Mechanical/electrical: Modifying drill for medical research

[KaylaFoyt]

I need to modify this drill which has a 15,000RPM to a 2,000RPM. I am researching this as an alternative to the current expensive drill used for drilling into skulls for cochlear implants. While we could purchase a drill that is already at 2,000RPM, this particular one is nice because it is inexpensive and it's small and easy to stick in someones head. Any ideas on how we can modify?

Thank you!
Kayla Foyt

 

[GregLocock]

To save everyone else the bother that is just a ridiculously high res picture of a Dremel. They already have speed controls on them, have you actually tried one out? Assuming that you need the full power, then you need an 8:1 gearbox. Would a right angle drive be helpful or not? I'm thinking of the gearbox from a slot-car.



Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[Artisi]

What is the problem of operating at 15,000 rpm, drilling is drilling - assuming that the drill bits are available for 15,000 rpm to suit your particular application?

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[MadMango]

Instead of Dremel, you might be better off with a drill that has a remote motor. The hand piece will be lighter, giving someone better control of the drill, with less fatigue. Another bonus, there are various hand pieces to select from, all interchangeable. I would also think they would be easier to sterilize as well. Have a look at

http://www.foredom.net/,

they are slightly more expensive than Dremel, but probably worlds better for your application.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[MadMango]

I forgot to add, that if you don't need the torque, you may want to look at their Micromotors. They are very similar to dental drills.

http://www.foredom.net/micromotors.aspx

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[mcgyvr]

This has got to be a joke..

Whats next.. a car jack for a rib spreader.. A steak knife instead of a scalpel.

Dear Dremel Company,
Please advise as to the best method to remove skull fragments from the internal gearing on your Stylus line of products.
Sincerely,
Doctor Doom.

 

[TheTick]

Option 1: Do some research, crunch some numbers, then add all the quality control and regulatory compliance costs to your "cheap" drill.

Option 2: Find out the hard way.