SMALL POWER DRILL FOR SCALE MODELING?

[RobRomero]

I’m aware Tamiya offers a low-speed drill (so as not to melt plastic) for scale modeling. This however must be built from a kit. However, I would much prefer purchasing a ready-made drill than building one. Are there any small dual-use drills that can be set to low speed for scale modeling while retaining some practical use as a power drill for home projects? If not are there any ready-made drills strictly for scale modeling.

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

[Stokesy44]

I think you're going to struggle to find something that drills for both kits and general DIY.

The smallness of the bits is probably enough to rule out any real DIY use. If you want a tool just for modelling that drills, sands and grinds then something like the below would be fine. You might need to buy your own bits though as most of the ones like this only have a few bits or none alongside their grind and sand attachments.

[Garion77]

I use the Dremel Stylo + and I love it. But im not sure on how small a drill bit it can use. It lightweight, easy to hold in the hands. I use it mostly to remove details. and polish canopies.

[RangerNeil]

Problem, I think, is going to be how small a dia. the chuck will grip. I have some bits here that a pin vice can't lock on to.

[digger303]

I’m aware Tamiya offers a low-speed drill (so as not to melt plastic) for scale modeling. This however must be built from a kit. However, I would much prefer purchasing a ready-made drill than building one. Are there any small dual-use drills that can be set to low speed for scale modeling while retaining some practical use as a power drill for home projects? If not are there any ready-made drills strictly for scale modeling.

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

The Tamiya kit drill I have built and used and in my opinion it is lacking. 2AA batteries just doesn't give it any grunt, I mean even slight pressure causes the drill to slow down markedly.
I have gone to using a Proxon drill that uses various collets to cater for very small drill bits. It has a variable speed adjustment and on the low setting it will drill and not melt plastic. Having said that if you take to long to drill a hole heat does build up and a small amount of plastic will adhere to the bit.This is a corded drill. I am very happy with this purchase and would buy again. There are other small drills around that are much the same although some are cordless.
They can be bought cheaply like this one
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14410730608 ... =494516852
Although I don't know if the specs are correct in regards to rpm. My Proxon minimum speed is 5000rpm the same as this.

[RangerNeil]

Thinking about this heat/melting issue over breakfast - is there any reason why, as in big boys toys, a coolant could not be used to kill the heat & thus the melt?
I was think a small gravity fed hopper to drip water or an air brush clamped to a stand and the pot filled with water, use a spring clamp on the trigger so you've both hands free to use the drill & hold the part.

[digger303]

Thinking about this heat/melting issue over breakfast - is there any reason why, as in big boys toys, a coolant could not be used to kill the heat & thus the melt?
I was think a small gravity fed hopper to drip water or an air brush clamped to a stand and the pot filled with water, use a spring clamp on the trigger so you've both hands free to use the drill & hold the part.

Anything is possible although at 5000rpm water might get flung off instead of cooling the end of the bit....not sure.
The melt issue only happens if you tend to keep the bit stationary in one spot whilst operating it and it isn't a huge issue. You end up with a hole that is the equivalent as the next size up to the bit bit your using, but if you just drill the hole and then exit the hole. It doesn't melt.

[RobRomero]

Thanks for the input guys. Goin with choice No. 1 as I'm an Amazon prime member.

[digger303]

Perhaps you could give a small review or opinion on this in the tool section as it would be a great help to some else wanting to buy one.