66 GARDEN RAILWAYS FALL 2019
NEW SPIN ON A T
MOTOR TOOL
by Joe Alessandri ■ Fair Oaks, California
PHOTOS BY THE BILL ZUBACK
ONE-PAGE PROJECT
For information on how to submit your project, email [email protected].
ORIGINAL
TOOL
1
Start by removing the small screw
used to secure the Dremel no. 407 ½"
(diameter) sanding drum to the no. 402
sanding drum mandrel.
A HANDHELD MOTOR tool is arguably
one of the most versatile tools any hobbyist
can own. While its many uses at the work-
bench or in the shop are well
known to hobbyists, don’t under-
estimate how handy it can be in the
garden. As shown here, I discovered
an easy way to turn my cordless rotary
tool into a simple string trimmer. It’s great for
clearing weeds along the railway right-of-way.
If you want to make one yourself, just be sure
to select a variable-speed tool with enough torque to
power through the vegetation you want to reduce. In most cases a
1-amp electric or 8-volt cordless option should be adequate. Of
course, always be sure to wear safety glasses and appropriate attire
(gloves, long sleeves, and dust mask) when using this device.
2
With the drum freed from the mandrel,
use a blunt shaft to separate the abrasive
sleeve from the rubber core.
3
Use a screwdriver to pry the top washer
from the core. Note that the top (small
opening for screw) and bottom (large opening
for mandrel) washers are different sizes.
4
Now use a razor saw to cut two,^1 ⁄ 16 "
deep notches across the top of the core.
Make one cut on each side of the core’s
centered opening.
5
After cutting two pieces of^1 ⁄ 16 " nylon
string line to approximately 10" lengths,
install one (equal length extending from
both sides) into both notches.
6
Reassemble the washer, screw, and
mandrel, and then secure the trimming
unit as directed in the motor tool manual.
Your DIY trimmer is now ready for action!
Top washer
has a smaller
opening than
washer at
bottom of core
TRIMMER IN ACTION
Turn your common
motor tool into a
convenient garden
trimmer...in less
than 10 minutes!