Is A Dremel Good For Sanding?

What is a Dremel?

A Dremel is a versatile, handheld rotary tool that can be used for a wide variety of applications including sanding, grinding, polishing, sharpening, cleaning, cutting, and engraving. The tool consists of a high-speed electric motor with a collet attachment that allows various accessories to be quickly and easily changed.

Dremel rotary tools operate at variable speeds typically between 5,000 to 35,000 rotations per minute (RPM), allowing them to perform delicate operations as well as more aggressive material removal. Speed is adjustable via a dial or electronic control on the tool.

Some of the most common Dremel attachments and accessories include:
– Abrasive grinding stones

– Cut-off wheels
– Sanding drums and mandrels

– Polishing compounds and buffing wheels
– Engraving cutters
– Cleaning and wire brushes
– Sharpening stones

With such a wide assortment of attachments, Dremel rotary tools are highly versatile for tasks like sanding, carving, cleaning, cutting, sharpening, polishing, grinding and engraving on materials such as metal, plastic, wood, tile, and glass.

Popular Dremel rotary tool models include the Dremel 4000, 4300, 8000, and 8220, which come in corded and cordless varieties. Each model offers varying power, precision, and tool compatibility to suit both DIY and professional use.

Dremel Sanding Capabilities

Dremels offer a wide range of sanding capabilities through the various sanding attachments available. Some of the most common sanding attachments include:

• Sanding bands – These are narrow sanding attachments that allow you to sand in tight or narrow spaces. They come in coarse to fine grits. See https://www.dremel.com/us/en/product-categories/rotary/accessories-attachments.
• Sanding drums – Cylindrical drums that attach to the Dremel for smoothing and sanding contoured surfaces. They also come in varying grit sizes. See https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tool-Accessories-Rotary-Tool-Accessories/Dremel/Sanding/N-5yc1vZc25mZgrZ1z0sqfz.
• Sanding discs – Circular discs that attach to the Dremel for general purpose sanding. Discs come in coarse to super fine grits for different jobs.

Dremels also have variable speed settings, typically 5,000 to 35,000 RPM, allowing you to match the speed to the sanding task and material. At lower speeds, you have more control for detail work. Higher speeds help smooth and shape faster.

Advantages of Using a Dremel for Sanding

Dremels offer several key advantages for sanding compared to traditional power sanders:

Versatility: The small size and rotary design of a Dremel allow it to sand hard-to-reach areas that would be difficult with a large sander. Dremels can sand small objects, carved details, curved surfaces, corners, crevices, and more. With various Dremel attachments like sanding bands, drums, wheels, and disks, the tool can adapt to any sanding application¹.

Maneuverability: A Dremel’s compact size provides superior control and maneuverability compared to a full-size sander. The tool can sand at any angle, even upside down. Dremels are lightweight and easy to grip. This allows sanding in hard-to-access areas.

Precision: The highly adjustable speed settings of a Dremel (typically 5,000 to 35,000 RPM) allow for precise sanding control. Slow speeds are better for smoothing and polishing, while high speeds remove material quickly. This precision allows Dremels to be used for detailed sanding and finishing work².

Limitations of a Dremel for Sanding

While Dremels are versatile tools, they do have some limitations when it comes to sanding:

The small sanding surface area of Dremel attachments like sanding drums and bands makes them less than ideal for working on large, flat surfaces. As noted by Dremel, “Problems can easily arise” when using a Dremel on large areas ¹. The small contact area means it takes much longer to sand down large surfaces, and it can be challenging to maintain an even, consistent sanding pattern.

For larger sanding jobs, many woodworkers recommend using an orbital or random orbit sander instead. The large sanding pads on these tools cover more surface area at once, allowing for faster stock removal on big pieces. Orbit sanders also excel at creating an evenly sanded surface since their sanding motion covers a wider area.

So while Dremels work great for detailed sanding and finishing work, an orbit sander may be a better choice when you need to smooth and flatten large boards or tabletops. Consider keeping both tools handy, using the Dremel for tight spots and detail work and the orbit sander for broad surface sanding.

Sanding Materials for a Dremel

Dremel offers a wide variety of sanding bands, drums, and discs to attach to your rotary tool. These come in different grit sizes for various sanding needs from coarse sanding and grinding to fine polishing and finishing.

Common grit sizes for Dremel sanding accessories include:¹

• Coarse – Grits 60-80 are ideal for aggressive material removal and shaping
• Medium – Grits 100-150 work well for smoothing and preparing surfaces
• Fine – Grits 180-240 give a smooth, polished finish

The abrasive material on Dremel sanding tools is usually either aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Aluminum oxide is a good general purpose abrasive while silicon carbide is extra aggressive for fast cutting. Pay attention to the abrasive type when selecting sanding accessories based on your needs.

