Top Five Money-Saving Winter Projects

New Dremel(R) Trio(TM) and Cordless Dremel Multi-Max(TM) Tools Make Do-It-Yourself Projects Easy and Efficient


MOUNT PROSPECT, IL--(Marketwire - August 24, 2010) -  From homemade holiday gifts, to efficient home improvement fixes, the Dremel® brand has developed five new step-by-step project ideas to help do-it-yourself enthusiasts save money this winter. With the help of the new Dremel Trio and cordless Dremel Multi-Max tools -- both hitting stores this fall -- do-it-yourself projects are fun and easy to complete.

The Dremel Trio is a one-of-a-kind multi-purpose tool that allows users to cut, sand and rout with just one, versatile package. Users can tackle multiple planes and materials including wood, plastic, drywall, metal and wall tile without switching tools. The tool's unique, 360-degree cutting technology and plunge-cut ability allows users to make quick and controlled cuts, while its unique, 90-degree pivoting handle facilitates added control and accuracy for intricate sanding, shaping and routing details. The Trio replaces the need for a jigsaw, edge sander and detail router with a compact, light-weight and approachable solution that retails for $99.99. Additional tool details available in the Trio fact sheet.

The cordless Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool allows users to tackle a variety of repair, remodel and restoration projects wherever they find most convenient -- no cords attached. Its high-performance motor combined with a 12VMAX Lithium-Ion™ battery offers users the same high performance level of a corded oscillating tool, allowing users to grind, sand, scrape, cut and remove grout with all Dremel oscillating accessories and attachments. The tool also boasts sleek ergonomics, a handy Quick Fit accessory change system and an attractive price tag (SRP: $149.99). Additional tool details available in the cordless Dremel Multi-Max fact sheet.

Use the Dremel Trio and cordless Dremel Multi-Max to tackle DIY projects that you and your wallet will feel good about this winter:

Create a festive, wooden door hanging
Avoid annual holiday decoration costs by making your own personalized door hanging out of sturdy wood to withstand yearly wear and tear. Use the Dremel Trio to cut, sand and rout a design, such as a holiday greeting or winter snowman. Then, use the cordless Dremel Multi-Max for quick and easy surface sanding.

Step One: With a 1/2-inch wooden plank properly secured, use the Dremel Trio with the TR561 Multi-Purpose Cutting Bit to cut the board in the shape of the desired design. Keep the Trio running at high speed as you cut, and position the tool's telescoping foot so 1/8-inch - 1/4-inch of the bit's tip protrudes through the bottom of your work piece.

After cutting, clean up any rough edges using the TR432 120-Grit Sanding Band at medium speed. Transform straight edges into decorative edges by utilizing the Trio and any routing bit such as the TR615 Corner Rounding Bit. Tip: To cut straight lines or perfect circles use the TR800 Circle-Cutter/Straight-Edge Guide Attachment with your Trio.

Step Two: Before staining or painting the sign, use the cordless Dremel Multi-Max, MM70W Wood Sandpaper and MM11 Hook and Loop Pad to sand your sign's surface. For a smoother finish, start with 120 grit sanding paper and finish with 240 grit sanding paper, and always sand in the direction of the grain.

Install a humidifier
As dry, winter air settles in, you can keep the air in your home moist by installing a whole-house humidifier. Adding moisture to the air ensures your house will hold heat longer, reducing utility costs.

Step One: Select a whole-house humidifier size and type that will work well for your home. Before beginning installation, turn off heat and electricity sources to the furnace and determine where the humidifier would be best installed. Be sure to put on thick gloves before drilling as sheet metal is sharp.

Step Two: Tape the template included in the humidifier installation kit to the return air duct. Follow the instructions provided in the whole-house humidifier kit. Using the Trio and the TR563 Hardwood/Sheet Metal Bit, plunge into the template near the outside edge and use the Dremel Trio to cut out the opening for the humidifier.

Step Three: Follow the kit-provided instructions to install the humidifier. Tip: Cut any water supply tubing with the cordless Dremel Multi-Max and MM422 Wood and Metal Saw Blade.

Make a wine rack
Wine racks make great holiday gifts -- especially when they're handmade, one-of-a-kind and easy for the gift giver to make. 

