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10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED)
2
4
Operating Speeds
To achieve the best results when working
with different materials, set the variable
speed control to suit the job. To select the
right speed for the accessory in use, practice
with scrap material first.
NOTE: Speed is affected by voltage changes. A
reduced incoming voltage will slow the RPM of
the tool, especially at the lowest setting. If your tool
appears to be running slowly, increase the speed
setting accordingly. The tool may not start at the
lowest switch setting in areas where outlet voltage
is less than 120 volts. Simply move the speed
setting to a higher position to begin operation.
The Rotary Tool switch settings are marked
on the speed control dial. Refer to the Speed
Settings tables on pages 11 thru 13 for the
correct speeds for specific accessories and
materials.
Most jobs can be accomplished using the
tool at the highest setting. However, certain
materials (some plastics and metals) can be
damaged by high-speed generated heat and
should be worked on at relatively slow
speeds.
Slow speed operation (15,000 RPM or less)
is usually best for polishing operations
employing the felt polishing accessories,
delicate wood carving and fragile model
parts. All brushing applications require lower
speeds to avoid wire discharge from the
holder. Let the performance of the tool do the
work for you when using lower speed
settings.
Higher speeds are better for drilling, carving,
cutting, routing, shaping, cutting dadoes or
rabbets in wood. Hardwoods, metals and
glass require high speed operation also.
The settings for approximate RPM’s are:
Switch Setting Speed Range RPM
2 5,000-8,000
4 9,000-11,000
6 12,000-17,000
8 18,000-24,000
10 25,000-35,000
Some guidelines regarding tool speed:
• There is no accessory for the Craftsman
Rotary tool that will drill or cut glass.
• Plastic and other materials that melt at low
temperatures should be cut at low speeds.
• Polishing, buffing and cleaning with a wire
brush must be done at speeds not greater
than 15,000 RPM to prevent damage to
the brush and your material.
• Wood should be cut at high speed.
• Iron or steel should be cut at high speed.
• If a high speed steel cutter starts to
vibrate, it usually indicates that it is
running too slow.
• Aluminum, copper alloys, lead alloys, zinc
alloys and tin may be cut at various
speeds, depending on the type of cutting
being done. Use a paraffin (not water) or
other suitable lubricant on the cutter to
prevent the cut material from adhering to
the cutter teeth.
NOTE: Increasing pressure on the tool is not
the answer when it is not performing
properly. Try a different accessory or speed
setting to achieve the desired result. Please
refer to the following Speed Setting tables.
Set the Speed Control to the desired setting.