How To Cut Metal With A Dremel : Tips For Metal

The Dremel multitool is arguably the most popular tool in the arsenal of any DIY enthusiast or woodworker.

How To Cut Metal With A Dremel?

It is an extremely versatile handheld rotary tool that can use a host of attachments for different purposes.

And cutting metal is just one of many tasks that you can do with this tool.

However, when trying to cut metal with a Dremel, many users face a fair bit of trouble.

Cutting hard cutting metal is not as easy as cutting disc wood and takes a certain level of preparation and precision. And if you do not know what you are doing, you can easily damage your material.

Well, that is where we come in. In this article, we will give you a quick and thorough rundown about cutting metal with a Dremel so that you do not have to worry about going through this solely on your own.

Let’s Start……

What Is A Dremel Tool And What Is It Used For?

Dremel is a multinational brand operating out of Illinois, USA, that is popular for its production of a unique type of rotary tool.

The most notable of their products is the Dremel 3000 and 4000 both of which have gathered a cult following over the years among hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.

The good tool by Dremel is extremely versatile and can use a wide variety of attachments for accomplishing different tasks. Its primary functions include carving, routing, engraving cutting metal, sharpening, cleaning, grinding, polishing, sanding, and cutting disc.

However, hobbyists over the years, have found many other uses for this versatile little machine. Here are a couple of innovative uses for the Dremel rotary tools.

• As A Screwdriver

You can use the Dremel rotary tool with a screwdriver bit to get a fully functioning automatic screwdriver.

Just make sure you always stick with the low-speed option on your tool. Otherwise, there is a chance of threading the screws and damaging them.

• For Calligraphy

Another fun little use that you can get out of a Dremel is in the field of calligraphy. You can pick up the Stylo Craft tool attachment for your Dremel and make detailed calligraphy quite easily.

And since the tool itself is so light and easy to use, you will have little trouble handling it and keeping it stable.

• To Groom Pets

This might be the most innovative use that you can get out of your Dremel rotary tool. If you have a dog or a cat in your house, you can use the Pet Nail Grooming Rotary attachment to give your pets thorough grooming.

Can a Dremel Cut Metal? A Very Exciting Question For The Reader

Yes, a Dremel rotary tool can capably cut almost any type of cutting metal as long as you are using the right cutting disc attachment.

It is an extremely versatile tool that can cut anything from sheet cutting metal to aluminum if you know which bit is right for the task.

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However, if you are planning to cut something made of hardened steel toe shoes, this tool might not be the best choice for the task. This type of project requires a bit more power than what a Dremel rotary offers.

How To Cut Metal With A Dremel?

Before you start cutting metal with your Dremel, there is a fair bit of preparation involved.

• Make sure you have your Dremel tool.
• A cutting disc wheel attachment.
• A pencil.
• Adhesive tapes.

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace And Tool to Start Engraving

Cutting metals is not an easy task, and you will have to deal with all the sparks that will fly around when the Dremel connects to the cutting metal.

So, you should only work in an area with good access to fresh air.

You want to minimize the wobbling and ensure that the sheet metal is as stable as possible before you start cutting disc through it.

You also need to prepare the engraving tool and use a cutoff diamond wheel instead of the drill head that comes with your tool.

To do this first, you need to remove the drill head using a wrench. Then choose the right cutoff cutting wheel depending on how accurate you want the cut to be and the thickness of the material that you are cutting wheel.

Step 2: Marking The Cutting Area

Take a pencil and mark out the area where you want to cut by drawing straight or curved lines.

Your goal would be to cut carefully over the lines to minimize material wastage and damage.

Remember, the smaller the cut or incisions on the material, the better the Dremel will work.

Alternatively, you can go with adhesive tape strips to mark out the area you want to cut. Regardless of your choice, make sure you are tracing the cutting area perfectly.

Step 3: Cutting The Metal

Once you have your work area and cutting material ready, you can get started with the cutting process.

The Dremel tool works best when you are positioning the cutting wheel perpendicular to the cutting of different materials.

