Inexpensive Dremel Router Attachment
Intro: Inexpensive Dremel Router Attachment
Dremel is a brand of cutting tools for small-scale applications. Where I live, they do sell attachments for the dremel to convert it from a cut-off tool into a router, but I couldn't justify the cost. For a router attachment it was near $30. Here's an instructable on how to make a router attachment for a tenth of the price using some yard plumbing parts.
STEP 1: Cut and Center a Square
The bottom of the router attachment is made out of thick (0.5 inch) acrylic plastic to make it somewhat transparent. To get a usable piece, I did the following:
- Cut off a suitable width of acrylic plastic from stock piece.
- Measure the width.
- Mark the the width as the height of the cut line.
- Cut out a square.
- Draw an X from corner-to-corner.
STEP 2: Round a Square
In this step, round the square:
- Use a scriber tool to put a dent into the center of the square.
- Use a compass to draw a circle inside the square.
- Cut off the edges.
- Drill a through hole.
- Put into a wood lathe (use rubber as an end-spacer)
- Round with tools.
- Use water to cool the tools.
STEP 3: Sand and Polishe
In this step sand and polish the rounded base:
- Use wet sandpaper.
- Start with a coarse grit.
- Step down to fine grit sandpaper.
- Use rubbing compound.
- Use toothpaste.
STEP 4: Prepare the PVC
In this step, prepare the PVC pieces. This is a threaded 3/4" PVC to threaded nipple, along with a 3/4" to 1/2" reducer. The reducer fits perfectly over the Dremel where the attachment would normally go, and the threaded nipple allows for adjustment. Sanding is necessary to remove any knobs / logs which take away from the level PVC surface on either end. You could just use this as its own step for a quick use router attachment.
STEP 5: Shorten PVC
In this step, shorten the PVC to make room for the acrylic base. Cut the ridges off the PVC nipple to make it easy to miter saw.
STEP 6: Glue
In this step, glue everything together. Epoxy is probably the best glue because it does not create vapors that could discolor the acrylic. Using the threading to move the PVC up/down and a triangle bit helps position the base directly over the middle. Once dry it should be ready to use.
9 Comments
musicinhills 8 years ago
Hi Vreonkymov, Thank you, you said the attachment cost 30 dollars
here in Australia it cost nearly 70 dollars, all the Dremil
brand here is unaffordable, with people like you and people on instructables a lot of handy thing to help other people can be made
Thank you all
i hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy 2016
PatrickJ81 7 years ago
Wha ?? 70$ ?? I'm sure ebay could hook you up
JimH29 8 years ago
Sounds like a great idea! It would be nice to see a photo of the tool in use. I can't tell how you would be able to see where the bit is cutting unless the whole unit is tilted. Am I missing something? Thanks.
Grasshopper1221 10 years ago
Great job! love this voted for you as well.
Ahh if we all had BIG power tools to play with... The world would be a much better place :)
idydstie 10 years ago
Awesome!!!!
kondzio29 10 years ago
awesome! Thanks for submitting!
mario59 10 years ago
This is simply a FANTASTIC idea vreinkymov !!!
Really congratulations!!!!
I was just wondering why such "foot" are so costly for dremel, and was thinking to make one at home... and you gave me the answer!!!
I'l make a replica of your item right this evening!!!
Thanks again !!! Fantastic job and *GOOD & WISE* use of acrylic!
THANKS!!!
FrankenPC 10 years ago
This is genius. I think I'll make my base a bigger diameter to ensure I don't accidentally roll the Dremel as I'm sliding across the surface.
amorarun 10 years ago
Well done 'ible and great use of the materials.