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Dremel Speed Control

S

suspend6

Joined
Dec 26, 2023
Messages
73
Points
58

Location
Geelong, Australia
I have an old Dremel Moto Tool Model 396. It has 5 speed settings ranging from 5000 to 30000 rpm. I have set up a jig to allow me to use it as a fixed small disc sander. Even the lowest speed setting is (to me) too fast. Is there something that can be used to further control the speed?
It is a 240 volt model with brushes and rated at 0.9 amps

image.jpg
 
Going into reduction of RPM on Dremel would be unnecessary expense and trouble. I would buy this cheap but excellent disk sander. I own it since 2019.

 
Thanks for your reply Y.T.
That sanding device is not available in Australia, but having built the jig, I am hoping I can get hold of a cheap device that will work with my existing Dremel. I have heard mention of a simple light dimmer control, but was wanting to get some feedback from anybody who has done what I am after.
 
It is my understanding that standard dimmer switches are designed for incandescent light bulbs. Those are resistive loads. I would not recommend using a standard dimmer switch for a Dremel.

There are variable speed controllers designed for inductive loads. For example a speed controller for a router may do the trick (router motor is also an inductive load).

...henry
 
I'm not an electrical engineer, but may a Variac would work? It's an obscure piece of equipment used by people who restore antique radios, etc. these days. Probably easier and cheaper would be using a cordless variable speed Dremel...

variac australia at DuckDuckGo

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Zzyzx01 said:
It is my understanding that standard dimmer switches are designed for incandescent light bulbs. Those are resistive loads. I would not recommend using a standard dimmer switch for a Dremel.

There are variable speed controllers designed for inductive loads. For example a speed controller for a router may do the trick (router motor is also an inductive load).

...henry
Click to expand...
Thanks Henry,
What about a dimmer for LED lights? Is that any different?

Here is a cheap gadget off ebay. Will it work with the Dremel? Mentions Inductive, Resistive and Capacitive loads??????
www.ebay.com.au

AC 220V 4000W SCR Variable Voltage Regulator Speed Motor Fan Dimmer Controller | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AC 220V 4000W SCR Variable Voltage Regulator Speed Motor Fan Dimmer Controller at the best online prices at eBay!
www.ebay.com.au
 
Last edited:
I have the impression that by the time you end buying additional stuff to control your dremel speed could be you are near the price of a new variable speed dremel. Nevertheless, I think you already did your math.

To control the speed of my spindle sander I use a FAN speed controller.

VIVOSUN Variable Fan Speed Controller, Speed Adjuster for Inline Duct Fan in Ventilation System https://a.co/d/07SHN8hE
 
Dematosdg said:
I have the impression that by the time you end buying additional stuff to control your dremel speed could be you are near the price of a new variable speed dremel. Nevertheless, I think you already did your math.

To control the speed of my spindle sander I use a FAN speed controller.

VIVOSUN Variable Fan Speed Controller, Speed Adjuster for Inline Duct Fan in Ventilation System https://a.co/d/07SHN8hE
Click to expand...
Yes, crunched the numbers. Much cheaper if those kinds of devices will work. And we have 240volts AC as opposed to your 110.
Being in Australia, most tools are far more expensive than USA, so a cheap controller is the go, IF one exists!
 
The gizmolator is intended for controlling motors, so it could work. Watch for weird things with torque and heat buildup. And it certainly is cheap! You might find the same unit for less on aliexpress if price is the driver.
 
suspend6 said:
Thanks Henry,
What about a dimmer for LED lights? Is that any different?

Here is a cheap gadget off ebay. Will it work with the Dremel? Mentions Inductive, Resistive and Capacitive loads??????
www.ebay.com.au

AC 220V 4000W SCR Variable Voltage Regulator Speed Motor Fan Dimmer Controller | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AC 220V 4000W SCR Variable Voltage Regulator Speed Motor Fan Dimmer Controller at the best online prices at eBay!
www.ebay.com.au
Click to expand...

From what I see in the link, I believe it would work. You might wish to contact the Seller and tell them what your application is for confirmation. Also, the Seller has a 60 day return policy so if it doesn't "fit your purpose" you can return it (at your cost.) My only other concern is the speed control inside the Dremel tool and how it will react.

...henry
 
Y.T. said:
Going into reduction of RPM on Dremel would be unnecessary expense and trouble. I would buy this cheap but excellent disk sander. I own it since 2019.

Click to expand...
I have the same one, but sold over here by Lidl, under their 'Parkside' lable, which is in turn owned by Einhell. Also available on ebay, from where I bought mine for apprx £45. I also have a £20 'bead lathe' I use with either a 1" or 2" disc.
 
I will be interested in how well it works. Dremells depend on speed for power and I have a feeling that if you reduce the speed you won't have enough power to sand anything.
 
I think the issue with Dremel in general is that they are design for speed, to the detriment of torque. You may find that at low RPM, it just does not run very well. A little pressure and it will simply stop due to lack of torque. This is the unfortunate issue with them. This was true with the 300.... it may be different with larger model.

If you want torque at low speed, you may have to go with something like the Foredom Flex shaft. I myself went this way and did not regret it. It is not cheap but is hard to beat at low speed. It never disappoints.
 
You might want to check out cordless Dremels, specifically if their charger will accept your 240v power. However, my experience with my variable speed cordless Dremel is that the minimum speed may still be too fast.
 
I can verify that the device I noted in post#6 definitely works with my Dremel as a speed controller. I have yet to see how it goes power wise (torque) at lower speeds. I feel it will be ok. Watch this space.
 
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