Dangerous tools

[ripvan1]

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-speed-rotary-tool-and-119-piece-accessory-set-228660

 

[Nigel_Ward]

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]

Even the standard Dremel cut-off wheels shatter. I bought their fibreglass reinforced 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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Bobobolinsky]

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

 

[prv]

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

Seems bonkers to me that anybody wouldn't. Perhaps I just had it drilled into me in school.

Pete

 

[Searush]

Seems bonkers to me that anybody wouldn't. Perhaps I just had it drilled into me in school.

Pete

That sounds a dangerous education, we drilled the work, not the students.

 

[Poignard]

Also those miniature rotary wire brushes shed wires at high speed which easily penetrate normal clothing and enter your skin. They would not do your eyes much good.

As others have said - wear eye protection.

 

[Flying Penguin]

we drilled the work, not the students.

No, that was the teachers job

 

[PCUK]

You're thinking of those Catholic schools!

 

[jonrarit]

The most dangerous tool in your workshop is the one you have the least respect for.

Learned the hard way with the saw blade on a leatherman.... ouch!

JR

 

[sailorman]

The most dangerous tool in your workshop is the one you have the least respect for.

Learned the hard way with the saw blade on a leatherman.... ouch!

JR

Pah a mere scratch

 

[Boo2]

You only need one tool.

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

It's not a drill ? Nor is it a lathe...

Boo2

 

[Sailfree]

It's not a drill ? Nor is it a lathe...

Boo2

I consider myselve tool savvy but was very disappointed by the number of times I managed to cut myself using a leatherman.

To my mind I am v impressed with the blade quality and sharpness - my fingers are less impressed but its my own fault!!

 

[Cymrogwyllt]

he most dangerous tool is the one holding the handle.

 

[Evadne]

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

And for old pharts you can get these and still see what you're doing!

 

[ffiill]

Seems bonkers to me that anybody wouldn't. Perhaps I just had it drilled into me in school.

Pete

Shows your age Pete-never crossed anyones mind about safety goggles or ear defenders or face masks when I was at school in the 1960s.
Remember how we used to clean pennys with conc sulphuric acid;operate the wood and metalwork tools-even use powdered ferrocyanide for case hardening steel-I was about 13 at the time.
I had a friend who worked at Irlam steel foundary in the late 60s-when the sun shone into the building you could see the powdered iron floating in the air probably along with glass and asbestos.
Only last week I was talking to a couple of tunnelers who worked on the Hydro schemes 50 years ago-both almost stone deaf.Used to go to work in whatever-no masks defenders hard hats etc.
Not saying its right but my generation was brought up with bad practise.
I have only recently started wearing ear defenders after having caused myself some damage to my hearing whilst working some stainless sheet on an anvil.