Armortek

Hello,

I've worn out the bits my Dad gave me (nice small cones of grinding material). I'm now struggling to find somewhere that will sell me more of those rather than huge sets of stuff I don't think I want/need.

What do you gurus use? Please could you recommend supplier/manufacturers?

Are diamond bits like
http://blueroofdesigns.com/wp-content/u ... bits-1.jpg
any good or should I stick to grinding stones
http://blueroofdesigns.com/wp-content/u ... ones-3.jpg
?

At the moment I'm trying to clean up some alu track links...

Thanks

Sam

Sam, I've found literally to my cost that grinding is best done on a grinding wheel or with a purpose built tool such as the Proxxon Long Necked Angle Grinder, which is expensive but very, very useful:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-lhw- ... 0wodjdsJxw

There is a much cheaper and very satisfactory option though. I swear by the use of high speed steel cutters. Proxxon again do a great range, they're cheap and last forever.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-lhw- ... 0wodjdsJxw

They need some care until you get really used to their behaviour but, rather like a chain saw, if you know what to avoid, they are very effective. The depth of cut is infinitely variable and I use them to remove lots of material, to do a fine finish and to create texture. They are truly flexible in use. Much better than grinding bits.

Hope this helps.

Stephen

Thanks Stephen,

I'm a bit scared by that particular tool. Great website though. I'll probably buy some of the nice proxxon bits and build up to buying the handset.

Cheers

Sam

I picked one up from this German site.

http://www.reichelt.com/PROXXON-28547/3 ... on+grinder

Will have to pick up a few accessories but stil quite a bit less than Axminster. Have bought quite a bit from Axminster in the past though.

John

I've used these people for Proxxon stuff:

http://www.germantools.co.uk

Adrian.

Try these for very good prices and fast delivery

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/table_top_tools_c2472.htm

The Germans tempting me again with the low down trick of producing very high quality products.

They do look very high quality.

I'll probably start with something less powerful like:
http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Proxxon/Microm ... _42127.htm

Thanks for all the help.

Sam

Sam, you won't regret it, My Proxxon kit has lasted with heavy use over three models. If you can stretch to it, I'd recommend this one, as the heavy duty version, which will last:

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Proxxon/Microm ... _42128.htm

Stephen

Thanks Stephen,

Agreed to go halves with my Dad on the more expensive one. Does look good.

The downside is that my lack of skill will be to blame.

Cheers

Sam

If you are grinding alloy the last thing you want are the grinding stones these will clog with alloy very quickly by far the best tools for this are burs from this range http://www.tbs-aachen.de/milling_bits_c2463.htm I have use both Proxxon and Dremmel over the years the Proxxon tools are stronger and last a lot longer but are a little more expensive to buy diamond tools really are for harder metals again alloy will clog them

Thanks Mark,

I've only been trying with a very wobbly old Dremel knock off. I'll try all the bits again with something less shaky.

Cheers

Sam

Don't forget your eye protection

I'm still sulking about eye protection. Recently I've started to need to take my glasses off to do close up work. Also my memory is not as good as it was so I forget I have a scalpel in my hand...

the proxon grinder

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Proxxon/Microm ... _42128.htm

is a nice bit of kit. I bought one after burning out 2 dremmels in one week. the other benefit is they are far quieter. Very smooth and worth every penny. Professional rather than hobby quality. Infinate control over power. I had a couple of problems with power supply connection but they covered it under warranty. A black and decker power file is very very useful. I did however manage to work through seven of these so far. all replaced under warranty. the last one has outlived it's warranty though and needs replacement.Proxxon do a small version of the power file. I never use the small grinders you were looking for. Usually throw them in the bin. Might have some around though.

Thanks John,

The current one does sound like a bag of spanners and I'm banned from using it after the kids bed time.

After a day at work grinding away at tracks is good for switching off.

Cheers

Sam