You also want to hold the tool steadily with both your hands so that there is no wobbling. Then you want to set the right speed on your Dremel tool to cut the hot metal.

If you are working with thin cutting sheet metal, you do not need to set the speed higher than the medium settings.

However, thicker sheets might need a bit more power. That is when the high-speed setting in the Dremel tool will come in handy.

When you are touching the metal with the cutting head of the Dremel tool, make sure to not apply too much pressure.

Step 4: Grinding And Finishing

After getting your desired cut, you will notice that the sharp edges of the metal sheet are rough.

Before handling it, you need to sand the edges and smoothen it out so that it is safe to handle. So, switch to a grinding stones bit and start sanding down the edges to your liking.

While grinding, make sure you apply as little force as possible. Take everything slow and steady and do a couple of passes until you like the finish.

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Safety Tips: While Using A Dremel Tool

Now that you have a clear idea of how to use a Dremel for cutting metal, you must be itching to get started. However, before you do so, you need to think about your safety.

Working with metal sheets and any power tool is dangerous and must always be treated with respect.

1. Wear Safety Gloves

You should never use a Dremel tool barehanded. Make sure you are wearing a pair of high-grip safety gloves that allows you to hold the tool securely without any chance of dropping it.

By wearing a pair of safety gloves, you can reduce the risk of accidents in your workplace to a large extent.

2. Wear Safety Glasses

Protective glasses are also a must-have accessory for people who are planning to cut with a Dremel.

When the cutter connects with the cutting sheet metal, the high friction produces sparks that fly around everywhere. If any of those sparks get in your eyes, they can seriously hurt you.

3. Read Through the Manual

The one thing that we always recommend people do anytime they get a new power tool is to go through the owner’s manual.

It contains all the information and tricks that your new Dremel can do. So, make sure you read through the manual before you actually start using it.

In fact, even when you know a bit about your tool, going through the manual can give you some additional bits of information that might come in handy.

4. Familiarize with the Speed Settings

If you have never used a Dremel before, then you should start with the speed settings first.

Of course, this is assuming that you have already read the owner’s manual and know how to access the speed adjustment of your machine.

Typically, a Dremel tool features three different speed modes, high, low, and medium. When cutting sheet metals, we mostly stick to medium settings.

But you should also try out the low and high-speed settings to get an idea of how it feels without actually cutting any material with it.

5. Workspace Safety

The place where you are planning to cut the metal also needs some attention if you want to have a safe work experience.

Make sure there are no loose wires or cables lying around where your tool might get caught.

You also want to get rid of any trip-hazards on the floor before you start cutting metal sheets with your tool.

In addition, make sure there is enough lighting in the room so that you can see everything clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I polish metal with a Dremel tool?

Yes, you can. In fact, it is one of the primary purposes of a Dremel rotary tool. After grinding the metal sheet that you cut, you can switch to a polishing bit and start polishing it to perfection.

3. Should I go with a corded or a cordless Dremel rotary tool?

It depends on your preference. Dremel has a couple of excellent cordless units that work on rechargeable batteries.

The battery life is pretty decent, and the power is also quite good. If you want a truly cordless experience, going with a cordless Dremel is not a bad idea at all.

However, with Dremel corded, you do not have to worry about charging the batteries or the power running out in the middle of a project.

4. What other tools does Dremel make?

In addition to their rotary power tools, Dremel also makes hot glue guns, butane tools, scroll saws, and a couple of other unique power tools, accessories, and attachments.

You can categorize their entire catalog into two primary segments, Compact Tool Systems, and Benchtop Tool Systems.

Final Words

Cutting metal with a Dremel can feel a bit troublesome at first, but after a couple of tries, you will easily get the hang of it.

This versatile tool is extremely handy at cutting through a wide variety of materials. So, cutting through thin metal sheets or aluminum is not all that difficult.

We hope our complete guide about cutting metal with a Dremel was easy for you to follow and replicate.

Stay with us for more valuable articles. Good luck!

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