Step One: Find the wine rack pattern on the Dremel website or develop your own pattern, then mark your cut lines onto a board no thicker than 1/2-inch. Before cutting, secure the board to make sure there's clearance between the bottom of the working bit and the top of your workbench. With your Trio set to a high speed, begin your cut using a TR563 Hard Wood/Sheet Metal Bit and firm grip for optimal control. Set the tool's foot depth so that 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch of your cutting bit's tip extends beyond the bottom of the work piece.

Step Two: After you've finished cutting, unplug your tool for a quick change to the TR432 120 Grit Sanding Band. Try the TR809 Dust Extraction Attachment to keep your work space clean while sanding and run your tool at medium to low speed as you sand less-than-perfect spots.

Step Three: After sanding, begin routing using a TR615 Piloted Corner Rounding Bit to dress edges. Run the Trio at a high speed and push the router bit gently to avoid diminishing its usable life and damaging your work piece. Take a few passes removing only a portion of the total amount of material you want to remove at one time.

Step Four: After routing, try sanding the wine rack's surface with the cordless Dremel Multi-Max, MM70W Wood Sanding Paper and MM11 Hook & Loop Pad. Start with the 120-grit sanding paper and finish with 240-grit sanding paper for a smooth finish. Set the tool to a medium speed when sanding.

Replace window glazing
A little preparation before winter weather rolls in can keep your utility costs low as you turn the heat up. Replacing old window glazing is a simple way to reduce drafts that can increase heating costs.

Step One: To remove old glazing, begin by lining the window panes with masking tape. This will reduce the risk of scratching the window frame. For easy removal, use the cordless Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool with the MM450 Wood and Drywall Saw Blade. Set the tool at a low speed and insert the blade in between the muntin or sash and the glazing. Caution: Wear eye protection. Metal glazier's points may be used to secure the window pane to the sash and these will come loose and the old glazing is removed. When all glazing is removed, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue and remove the tape.

Step Two: To re-glaze, line the seam with fresh tape. Hold the edge of your putty knife toward the joint at a 45-degree angle. Apply steady pressure on the glazing compound while moving the knife at a smooth speed along each side of the window pane.

Insulate light switches and door frames
Another way to reduce heating costs is to insulate drafty light switches and door frames with expandable foam insulation. On existing walls, select a minimal-expanding foam insulation to prevent any distortion of the frame or wall due to over expansion of the foam.

Step One: Once you've selected a foam kit, adhere to the guidelines for applying expanding foam insulation. When the foam cures, it will provide an air- and water-tight seal.

Step Two: To scrape away excess foam, use the cordless Dremel Multi-Max and MM600 Rigid Scraper Blade. Set the tool at a low speed and insert the blade between the insulation you wish to remove and the surface. The offset in the blade will help prevent the screw head from marring the surface. 

For tool specs, additional project ideas, high-resolution images and tool and project videos, visit the Dremel Newsroom at www.dremelnewsroom.com.

About Dremel

Since inventing the high-speed rotary tool more than 75 years ago, Dremel has become the trusted name in high-speed rotary tool technology, providing creative solutions for hands-on professionals, homeowners, craftspeople and artists alike. The Dremel brand's leadership in design and manufacturing has made it the top selling rotary tool in the world, a reflection of the company's commitment to innovation and quality.

Today, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in Mount Prospect, Ill., Dremel continues to build upon this legacy with a full line of high-performance rotary tools and rotary tool attachments and accessories, specialty tools and an oscillating tool and oscillating accessories, delivering the perfect solution for almost any job. Regardless of what the task may be, users quickly realize they can depend on the Dremel brand to provide the satisfaction of a job well done.

For information on Dremel products, project ideas and problem-solving tips, visit us at www.dremel.com or call Dremel at 1-800-437-3635.

Editor's Note: Dremel® is a registered brand name and is used as an adjective to describe the products made by the Dremel brand.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:
Hannah Schroder
JSH&A
630/932-7938
hannah@jsha.com

John Hauter
Dremel
224/232-3341
john.hauter@us.bosch.com

Dremel Trio, multi-purpose tool, jigsaw, router, edge sander Cordless Dremel Multi-Max, oscillating tool