work. I have the variable speed Makita and the big and small Milwaukee. Ported and polished many a head with these.

http://search.toolup.com/search?w=electric die grinder

 

[Danglerb]

We used to have I think it was Dremel branded a grinder suited for use all day long. Motor was about 6"x 6" and went on a hanger with a flexible shaft several feet long, but that was still not made for the power needed for porting work. Maybe get away with it on aluminum heads for light work, but porting is enough of a PITA not to make it harder with a poor choice of tools.

It would be interesting to see what you broke, wore out or overheated bearings and maybe that did other damage.

OTOH I wonder if anybody does porting, like port matching with files?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Dremel.... Mine is pushing 40 years old... It gets used as intended: hobby use on models and toy trains..

 

[Big Pete]

I've done ally heads with a dremel, but only for delicate work, you can't hog out 1/4" off the wall of a port with one. they are handy for cleaning up around valve guides and near the seats though. An air die grinder or a cheap router with the base removed will be better. The routers are pretty good, especially if you get a flex shaft to go with it (make sure it's up to the speed though) as they have the power thats needed, plus they haveenough speed to keep the cutters working efficiently.