Convert Dremel rotary tool into 1" or 2" polishing rotary tool

[scoutfai]

Hi there. I have been wondering is there any tool/adapter/backing plate out there that is suitable to fit into a Dremel rotary tool (which usually used for metal and wood working) so that the Dremel rotary tool converted into a spot polishing tool, capable of using 1" and 2" polishing pad, just like the pneumatic spot polishing buffer.

I think the shaft that can be inserted into a Dremel tool is about 1/8" in diameter.
A standard rotary backing plate available in my country is M14 size, I think in the US a Makita 9227C thread is 5/8".
A standard DA backing plate thread will be 5/16".

I aware that Flex has the small buffing pad for its PE8 rotary buffer, which now has 1", 2" backing plate and pad.

View attachment 50109

So I think the most direct conversion will be an adapter of M14 male (to be inserted into the backing plate) at one side and a 1/8" shaft (to insert into Dremel). But I think no such adapter exists in the market yet? I have only see M14 to normal hand drill shaft adapter like below:

But this shaft cannot fit into the Dremel.

I have the Dremel 4000 with Flex Shaft attachment.

If you have other ideas please share. Thank you.

 

[blkSRT]

A dremel doesn't have the torque to turn an adapter,backing plate and then pad.

 

[Calendyr]

Also the Dremel tool would probably spin way too fast even at the lowest setting. If memory serves it's a 10,000 RPM tool with 10 speed setting making the slowest setting 1,000 RPM. On such a small area as 1 inch, that could burn through paint very quickly.

 

[SANTA3013]

Someone with a lathe could turn that shaft down to a size that would fit the Dremel.

 

[scoutfai]

A dremel doesn't have the torque to turn an adapter,backing plate and then pad.

Really? it looks pretty powerful in my opinion, can cut, grind, polish, and saw through many metal and wood material.
But I can't be sure and stand to be corrected.

 

[scoutfai]

Also the Dremel tool would probably spin way too fast even at the lowest setting. If memory serves it's a 10,000 RPM tool with 10 speed setting making the slowest setting 1,000 RPM. On such a small area as 1 inch, that could burn through paint very quickly.

Yes I agree the Dremel speed range is way too fast compare to a conventional rotary buffer (0-3000 RPM).
The Dremel 4000 series has speed range of 5000-35,000 RPM.
The Rupes Nano iBrid has range 2000-5000 RPM.

I am thinking to use very light pressure when using it for this purpose.
I would expect a very delicate skill is needed (the Flex Shaft will come in handy at this situation).
I am actually thinking to use it on area like chrome badges or lining. So these areas are small and hard by itself. Although I do not rule out the possibility of using it on painted surface but your concern is very valid. Before I do it for real I should experiment it on a junk hood first of course.

 

[Daviddear30]

It has plenty of speed to cut stuff but torque is different
It spins very very light weight cutting wheels etc


Good luck with it. I like trying new stuff as well so let us know

 

[scoutfai]

Someone with a lathe could turn that shaft down to a size that would fit the Dremel.

But my local workshop says unless I am ordering a bulk of this adapter otherwise he will not do it for me for a single unit. So at this moment I cannot use this suggestion but I know it will definitely works.

 

[scoutfai]

I found something that might be useful.

It uses an adapter for a DA backing plate and it only goes down to 2" backing plate.
But I guess is a good start to try.

 

[scoutfai]

It has plenty of speed to cut stuff but torque is different
It spins very very light weight cutting wheels etc


Good luck with it. I like trying new stuff as well so let us know

Thanks Daviddear30. It is definitely a wild idea from me and I am not sure how well it will turn out. Experiment definitely needed.

 

[BillE]

Few years back I brewed up a Dremel "backing plate". Used a 1½" piece of dowel and Dremel's little shaft that has a tapered screw (wood) on the end. Cut a piece of foam polishing pad (the hand type) and put a piece of Velcro on the "plate" and pad.

Did it work? Yea but it needs to come up with some speed so's not to bog down. It worked pretty well on the 'wood' trim (interior) scratches using Plastx. But it is defiantly a two handed operation! Really easy to get the surface way to hot.

Bill

 

[Muddyoldgoat]

I polish a lot of metal and once adapted a 3" flappy wheel to mine. Burned up the Dremel in a matter of minutes. I agree with the lack of torque statement.

 

[scoutfai]

Few years back I brewed up a Dremel "backing plate". Used a 1½" piece of dowel and Dremel's little shaft that has a tapered screw (wood) on the end. Cut a piece of foam polishing pad (the hand type) and put a piece of Velcro on the "plate" and pad.

Did it work? Yea but it needs to come up with some speed so's not to bog down. It worked pretty well on the 'wood' trim (interior) scratches using Plastx. But it is defiantly a two handed operation! Really easy to get the surface way to hot.

Bill

I polish a lot of metal and once adapted a 3" flappy wheel to mine. Burned up the Dremel in a matter of minutes. I agree with the lack of torque statement.

Thanks BillE and Muddyoldgoat for your experience sharing. Guess the idea will not work then. The next best thing should be hand drill I guess, since M14 to drill shaft adapter is easily available, albeit it is not as ergonomic as the Dremel.

 

[Mike@ShineStruck]

I Pm ya a link

 

[scoutfai]

I Pm ya a link

Hey nothingface5384 , thanks for your PM!
I was away from the forum for so long, now only I realise your message! Sorry for the late response. I have replied you.

 

[MarkD51]

I burned up my expensive, but older Dremel Tool simply trying to enlarge a hole in a Steel Laminate Home Entry Door to install a new Deadbolt Lock, as I found out the Hole Saw I bought was a measly 1/8" too small in Diameter.

Yep, with just 5 minutes of grinding away at the holes with Stones, and Sanding Wheels, she gave up.

And I found the cause. Inside the Tool, there was a Splined Plastic Tube that connects the Drive Motor to the Drive Chuck-Head. It disintegrated, just cracked and crumbled. That there was not a direct drive from the Motor itself to the Chuck. Luckily, I was able to find an online source for the broken part and replaced it ($11 plus shipping) without having to toss a virtual mint Dremel Tool otherwise. Lesson learned.

Not sure about how more modern Dremel Tools are constructed, but I would say this would not be the ideal tool of choice to use.