I was using my Wizard (rotary tool) today with a grinding stone on a metal railing and I sheared something inside of it. The motor still runs but you can grab the stone and it will easily stop in your hand even with the motor whirring at full speed. Ever the optimist, I guess the good news is that it means a trip to Harbor Freight to replace it. It was at least 8 years old, so I cant complain too much I suppose.
BB, FWIW…
I recently fried my old single speed Dremel…so bought this one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40457 at Harbor Freight and love it! Multi speeds, plenty o’ attachments, etc. Git 'er dun!
Bummer…always seems like things break in the middle of something you really want to do. It never breaks when you’re in the middle of fixing the dishwasher or some sort of thing.
Actually NJ I was working fixing a metal handrail that was on the honey-do list. Wasn’t a bad project, but I wasn’t turn foam popper bodies either.now THAT would have really sucked!!!
PRM, Thats the one I was going to look at, the worst part is that model was on sale for $19 a month or so ago. Next on the list is another Wizard, just because I have a 24" flex shaft for the Wizard.
Rather than sorrow, I would view this as a chance to purchase a major up-grade with all the new whistles and bells. I’m still waiting for my leaf blower and my chainsaw to die for that very reason. 8T 
8T,
Sugar…gas tank. Just sayin.
REE
Have you opened it and check the soft link between the motor and the chuck head? If not you may wish to do so, my bet is its sheared in the middle. Ive replaced a couple of mine with about an inch of clear vinyl fuel line tubing about "3/8 from Ace hardware. Works like a champ, much cheaper than buying a new tool. Or jsut send it to me and I’ll see to its ah ah… its proper rest. Ya that’s what it needs rest. lol
Bassbug,
The fedders are ready to ship tomorrow at lunch. Along with a helpful pattern. Here it is along with another of your creations:D
Never thought about opening it up, guess it’s worth a shot. Might be able to salvage the motor for something else too.
NJ, you’re killing me with the fly and bodkin on top of of a Spanish Cedar Honduran cigar box. At least I can rest assured the bodkin went to a go home.
Well…in all honesty, the cigar box is one of 3 that I picked up at a yard sale. They’re my thread & tool boxes. LOL. But I can say that they too, went to a good home:^)
Bass Bug,
I had the same problem with my dremel. Opened it up and the part looked like a tube pasta with gears on the inside. Called dremel and sent me a new one for a modest price I believe. It was an easy fix. Even I could do it. Check it out and see if you can fix it. Good luck.
Beaver
I know Bass_Bug, and believe me, the sorrow over a broken tool is is greatly overshadowed by the delight in a trip to the hardware store :roll:
Finally got around to taking apart my Wizard . There was a spring connecting the motor to the shaft/chuck. The spring broke as pictured below. The other spring (top) was the closet I could find at Ace. The right length, but the outside diameter was a bit smaller. I cut the loops off the end, and after some twisting to help uncoil, the diameter was a closer match letting it fit. I turned a few foam bodies and so far so good. I’ll keep looking for a better match spring just in case though. Oh, and only $.85 to fix.
Now that’s thinking with your change purse Jimmy!