I'm fairly new to the DIY scene, so to say that my working knowledge of any power tool is minimal is an understatement!
I'm currently embarking on a DIY project that requires cutting acrylic boards, pvc pipes, and various other items. I've been shopping around for rotary tools but I've come across varying types with different rpms/speeds/etc, and I'm seeing a lot of negative reviews about the lack of power in the tool. I'm wondering what's the minimum rpm necessary to cut through 0.4mm acrylic board? What about wood?
Also, I'd like to invest in a rotary tool that is durable without breaking the bank. (Feel free to recommend any other tools, if a rotary tool is wrong for the job)
Best Answer
To cut 0.4mm acrylic board I recommend a utility knife. What you do is draw a line for the cut, rest a straight edge on the line, then "draw" a line down the straight edge with the utility knife while putting only slight pressure down. You repeat this a few times until you have created a groove in the acrylic. Then you can begin pressing the knife down harder, and repeating until you cut through it.
To cut PVC pipe you can buy a cheap tool at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. that is quick and does an excellent job. The Kobalt 1/8-in to 1-1/8-in Copper Tube Cutter is an example.
As for a rotary tool, in my experience they are not very useful. The bits typically break easily, and dull quickly. The go-to tool for odd cuts for me is the Sonicrafter. There are a lot of other oscillating tools too. This tool makes cuts you just cannot make with any other tool.