We really don’t know if the world needs it but we’re sure glad [johnnyq90] took the time to build one. We’re talking about a nitro powered rotary tool. Based on a Kyosho GX-12 nitro engine, commonly used in R/C cars, [johnnyq90] machines almost all other parts in his shop to make a really cool ‘Nitro-Dremel’. But success didn’t come at the first try.
The first prototype was made using a COX 049 engine but the lack of proper lubrication cause damage to the crankshaft. Because of this setback, [johnnyq90] swaps it out with a O.S Max 10 Aero engine he had lying around in the shop. That didn’t work out so well as the engine was quite hard to start. On the third try he finally decided to use the 2.1 cc Kyosho GX-12 engine to power up his 20.000 rpm tool. As noisy as one would expect and, from the videos it seems quite powerful too as it easily pierces through an aluminium block, cuts steel like a breeze, and breezes through other less demanding feats.
But [johnnyq90] is no stranger to nitro engines nor to Hackaday. In the past he built, among other things, a nitro powered cordless drill and showed impressive feats of machining in a micro version of a Tesla turbine. We wonder what’s next…. a nitro powered tattoo gun perhaps?
In the 20 minute video after the break, we enjoy watching the construction of the ‘Nitro-Dremel’, as well as other parts from two previously failed prototypes:
[via Popular Mechanics]
This looks like something a traveling dentist in a post-apocalyptic world would use.
or a Burning Man tattoo artist
Lol. Steampunk dental drill. Makes me shiver thinking about it
TL;DR:
That’s it!!! I’m binning my Fire-drill!!!!
.
Long story:
I saw the title, not even yet read any of the article. This just blew my fire-drill gag-video idea out of the water (Nuclear strength blew my idea away)… Insane but yet at the same time: practical, this rotary tool project certainly is.
Practicality:
I’d use such a thing out and about where there are no power sources… If some speed implementation could be incorporated. I can see a future of Dremel (and clones) becoming more petrol (or Ether) to complement, say, Li-ION powered Dremels for those who need that little extra boost in performance (Expect more shattered disks and make sure SAFETY FIRST of course)
It does have speed control, there is a throttle body for a reason.
Also…hybrid power tools, now that sounds amazing.
Ah, cool… Gotta make myself one…
P.S. If my above comment earlier made little sense at times:
I had to scoff down food in 5 mins and type whilst still hungry (morning 10-min break, with a few minutes wasted getting to the eating area)
Finally had time to watch the video….
Hmm… A UK spinoff “Harbor Freight” drill that I was gonna burn with a flame-thrower-conversion show of self destruction and call it a Fire-drill…
Well now I know a lathe will be handy for most things……
That is why HackADay “IS My internet (TM)”
Things like this are a good spark to the imagination and seems to always happen just before a stupid idea is carried out…
Tomb stone engraver ???
Funny idea and cool looking execution. But if i would need a rotary tool out in the wild or on the road, i’d probably prefer to use a small (quiet) gas powered AC generator and standard electrical tool. Has the advantage of running with normal fuel you can get almost anywhere, and if you really need wireless operation, you just take a battery powered tool and plug the charger into the generator.
You appear to be considering practicality when reading about a nitro engine powered Dremel. The motivating question here is not “why”, it’s “why not?”.
Get an scba tank and use a real die grinder. Probably lighter than a generator and fuel.
One could add this engine to a standard cordless power tool along with a generator to recharge the tool when you are out and away from the grid. Of course, if you are going to have fuel and all the noise, I suppose it is better to just use the gas powered tools. This was a very good idea and his build is well done.
Yeah, but are there really gas powered drills out there?
Most gas powered tools can be found in the air-tool section of your local hardware store. Lots of gas required, get a really nice air compressor.
Joking aside…
There are also some really powerfull propane chainsaws. Four stroke, runs in any position. Gasoline fueled concrete drills are awesome to watch. I have heard that some maple syrup producers use a fancy propane drill.
Bet the propane has less trouble with it’s carburetor.
“Yeah, but are there really gas powered drills out there?”
“out there” may be the qualifying phrase, but in the 1970’s my National Guard unit had a two-stroke gasoline drill and a two-stroke gasoline powered grinder. Those tools were required to be locked up in the vault with the rifles, pistols, and machine guns, because if they were left outside the vault, they could be used to cut into it.
Not really a “tool” but there is the 2-stroke blender for making margaritas at tail gate parties!
Yes, my dad has one. Similar to this, many companied have made them over the years:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-25-4cc-Forward-Reverse-Engine-Gas-Drill-EDR-260/100666168?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-D28I-InsideGardenOther%7C&gclid=CjwKEAjwsLTJBRCvibaW9bGLtUESJAC4wKw1PFE4cNPcgwHt9BTc1uDCDuTqV3pseReB0H4lnXTc_BoCQ_Xw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
one could put the generator in a backpack, with an umbilical for power.
Why not steam? Boiler in a little red wagon,,,turbine in the handpiece.
Might get a tad warm…but it would be authentic STEAMpunk
What RPM are those abrasive disks rated to?
At the beginning of the video he shows some sort of metal disk saw, but when he is using it at 18:54 it looks like a standard abrasive disk (cut-off wheel). I would be very careful about that… 20,000 RPM equals about 6,500 SFM with a 1.25″ OD wheel (I estimated the size and compared it to disks that I have at work).
Also, those disks are not flexible, so any side load that occurs when using the wheel like he does in the video greatly ups the chance of the disk fracturing (I have experience with that).
They are usually good to 40-60krpm, depending on brand/construction. The reinforced ones can take a whole lot more than the cheaper composite wheels.
This guy trashed Pee Vee engine. Hate him.
Glow plug engines exist in only two states – not broken in yet, and completely worn out.
that’s what I’m torqueing about…..
I want to make electric generator powered by such small engine to recharge my e-bike.