Refer to the Speed Dial Settings table to determine the
proper speed based on the material being worked and the
type of accessory being used.
SLOWER SPEEDS
Certain materials, some plastics for example, require a
relatively slow speed because the friction of the tool generates
heat and causes the plastic to melt at high speed.
Slow speeds (15,000 RPM or less) are usually best for
polishing operations using the polishing accessories. They
may also be best for working on delicate projects, delicate
wood carving, and fragile model parts.
Higher speeds are better for carving, cutting, and shaping
wood.
Hardwoods, metals, and glass require high speed operation.
Drilling should also be done at high speeds.
To determine the optimum operational speed for different
materials and accessories, refer to the Speed Dial Settings
table. Look this table over and become familiar with it.
The best way to determine the correct speed for work on
any material is to practice for a few minutes on a piece of
scrap, even after referring to the table. You can quickly
learn that a slower or faster speed is more effective just by
observing what happens when you make a pass or two at
different speeds.
When working with a scrap piece of plastic, start at a slow
rate of speed and increase the speed until you observe
whether the plastic is melting at the point of contact; reduce
the speed slightly to get optimum working speed without
melting the workpiece.
NOTE:
Plastic and materials that could melt at low temperatures
should be cut at low speeds.
Type of Accessory
Aluminum Oxide
Grinding Bits
Fiberglass Cut-off
Wheel
Sanding Drums
Felt Polishing Wheels
Drill Bit
Wire Brush
Engraving Bit
High-speed Cutter
Conical Grinding
Stone
OPERATION
SPEED DIAL SETTINGS
Application
Grinding nails/screws
Cut bolts, screws, nails, thin wood
Sanding white pine
Polishing steel, aluminum, brass, stone, ceramic, glass
Drilling holes into wood
Brushing metal
Engraving soft metals
Shaping curved surfaces
Grinding metal edges
9 — English
Soft wood should be cut at high speed.
Aluminum, tin, and copper, lead, and zinc alloys may be
cut at any speed, depending on the type of cutting being
done. Use paraffin or other suitable lubricant on the cutter
to prevent the cut material from adhering to the cutter
teeth.
OPERATING THE ROTARY TOOL
See Figure 9, page 13.
Learning to use the rotary tool:
Hold the pen in your hand and get used to its weight,
balance, and the taper of the housing. This taper permits
the pen 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 cut-off discs.
Speed (x 1000)
32
30
30
12-15
32
15
High speeds for woods,
slow speeds for metals
20-33
32