Dremel vacuum powered handpiece. *LINK*

122 views, and no comments, I'll start.

Keith Newton

I think that motor has potential, but that was the wrong application. I was thinking that maybe if they made the motor larger and more powerful, it would power a nice nose hair clipper.

Re: 122 views, and no comments, I'll start. *LINK*

john lucas

I found this today. The reviews are mixed. apparently it depends on the type of vacuum you use and I suspect the higher volume or maybe air speed is a better word, the better. I have a large shop vac and a 1 gallon shop vac. The one gallon has far superior pick up to than the larger one. I tried to put it in my shopping cart so I could see the price but it wouldn't let me.


http://www.lowes.com/pd_688849-353-VRT1-1/5___#BVRRWidgetID

Lowes, Knoxville: $14.99

Re: Likely less useful than the electrical version

Dave Paine

I find the electrical versions can be underpowered at times.

I cannot imagine a vacuum powered version having close to the "power" of the electrical version.

I think the marketing may be to make the vacuum seem better to power and remove debris.

It may only be $15, but I expect for my use it would be a $15 dust collector.

Re: Likely less useful than the electrical version

John K Jordan

>I cannot imagine a vacuum powered version having close

>to the "power" of the electrical version.

My first thought was an compressed air version would be more useful for shop rather than home use, like a light-weight die grinder. Anything like that already available?

JKJ

Re: Die grinders and turbines

Dave Paine

One of the compressed air equivalents is perhaps a die grinder. I have a cheap version. Also underpowered, stalls too easily. Consumes a LOT of compressed air for such a small tool.

Another is a dental turbine. Very high speeds, but low air consumption. Used by the folks who make pierced wood projects or embellishments.

A few years ago, when Ben my apprentice was here

Keith Newton

We did a simple comparison of the 4 shop vacuums that I have. They all lifted about the same amount of water up a vinyl tube, which I think was about 25 ~ 27". Later, well last year, when I rigged my trolly for moving sheet goods into the shop, I threw away the canister of my little 1/2 hp vac, then mounted the top half in the bottom of a discarded drawer box, which is about 400 square inches. Before mounting it, I did a different test, where it was pulling against a 4 square inch opening, while I pulled against a lid with a spring scale, which took 6# to pull off, so I guess I'm getting 600# of holding pressure when I turn on the vac.

While sharing all that, the point is that if you are using a 2" hose, the area is pi, or 3.14" sq, so 4.25 pounds of pressure is all you can expect, which is a very small fraction of what you can expect compared to compressed air with your compressor switch set to come on at 120 pounds. John, Now if you'd built your new shop out in Death Valley, you could probably get another pound of air pressure rushing in, due to it being below Sea Level.

Or if you get one of those giant industrial vacuum pumps you might be able to get up to -14 #.

Re: Die grinders and turbines

John K Jordan

I just recalled that my die grinder, like my other air tools, needs a fair amount of oil which might not be good around wood.

I don't remember smelling or tasting oil at the dentist's. But then don't like to remember much of anything about going to the dentist...

JKJ

If you want power wood removal

Dick Coers

Get an Arbortech mini carver. Just picked a like new machine off Ebay. Unbelievable how this thing takes off wood. So far I've just played with the sheet metal cutters, but it also came with a new carbide cutter. Just a lot of torque for that size cutter.

Re: If you want power wood removal

john lucas

That's a whole different animal. I have one and like it very much. I look at Dremel's as more along the line of micro carvers but less expensive. Thought the vacuum powered one might be interesting. Maybe someday I'll pick one up and give it a try. Wouldn't like to sit next to my shop vac while using it however.

Re: If you want power wood removal

Keith Newton

Not just listening to the noise, a hose would destroy any sense of dexterity, compared to a electric cord.

How much did you give?

Keith Newton

The bearing on the end of mine is shot. I haven't tried to replace it yet, but it's so dry that the belt slips.

I paid $169

Dick Coers

Only one of the sheet metal cutters had been used, original sandpaper unused, included unused 2 tooth carbide cutter in original package.

Re: Die grinders and turbines *LINK*

Peter Hyde

I have the exact same Mini die grinder as this one. Mine has variable speed just by twisting the knurled aluminum ring. Way better than any electric version and so light and manageable. This runs at about 40,000 rpm and takes standard 1/8" shank bits and accessories.

I usually give it 1 drop of oil about every 10 minutes of run time and no problems at all piercing 1/4" thick ash and elm. Highly recommended.


HarborFreight