Recommended Gear
Wireless Dremel Rotary Tool
A cordless rotary tool for cutting, drilling, grinding, and finishing 3D-printed enclosures and PCB work — freedom from power cords makes all the difference.
Why It’s Essential
Going cordless was a game-changer for enclosure work. Here’s why a wireless rotary tool belongs in every maker’s toolkit:
- Cordless Freedom — No power cord getting tangled in your work. Move freely around your bench or take it to the project.
- Precision Cutting — Perfect for cutting holes in 3D-printed enclosures for displays, switches, and connectors.
- Versatile Tool System — One tool, dozens of attachments: cutting discs, grinding wheels, drill bits, sanding drums, polishing pads.
- Speed Control — Variable speed (5,000 to 30,000+ RPM) for different materials. Slow for delicate work, fast for cutting.
- Battery Runtime — Lithium-ion batteries provide 30-60 minutes of continuous use. Swap batteries for longer sessions.
- Safe for Electronics — Unlike a full-size angle grinder, it’s gentle enough for PCB work and fine adjustments.
- Quick Cleanup — Grind away 3D-print support material, smooth rough edges, or deburr drilled holes in seconds.
Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Lithium-ion battery (typically 12V) |
| Speed Range | 5,000 – 35,000 RPM (variable) |
| Chuck Size | 1/8” (3.2mm) collet |
| Battery Runtime | 30-60 minutes (typical use) |
| Charge Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Weight | ~500g with battery |
| Typical Cost | USD 80-150 |
Perfect For
3D Printing:
- Cutting openings for LCD displays
- Drilling mounting holes
- Grinding away support material
- Smoothing layer lines
- Chamfering sharp edges
Electronics:
- Cutting small PCB sections
- Deburring drilled holes
- Cleaning solder joints
- Polishing metal parts
- Engraving labels
Finishing Work:
- Sanding and smoothing surfaces
- Polishing acrylic windows
- Removing excess epoxy
- Detail work on custom enclosures
Essential Accessories
Must-have bits:
- Reinforced cut-off discs — For cutting plastic, thin metal, and PCBs
- Small drill bits (0.5-3mm) — For mounting holes and cable pass-throughs
- Sanding drums — Various grits for smoothing 3D-printed surfaces
- Grinding stones — For shaping and deburring
- Polishing wheels — For finishing acrylic and metal
Pro tips:
- Keep a variety pack of cutting discs on hand (they break easily)
- Use lower speeds for plastic to avoid melting
- Wear safety glasses — bits can break and send debris flying
- Work over a drop cloth — dust and debris go everywhere
Where to Buy
Available from:
- Dremel brand — Original, high quality, widely available
- Bosch — Excellent alternative with compatible accessories
- Amazon Basics — Budget option, decent for occasional use
- Hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.)
Pro tip: Look for combo kits that include a variety of bits and accessories. More cost-effective than buying individually.
Part of the FullyAutomatix recommended tools collection — gear that actually gets used in the workshop.