Made a simple speed control for my Dremel

[Shea]

... because it's a single-speed model, and I broke a couple of drill bits when I used it to drill my last PCB.

I didn't want to buy the speed controller sold by Dremel because it's foot-operated, it's overpriced, and none of the stores near me keeps it in stock.

I did some reading on AC motor speed controls and figured out that the Dremel speed controller probably uses the same triac-based circuit that every light dimmer does.

So, last night I went to Home Depot and got a dimmer switch (rated for 600 watts, which is more than enough for my Dremel), a receptacle, a metal box that can hold two switches or receptacles, an extension cord, and a fitting to hold the cord in place. I knocked out a hole in the box, cut the female end of the extension cord off, figured out which wire was hot, and assembled everything. It works, and it doesn't get warm.

Shea

[Enzo]

Voila!!!

[BCRGreg]

I use a pedal for a sewing machine, it works like a gas pedal, the farther you push, the faster you go. You just plug your Dremel into it and off you go!

[Shea]

I use a pedal for a sewing machine, it works like a gas pedal, the farther you push, the faster you go. You just plug your Dremel into it and off you go!

That's cool too!

I wanted a knob, but sometimes a foot pedal would be handy, and you didn't even have to assemble anything.