DIY Wood Veneer Rotary Tool

by LaysDIY

9.9K14717

Intro: 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:

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!

17 Comments

OrlandoZeta 7 years ago

Can I use a Phon motor? Like this?

IzzyM3 8 years ago

you say you put details of the mini drill chuck in the description I can't find any reference to it can you give me a link please

jongscx 8 years ago

I would suggest using a glue that doesn't soften with heat as the electric motor will heat up as you use it. Use the screw holes maybe?

tmitch51 8 years ago

Your idea is great but I use my dremal to cut solid wood would the body of yours hold up to that and what about heat? I am not trying to be hard on you because you have a great and working idea .

Kairosbennett 8 years ago

Hand made tool are very gratifying when you have some thing that works as well as yours does. This would be ideal for a hobbyist/model maker/railroader. I have two dremels and use them to sharpen axes and mower blades. They are a bit too powerful for the delicate work your doing. How much did you spend overall to make it?

Yonatan24 8 years ago

100-$200 For a Dremel? My dad bought a 35,000 RPM Dremel at OSH a couple years ago for $17, It was a huge discount, But I think most of them are under $100.

I didn't think I'd ever say that a rotary tool can be beautiful but this one definitely is. Tiny BOSCH circular saws are the cutest and most beautiful tool ever, Sorry :)

ThothLoki 8 years ago

awesome tool! Love the look. How well does the motor do with torque? Mainly, when cutting? I'm think of a battery powered version for a mobile solution

LaysDIY 8 years ago

This 12v motor is not the most powerful one but works fine. I bought two other from ebay and those are incredible powerful so I might change the motor.
A cordless version is already in my to do list ;)
thanks for your comment

ThothLoki 8 years ago

Thanks! Be sure to update if you design a decent battery pack. I'm thinking quick and easy, 12v7ah battery with a barrel connection, but I get those batteries pretty easy

joshcube 8 years ago

Nice. I recommend you call it "the Gentleman's Engraver."

metaliste 8 years ago

Have you thought about adding something for adjusting the rotation speed?

LaysDIY 8 years ago

Yes absolutely! This tool is a part of a series I might be make a adjustable power source for all the tool but I haven't decided it yet :)
Thanks for the idea ;)

BeachsideHank 8 years ago

The brass chuck plays off well with the veneer, nice!

LaysDIY 8 years ago

I think it too! love the contrast :)

thebear1 8 years ago

well done great looking rotary tool thanks for posting

LaysDIY 8 years ago

I'm glad you like it! thanks :)