Using a dremel as a router?

[rudy4444]

The standard Dremel is useful for routing binding ledges, too. Perfect for all those Ric-influenced bass bodies!

I almost always control my Dremel tools with a foot operated momentary switch so I have both hands to control them, as shown in post #15.

 

[mrbaloo]

I just used my Dremel copy tool last week for just routing. But first I used the drill and chisels before finishing with the "dremel". For the routing I mounted a 3d printed routing stand from Thingiverse.

 

[definenredefine]

Thank you for your responses, everyone. I should say I was interested in a rotary tool (AKA Dremel) as a router alternative because of a perceived finesse owing to its smaller size. Cost wasn't a factor, per se. I have a cheap trim router from harbor freight, but I've only used it once so far, so I'm still learning.

Depends what you want to use them for. Routing cavities for inlay, they're fine. Cavities for pickups, forget it.

I don't think I'll ever be doing this kind of detail work. However, it may not be a bad option if I decide to make a custom pickguard or control plate or some such.

 

[Watchootognbout]

With a Dremel you can make small moves for detailed work.
A router may be too large and cumbersome for such.


Edit:I did use a Dremel to lengthen the route on this bass a bit!

 

[DrThumpenstein]

I just used a Dremel to widen the control cavity of my Aerodyne to upgrade to an active preamp. Aerodynes are made of basswood, a softer wood, and it worked extremely well. For small, freehand work it's effective.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Edit:I did use a Dremel to lengthen the route on this bass a bit!

I have to ask, where did you get the oval MOP inlays from? I searched high and low to find some for my Hossenfeffer III build, a "fauxlembic" of sorts, and came up dry. I ended up making them (less than perfectly) out of raw MOP pieces. I did use the crappy plastic Dremel branded plunge router base for this. Once you have it dialed in it works OK, but the height adjustment is fiddly and imprecise, and the whole thing is just too flexible to be super accurate.

 

[dwizum]

Thank you for your responses, everyone. I should say I was interested in a rotary tool (AKA Dremel) as a router alternative because of a perceived finesse owing to its smaller size. Cost wasn't a factor, per se. I have a cheap trim router from harbor freight, but I've only used it once so far, so I'm still learning.


I don't think I'll ever be doing this kind of detail work. However, it may not be a bad option if I decide to make a custom pickguard or control plate or some such.

Based on what you said here, I would strongly advocate for ignoring Dremel tools and just focusing on legitimate routers. Even a small, weak trim router will be more powerful, stiffer, and more accurate than a Dremel. Dremels have tiny shafts with pretty poor bearings so there's a lot of slop and a lot of flexing. It's fine if you are freehanding very delicate work, like a pocket for an inlay. I would go so far as to say that a Dremel is ideal for that. But for any significant work a router will typically be a much better tool. You'll get faster and more accurate cuts with a much better selection of appropriate bits and accessories.

Since you already have a trim router, just focus on learning to use it. If you have money to burn, invest it in bits and other accessories for your router.

 

[RichterScale]

Never bring a Dremel to a router fight.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I have to ask, where did you get the oval MOP inlays from? I searched high and low to find some for my Hossenfeffer III build, a "fauxlembic" of sorts, and came up dry. I ended up making them (less than perfectly) out of raw MOP pieces. I did use the crappy plastic Dremel branded plunge router base for this. Once you have it dialed in it works OK, but the height adjustment is fiddly and imprecise, and the whole thing is just too flexible to be super accurate.

They are part of that bass.
They were not put in by me.

 

[definenredefine]

Based on what you said here, I would strongly advocate for ignoring Dremel tools and just focusing on legitimate routers. Even a small, weak trim router will be more powerful, stiffer, and more accurate than a Dremel. Dremels have tiny shafts with pretty poor bearings so there's a lot of slop and a lot of flexing. It's fine if you are freehanding very delicate work, like a pocket for an inlay. I would go so far as to say that a Dremel is ideal for that. But for any significant work a router will typically be a much better tool. You'll get faster and more accurate cuts with a much better selection of appropriate bits and accessories.

Since you already have a trim router, just focus on learning to use it. If you have money to burn, invest it in bits and other accessories for your router.

That's ultimately where I think I landed. I'm planning to practice with the router when I have more off time.

 

[Dave Higham]

I use mine for various jobs. I have a Stewmac router base for which I made a larger transparent base plate and modified the edge guide. It works well for cutting binding rebates in a headstock.

I use it with abrasive drums for refining a cut-out.

And with a simple home-made copying contraption to cut the cavities for inlays.

 

[definenredefine]

I use mine for various jobs. I have a Stewmac router base for which I made a larger transparent base plate and modified the edge guide. It works well for cutting binding rebates in a headstock.
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I use it with abrasive drums for refining a cut-out.
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And with a simple home-made copying contraption to cut the cavities for inlays.
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"Simple". Dude. I can only hope to get like halfway to your skill level.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

And with a simple home-made copying contraption to cut the cavities for inlays.
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View attachment 4764139
View attachment 4764141

Hey Dave;

I really like your little mini-router copier with the Dremel! That's a cute little machine, nicely designed. Drawer slides and hinges. I'm sure it's very useful for small engraving-type inlays and logos.

 

[definenredefine]

Hey Dave;

I really like your little mini-router copier with the Dremel! That's a cute little machine, nicely designed. Drawer slides and hinges. I'm sure it's very useful for small engraving-type inlays and logos.

That thing is very impressive in my mind.

 

[Dave Higham]

Hey Dave;
I really like your little mini-router copier with the Dremel!.

That thing is very impressive in my mind.

Thank you both, but I hasten to add that it wasn't my idea, it was Keith MacKenzie's. Keith demonstrates it here on a Youtube video made by Chris Paulick.