Hi Folks,

Glad your still playing with the dremel bugs. Me
too!*G* They are a hoot. Don't take this wrong but
I'm going to talk v e r y v e r y slowly for a
minute!*G* When you set up your dremel lathe there
are several important things to consider.

(1) Use a foot switch! All you need is a push
button type switch, on when depressed and instant
off when released, similar to a doorbell switch
but rated for 115V. What this does is allow you
to operate the dremel in very very brief bursts
while sticking your foam on your needle armature.
If the needle ever spins up to speed while your
keeping the foam from turning, it instantly glazes
the foam inside the hole made by the needle. It
will continue to spin on the needle. A real pain.
By just tapping the foot switch, the needle does
not generate enough speed to glaze the foam around
the needle. I've tried numerous ways to describe
the process but it's hard to understand until you
actually do it or see it done.*G* Perhaps when JC
gets the board finished I can send in a short video
showing the process.

(2) Do "NOT" use a fine needle. Stick with the
larger darning needles or upholstery type needles.
I have always found them in Walmart in assortments
for a buck or less. A single needle lasts me many
months.

(3) "See # (1)! It's the most important tip. If you
can insert the needle through your foam plug without
the dremel spinning up to speed, you should not
experience any problem what so ever with the foam
spinning on the shaft while turning dremel bugs.

The actual dremel foot switch is a variable speed
foot switch and quite costly. I personally am using
a "Big Foot" on/off trolling motor switch rated for
24V DC. Much heartier than the 115V AC switch but
very well suited. Normally $10, I found two on sale
for $2 each at Walmart.

You can have a lot of fun making dremel bugs. I'm
sure there are other ways than what I've described.
All I can suggest is the way I have described here
and in the article has worked very well and quite
trouble free for me. Be safe and have fun. Don't
forget to share your pictures with us. Warm regards,
Jim