Dremel Sanding Techniques

When using a Dremel for sanding, it’s important to employ proper techniques to get the best results. Here are some key techniques to keep in mind:

Use light pressure and let the speed of the Dremel do the work. Pressing too hard can cause gouges, ridges, or other marks in the surface you’re sanding. Allow the rotating motion of the attachment gently buff away material.[1]

Utilize variable speed settings. The Dremel’s variable speed control allows you to select the optimal RPM for the sanding task. Slower speeds are better for finer grit sanding while higher speeds work well for more aggressive sanding. Start slower and increase speed as needed.[2]

Use edge guides when sanding near edges. Dremel edge guides help you maintain control when sanding up to edges and corners. This prevents inadvertent gouging of the surrounding surface.[3]

Try polishing attachments for finishing touches. Finer grit sanding bands followed by Dremel polishing wheels and compounds can achieve a high-gloss polished finish on materials like metal or plastic.

Safety Tips for Sanding with a Dremel

When using a Dremel for sanding, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Sanding generates fine dust particles that can irritate eyes and lungs if inhaled. It’s also easy for the sanding attachment to catch on the workpiece, so securing it properly is essential.

Here are some key safety tips to follow when sanding with a Dremel:

• Wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris. Sanding creates a lot of fine particulates that can cause eye irritation or even scratch the surface of the eye.[1]
• Use a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling harmful dust. Sanding produces very fine dust particles that can get lodged in the lungs.[2]
• Secure the workpiece properly before sanding. The rotational motion of the Dremel can cause it to catch on the workpiece and go flying if not held tightly.[3]

Following basic safety precautions for eyes, lungs, and securing the workpiece will help prevent injuries and damage while sanding with a Dremel.

Example Sanding Projects

A Dremel rotary tool is great for many different sanding applications from furniture restoration to jewelry making. Here are some examples of projects where a Dremel can be useful for sanding:

Furniture Restoration: When refinishing old furniture, using a Dremel with sanding bands or sanding drums allows you to sand down areas with detail that would be hard to reach with regular sandpaper. You can use a Dremel to sand rounded edges, carved details, and smooth corners on furniture.

Jewelry Making: Jewelry makers often use a Dremel rotary tool with sanding bands and specialty abrasive buffs to smooth and polish metal jewelry pieces. The small sanding attachments can get into small crevices to prepare the jewelry for finishing.

Crafts: For hobby crafts like making wood signs or other decorative pieces, a Dremel sander allows you to precisely apply sanding to intricate cutout designs. The rotating sanding bands conform to curves and edges better than sandpaper.

Recommendations for Sanding with a Dremel

When using a Dremel for sanding, follow these best practices for optimal results:

• Use the proper sanding band grit for the material and desired finish. Start with a coarser grit to smooth and shape, then work up to finer grits for polishing.
• Let the tool do the work by keeping it moving constantly. Apply light pressure and avoid dwelling in one spot.
• Clean the workpiece and sanding accessory often to avoid clogging, which can lead to uneven sanding.
• Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when sanding to protect your eyes and lungs.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to dissipate dust and debris.

Some of the top Dremel sanding accessories to have on hand include:

• Dremel 7300-PT 4.5 Attach Kit for polishing and sharpening. Comes with felt polishing wheel and cotton buffing wheel.[1]
• Dremel 414 1-1/2-Inch Sanding Bands for smoothing flat surfaces. Available in grits 60 to 400.[2]
• Dremel 407 1/4-Inch Sanding Bands for detail sanding. Available in grits 60 to 400.[3]
• Dremel 561 Multi-Purpose Sanding Mandrel to mount bands, discs and buffers.

Following best practices and using the right Dremel accessories will lead to successful sanding results.

Conclusion

A Dremel rotary tool is generally a good option for sanding for several reasons:

– It allows you to sand small, intricate pieces and hard-to-reach areas that would be difficult with traditional sandpaper. The interchangeable sanding bands and discs provide versatility.

– The variable speed control gives you precision when sanding different materials. Faster speeds work better for wood, plastic and metal while slower speeds are preferable for drywall and paint.

– The compact size and ergonomic design make a Dremel easy to handle and reduces fatigue. This allows you to sand for longer periods comfortably.

– There are dozens of high-quality Dremel sanding accessories available to attach, providing options for both coarser sanding as well as achieving a smooth polished finish.

The main drawbacks are that Dremels lack the sanding surface area of power sanders, and generate more heat at high speeds which can damage surfaces. They are also less suitable for large, flat surfaces. But for detail sanding and finishing work, a Dremel can be highly effective. With the right technique and attachments, a Dremel rotary tool is an excellent sander for crafts, models, woodworking, metalwork, and household repairs.