Garden Railways – August 2019

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!