Eureka! Easy CHEAP power mandrel spinner!

[shawnette]

My everlasting quest for a power mandrel spinner that I can afford has finally come to an end! I went to Harbor Freight (LOVE that place!) on my weekly "Goodie Quest" and something wonderful caught my eye. A "Router Speed Control". It's an adjustable speed control for a router (sort of like a dimmer switch). (Item # 43584)

When I spotted it, I said "Hmm. I wonder if that will work with my rotary tool?..." So I bought it ($12.99) and wonder of all wonders, it does! Yay! Yippeeeee! Woo Hoo! You just plug the tool into the controller and plug the controller into the wall. The controller has a dial that adjusts the speed. My rotary tool is the one that they sell for $7.99, so all in all, it costs less than $25!

[starlia]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[lbjvg]

Awesome! What is your rotary tool?

- Jim

[hotblubonnet]

ok...showing my newbieness here...but what do you use this for? I can picture the set-up i think (somewhat mechanically gifted) but how does it apply in making flamework beads?

am always interested in new ways to create!

Sharon

[Rhapsody Fire Beads]

Shawnette!! Your children are so beautiful!!!!
~Suzy~

[shawnette]

Jim, I use the 41695-7VGA, but I just noticed that they do have a 4-speed model for $19.99. That one might be better to use dince it is made for working at different speeds. I don't torch for long sessions so I'll just keep using the cheap one til it burns out.

Sharon, it's used to spin the mandrel for you. You just hold it in your hand while the mandrel spins. Some people have a hard time turning the mandrels. I've had carpal tunnel, so I'm always looking for ways to avoid problems. Plus, I'm lazy, lol!

Thanks Suzy! (That's actually me and my son)

[MerryFool]

So how has this set up been working out for your lampworking, Shawnette?

[kathleen milligan]

You are amazing. At that price- I gotta try it now.

[Elizabeth Beads]

How does the mandrel go in the rotary tool? I already have the primo HF rotary tool - I splurged and spent $15!

[Kym]

I think you will have trouble getting the turning speed down to anywhere near an EMS. Maybe if you have it on a rheostat, it could be accomplished?

[jaci]