Using a dremel to polish small/tight areas?

evo77 · 06-08-07, 09:03

I know it sounds kind of odd but has anyone successfully rigged a small pad (2-3") on a dremel to work those smaller areas that a PC or rotary can't? Areas such as the top of door frames, mirrors, door handles, curvy front and rear fascias. Working these areas by hand is a lot of work especially on finishes that are quite neglected.

Is there any type of adaptor that will allow a small backing plate to work with a dremel?

joshtpa · 06-08-07, 09:06

I believe the Dremel would spin far too fast.

awahl63 · 06-08-07, 09:13

15,000 to 35,000 RPM maybe?

Accumulator · 06-08-07, 09:20

Yeah, IMO it'd be like a hyper little rotary with limited user-control. No way I'd do it, I find it hard enough to use for polishing non-painted items.

kaval · 06-08-07, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Yeah, IMO it'd be like a hyper little rotary with limited user-control. No way I'd do it, I find it hard enough to use for polishing non-painted items.

+1!!!
although using a dremel in general (haha that rhymes) is tons of fun :d

yakky · 06-08-07, 10:27

I'd sooner use something on a drill. You can always use a mother's power ball mini, much safer than anything on a dremel.

evo77 · 06-08-07, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakky

I'd sooner use something on a drill. You can always use a mother's power ball mini, much safer than anything on a dremel.

Power ball on paint? I've never felt one but is it foam?

And can't imagine how much splatter there would be with it flinging around with liquid polish.

MagicCity33 · 06-08-07, 11:00

I purchased some foam paint rollers and wedges some drill bits in them and use them to get into small places. (using a a drill) I was tired of not being able to get into small spots especially on the lower portion of my front bumper. I'll try and post pics later when I get home.

I haven't tried to put alot of pressure on them while polishing but they have helped allot

mikelea4ever · 06-08-07, 11:30

^^^ Glad that everything worked out on you.

evo77 · 06-08-07, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by awahl63

15,000 to 35,000 RPM maybe?

I believe most dremels low settings are 5000 rpms and rated probably spinning with no attachment. Now throw on 2" backing plate and 3" pad. The weight, coupled with the slight bog of pad contact to the surface would greatly reduce its spinning efficiency while still being more affective than by hand.

Of course this is purely my speculation.

yakky · 06-08-07, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by evo77

Power ball on paint? I've never felt one but is it foam?

And can't imagine how much splatter there would be with it flinging around with liquid polish.

It is foam. You'd get the same amount of splatter that you do on a wheel face, which is next to none if you can control yourself with the polish. And in my book, splatter is better than burning through the paint or my home made pad falling off and scratching my paint.

Setec Astronomy · 06-08-07, 09:08

I'm with Accumulator, I think one of the small felt bobs would be mini hologram-city. I think a 3" pad would just stall the Dremel, but mine is older than most members here.