Originally Posted by mklotz Originally Posted by

I've long contended that one of the most universally useful tools is a motor with a chuck on it. Add a pile of bolt-on accessories and one can do almost anything.



In my shop there's a 1/4 HP reversible motor bolted near the front edge of the workbench. Next to it is a big box of accessories, everything from sanding disk to wire wheels and sharpening stones. It gets more use than most of my powered tools.



In a similar vein, like you, I've built numerous Dremel attachments that widely enhance the utility of the tool. Your video has given me some ideas about how to extend the utility of those attachments. Many thanks.



The other thing you've confirmed is the fact that, although hand-held power tools are useful, bringing the work to the secured tool allows for much more precision than can be achieved hand-held.



Congratulations on what you've done. In addition to clever design well-executed, you've helped encourage future readers to think about the wisdom of building around what amounts to a motor with an attached chuck. It's a perfect way for folks on a small budget to outfit their shops with a wide range of wood and metal working capabilities.



I do have one safety concern, though. Is that a knife you're using as a turning tool when you have the thing set up as a lathe? If it is, I hope you've ground the edge off of it. If the tool rest is ever set too far back from the work, it's possible for the tool to be grabbed and flipped out of your hands. Proper lathe tools are easily ground from old files or even concrete nails.



Thanks again for showing your work. It's a credit to both your ingenuity and construction skills.