Dangerous tools

**ripvan1** · 16-01-12, 20:03

If you're considering buying one of these, be aware that the mini cutting and grinding discs shatter very easily sending lethal pieces of discs flying thru' the air - in my case embedding in woodwork some 5 metres away. The metal polishing brushes shed fine wires which could be dangerous.

I consider myself tool savvy so the absence of an instruction and safety pamphlet did not worry me but thinking about it some parents might have bought one for model-making kids who may not be so experienced in the dangers these can present.

In fairness the tool itself is fine but the integrity of the above mentioned parts is suspect.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/variable-spe...ory-set-228660

**Nigel_Ward** · 16-01-12, 20:13

I have a similar set of cutting discs, sanders etc., but they are for a tiny 12v low power modellers drill.

Looks like Maplin have matched cheap low speed modellers discs and tools with a powerful drill which operates at too high a speed (up to 30,000 rpm??).

I think it would be worth raising the issue with Maplin.

**Dipper** · 17-01-12, 09:41

Even the standard Dremel cut-off wheels shatter. I bought their http://www.dremeleurope.com/dremeloc...cut-off-wheels which last much longer and are cheaper in the long run.

I always wear goggles when using this type of tool because they rotate so fast and my face is invariably close to the workpiece.

**savageseadog** · 17-01-12, 09:44

Speaking from having had the experience of having a mere spark from a grinder in my eye and subsequent torture in A&E I recommend safety goggles to everyone.

**aitchem** · 17-01-12, 09:59

You only need one tool.

This is it., does everything you need.
It's a chisel, it's a saw, it's a sander. Clean and safe.

http://www.multimaster.info/en_uk/

**Blueboatman** · 17-01-12, 10:07

Thx for the heads up. I have a stack of these inexpensive attachments that I use in my Dremel.
Two suggestions:
1. Keep the speed down
2. Keep your face out of the flight path of any bursting disc.
I wear glasses but the safety goggles approach is exactly the right one
Fibre reinforced discs are as with 4 and 9 inch grinders, the sensible option.

The Dremel type tool must be the only device that does not come with a guard. On my list to do is make a clear plastic guard, probably from
a piece of plastic container and epoxy/spring clip.

**elton** · 17-01-12, 10:48

Exactly the same hazard with a Dremel. It seemed obvious to me the first time I used it, to wear eye protection.

**Bobobolinsky** · 17-01-12, 10:56

Last year I had a 115mm skinny disc trap and shatter, lost control of the grinder and it started to chew my crutch up. Faced with singing soprano, I stopped the remains of the disc rotating with my hand. Dangly bits only just bruised and abraded, but I needed 7 stitches in my hand

The boys even had a sweep on how many stitches would be inserted