DIY Wood Veneer Rotary Tool

I always wanted a rotary tool but the time is not yet come to spend 100-200$ for it. Maybe for a Dremel.

So I started to look after to how I can make one. I found a lot of videos, articles which show that isn't a big deal so I got into making plans. I liked to make it not just useful but stylish at once. I really fell into veneer so I mixed this two line together and here is the result.

Materials:

• wood veneer (I used two types of veneer beech and acacia but you can make it from just one)
• wood glue
• CA glue
• 12V DC motor (examples: http://ebay.to/208gi82)
• On-Off switch (examples: http://ebay.to/1QfJ0kN)
• 12V plug in connector (examples: http://ebay.to/1nbPSEt)
• 12V adapter (examples: http://ebay.to/1QfJfw1)
• oil for finishing
• wires
• tin for soldering

Tool:

• utility knife
• ruler
• scissors
• sandpaper (40-200 grit)
• soldering iron

The hole making process is less than an hour if everything is well prepared. Plus 2-3 hours for the glue to dry.

(If I missed something please let me know)

Step 1: Watch the Video First

I made a more detailed video with text so you can get nearly the all information from the video!

Step 2: #1 - Prepare the Veneer

First of all cut two 4”/10cm wide pieces from the beech veneer. I cut the veneer perpendicularly to the grain so the tube will be paralell to the grain.

I like this beech veneer because you don't have to "steam" it for bending it's enough to moisten with a wet sponge and leave it for some minutes.

Put the veneer on a wood block and shave one of it's end with a utility knife. This will be on the outside of the tube.

When it's done take a strong paper roll or a rod which has 1"/2,5cm diameter at least.

and stick the pieces together with wood glue.

Try to make it as tight as you can that makes the tube strong.

Secure the tube with masking tape and put it away for drying.

Step 3: #2 - Let's Make the Circuit

I took this 12V DC motor from an old toy but you can cheaply buy one from ebay

I ordered this mini drill chuck from ebay I put the details in the description

Solder two wires to the DC motor

One wire from the motor goes to the switch the other wire will go to the connector

I also bought this 12V connector from ebay and a 12V adapter for power source

This is the complete circuit with the motor, the switch and the connector

Step 4: #3 - the Beautify

I glued together two 2"/5cm square from a more stylish steamed acacia veneer

I drilled two holes for the switch and the connector then fixed both with hot glue

When the veneer tube is completely dried remove the tape and clean it a little bit

I wanted to add an acacia layer to the tube so I repeated the bending steps

The acacia is much harder so use more water for bending

Be patient and make it really tight

While it's drying sand down the ends flat with sandpaper

Step 5: #4 - the Assembly

I used CA glue for the final assembly it is quick and easy to work with

Here you can see the mistake I made earlier if I put the veneer cover to the motor before this step it can't go through

Here is the time to attach the veneer cover to the motor ;)

Step 6: #5 - the Finishing

The easiest way to cut off the overhanging veneer is to use scissors
Remove the masking tape completely and sand everything smooth

I used 40, 100 and 200 grit to get a perfect surface

For finishing i used some wood protection oil but you can use lacquer, polyurethane or what you want

Step 7: The End

And here it is you can make or by uncountable types of accessories for this rotary tool

for example grinding or sanding stone, metal cutting wheel or a regular drill bit.

Ohhh I really love how it came out :)

If you have any question leave in the comment section below!
Thanks for reading and I hope to see you next time!