OPERATION
OPERATING THE ROTARY TOOL
See Figure 10.
Learning to use the rotary tool:
Hold the tool in your hand and get used to its weight, balance, and the taper of the housing. This taper permits the tool to be grasped like a pencil.
Examine the rotary tool accessories carefully. Damaged accessories can fly apart as they come up to speed and should not be used. The use of damaged accessories can result in serious personal injury.
Practice on scrap materials first to see how the tool operates. Keep in mind that the work is done by the speed of the tool and by the accessory in the collet. You should not lean on or push the tool into the work.
It is best to make a series of passes with the tool rather than attempt to do all the work in one pass. To make a cut, pass the tool back and forth over the work like you would a small paint brush. Cut a little material on each pass until you reach the desired depth. For most work, a gentle touch is best; you will have greater control, make fewer errors, and get the most efficient work out of the accessory.
For the best control in close work, grip the tool like a pencil between your thumb and forefinger.
A “hand grip” method of holding the tool is used for operations such as grinding a flat surface or using
To operate the rotary tool:
� Secure all work in a vise or clamp to a workbench to prevent it from moving under the tool.
Hold the tool in front and away from you, keeping the tool accessory clear of the workpiece.
� Turn on the tool and let the motor and accessory build up to full speed.
� Lower the tool gradually until the accessory contacts the workpiece.
Move the tool continuously at a steady, consistent pace.
Use just enough pressure to keep the tool from chattering or bouncing.
NOTE: Heavy pressure will decrease the tool’s speed and put a strain on the motor. The weight of the tool alone is adequate for most jobs.
� Lift the tool away from the workpiece before turning off the tool.
PENCIL HOLDING
METHOD
Fig. 10
16
