Dremel Help

[moon puppy]

Long story short. Had to do some light plumbing yesterday that turned into heavy plumbing when I found that "Someone" used plumbers putty on threaded joint when they should not have.

As a result I had to break out the Dremel 4000 and metal cutting disk. I was making pretty good time with it using the Flex Shaft because it was easier to handel. I know I was asking a lot for the Dremel to cut the Drain Basket but it was the only thing I had.

Well the Dremel started to smoke, I mean bad, black, stinky smoke. Came out of the cooling vents. I stopped using it, I was able to cut enough to work in a screw driver to pry the basket out but I was scared to use the Dremel any more. I hooked it back up in the shop after it had cooled down and I powered it on. No smoke, sounded fine but I didn't try to put a load on it.

So, what's the deal? Is this normal, was I asking too much of the little guy? Will it be OK to use on wood and light cutting jobs I have been using it for or should I chunk it?

 

[Kreighshoer]

my first reaction while reading was "R.I.P." ... sounds like the coil thingy overheated!

since it still worked without (heavy) load it's not dead but close to i'd say!

i wouldn't use it anymore since i would be too scared!

have you ever thought of giving proxxon tools a try? robust, versatile, reliable!

the IB/E could be something for you!

-> http://www.proxxon.com/us (micromot power tools)

 

[Sharkmouth]

Before you toss it, remove the flex portion and try it on a junk kit since model making is light duty. Most Dremel hand held motor tools have brushes which can be replaced. See if replacing them helps. I had a Foredom dental drill on a flex shaft and the same symptoms occurred. The motor is fine but the flex shaft had to be replaced.


Of course, having better tools is always a good thing. Just 't buy don't buy from MicroMark.


Regards,

 

[Ken Abrams]

Thick black smoke?

Like Saul mentioned, I'd check the brushes. If you cooked them good you wont see the smooth, shiny surface but it'll look like charcoal on at least the leading edge (direction of the motor) If there is plenty left you can just sand it back to a new surface, removing the charcoal, if not just replace them.

I've burnt a few drills out at work on occasion, using them for more than they were designed for and once you damage major internals, there's no going back. After the initial smoking comes the humming and then the shooting of sparks.

IMO, it sounds like you cooked the brushes a little.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Yes, them sparks are the best... you did not mention the fire afterward!

 

[moon puppy]

yeap, pretty thick black smoke, scared My Bride pretty bad.

Saul, you think the Flexshaft added stress? I think this was the first time I ever worked with the flexshaft other than just testing.

I think I have spare brushes in one of the sets I've collected over the years, will check it out. The only sparks were from cutting the inside of the drain basket.

Laura, you think all those Dremel attachments will work with the Proxxon products?

 

[Kreighshoer]

moon puppy wrote:

Laura, you think all those Dremel attachments will work with the Proxxon products?

no idea! in principle both systems are the same! maybe checking out the specs will help?

 

[Sharkmouth]

The flex shaft, if bent, adds lots of stress to the motor as the torque is not direct anymore but carried over an internal tube (metal covered and I bet it got hot with the friction).

Proxxon tools have a good reputation. Clamps and things that attach to the Dremel body will not work for the Proxxon (like angle adapters, tool clamps, drill press conversion, and so on) but all other attachments should work. Oops, you asked Laura so never mind what I wrote.

Regards,

 

[moon puppy]

sharkmouth wrote:

Oops, you asked Laura so never mind what I wrote.

Regards,

Nope, it's out there so I'm keeping it. Looking at the Proxxon stuff now. It's a never ending cycle of accumulating STUFF.

 

[Ken Abrams]

sharkmouth wrote:

you did not mention the fire afterward!

 

[jknaus]

I think the brushes would be less problematic than fusing the windings. You could set it on low speed and drill into some wood. If it slows much or binds I would say it was shot.
If you check the brushes also check the rotor. It it is chocolaty brown then clean with a pink eraser. Dont use a white eraser or artificial type as they leave residue.
James

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks James, will check it out.