Think big, sand small -- The Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander

If you sand really small wood, metal, or plastic surfaces, this pen sander may be a HUGE time-saver.

From the product description

Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander sands linearly where space is at a premium. This superfine sander with linear sanding motion operates at 8,000 strokes per minute with a 3/32" stroke. Superfine finishing of wooden, plastic or metal surfaces can be done in less time hands can do without big efforts. It is ideal for surfaces, slots and tight corners. Included are four sanding attachments with straight shanks and four with angled shanks -four different shapes per shank style- as well as three sheets of pre-profiled self-adhesive sanding pads. The sheets are 180, 240 and 400 grit with 5 of each shape per sheet.

NOTE: To operate, this unit requires a 12-volt transformer such as the Proxxon 38704 Heavy Duty Transformer

Here's a link to more info on the Proxxon Pen Sander.

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Proxxon 5" disc sander, a precision device for fine sanding work

I have two Proxxon benchtop tools -- the table saw and miter saw. These tools are of excellent quality and just the right size for an automaton-maker or model maker. I have had my eye on Proxxon's bench sander for quite a while. At long last, a good Samaritan has taken the time to review it on Amazon! I'm going to quote from that review here, because it is some of the best information I've found about his tool so far:

From one Amazon review:

After looking for a disc sander for model hobby needs, I finally settled down on this disc sander. While a bit spendy, the quality more than justified the purchase. I will have this tool for decades; and I'm not having to return some other tool. This is the first product I have purchased in quite a while WITHOUT a tag saying "made in china". It's about time.

I went with this model because of significant problems I'd encounter with all the other products available:

• All the other disc sanders were too big
  
• They didn't have a slow enough "slow" speed setting, or no speed adjustment at all
  
• None in this size had a vacuum connection
  
• The other one from micromark had a foot-pedal from a sewing machine to set the speed (microlux)
  
• Low quality and difficult adjusting sanding table/gauge
  
• Overall quality factors
  

After receiving this product and trying it out, wow. This is a quality machine. It hogs out balsa and light ply at a crawl when I want, and eats it away when I want it to. The dust vacuum port is very effective (and entirely necessary). This is the perfect complement to my scroll saw. The table for resting the wood is firm, easily adjusted, precise and accurate. The variable speed control is extremely smooth. The silicone faced disc makes for easy changes of the sand paper. I am producing model parts at a very fast rate, I cant wait to get started on the next build.

The reviewer goes on to say that this sander is for specifically model and miniature makers. Don't expect it to take the place of a 10 or 16" disk sander for a full size woodworking shop. That said, the Proxxon Disc Sander is of a size and quality that no other tool in the category can match.

Here's what the sander looks like when mounted to the bench in the other orientation:

Here's a link to a lot more info on Proxxon Disc Sander.

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Proxxon disc sander works horizontally or vertically

My homemade second-hand 1" belt sander gets a lot of use in my shop, but I could use something a little more precise at times. This bench sander fits the bill perfectly. I'm adding this to my wish list. I have two Proxxon benchtop tools -- the table saw and miter saw. These tools are, in a word, awesome. I have a lot of faith in this brand.

From the product description:

For all types of wood, steel, non-ferrous and precious metals, plastics, plexiglass and fiberglass. Vibration-free running due to a powerful and balanced DC motor housing made of fiberglass reinforced Polyamid. Aluminum table is adjustable to include 50 degrees downward and 10 degree upward with miter gauge. The adhesive sanding discs can be easily removed after use. Two additional square silicon sheets ensure that used discs can be stored and reused as necessary. Proxxon Disc Sander can be mounted horizontally or vertically to a table or work bench.

Here's what the sander looks like when mounted to the bench in the other orientation:

Here's a link to a lot more info on Proxxon Disc Sander

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Proxxon Micro Planer - small, precise wood planer

Could you ever call a wood planer "cute"? Well, now you can! Just look at the Proxxon Micro Planer. Despite its diminutive size, this and ANYTHING by Proxxon is a serious tools. This one is designed for fine planing a very smooth finish on both hardwood and softwood surfaces. It's also made for precision -- where a fraction of a millimeter makes difference.

From the mini planer description:

The unit's load bearing components are all made of die-cast aluminum, with milled seats for bearings and spindles, the essentials for vibration-free, smooth and clean planing and guaranteeing maximum stability. The triple spindled table is milled to close tolerances and can be conveniently adjusted to 0.008" by a large zero adjustable hand wheel on top of the housing. The cutter shaft has two HSS reversible cutters for a long service life. Replacement of the cutters is facilitated by a service flap. The planer has an automatic feed unit. The work piece therefore is only pushed by hand into the feed slot for a short distance. A knurled and spring-loaded roller then draws the work piece in, thus enabling even irregularly shaped pieces of wood to be planed. After passing the cutter shaft, the piece of wood is pushed out at the rear by a rubber-coated roller to protect the surface of the work piece.

Here's where you can get the Proxxon Micro Planer.

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Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw - Gimme!

I posted a while back about Proxxon's smaller scroll saw, the Proxxon 37088 DS 115/E Scroll Saw. Here is that saw's bigger brother. Behold! The Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw...

Check out this tool's description:

Clean, accurate cuts without the need for finishing. This is the perfect machine for tool and die making, model building, toy repairs, puzzle sawing, architectural work, antique restoration, etc. It operates probl em-free, even when cutting acrylics, fiberglass, polystyrene foams, rubber, leather and cork.The unit offers a super cutting capacity (wood 1 1/2", plastics 1 3/16", non-ferrous metals 25/64") and yet runs with only a hum. The air blower with adjustable nozzle provides clear visibility of work piece and cutting line. The unit's machine base of cast iron offers the needed stability for vibration-free operation. The sturdy aluminum die-cast table tilts up to 45°, allowing a lot of special effects like incised lettering, sawing chamfers, inlays and marquetry. The twin cast iron saw over arm with ball bearing direct drive is equipped with a practical handle for quick and easy adjustment of the blade tension. Standard commercially available pin blades can be rapidly fitted and stored in the special compartment on the side of the machine. As well the clamping jaws also allow the use of plain end blades, which are as well easily tightened with the included T-Allen key. Proxxon tools come with a 2 year factory warranty.

I cannot say I own this saw. (I am still patiently waiting for the sponsorship offer from Proxxon.) I do own two other saws by them and can say they are very, very well made tools.

Here's a link to the Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw.

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Proxxon Scroll Saw for model and toy making

I already own a decent scroll saw so it would hard to justify this purchase. But...maybe it's not to late for you!

From the product description

This is the ideal machine for that delicate project: model building, toy manufacturing and precision work. It cuts soft wood (e.g. bass wood) up to 1 3/16" (30 mm), hard wood up to approx. 25/64" (10 mm), plastic (including circuit boards) up to approx. 5/32" (4 mm) and non-ferrous metals up to 5/64" (2 mm) with standard scroll saw blades. The machine has a very stable ribbed die-cast aluminum saw frame with 11 13/16" (300 mm) throat. The blade guide is equipped with an integrated blower. The patented head-part is height-adjustable in 3 positions and offers numerous advantages: The lifetime of the saw blade is tripled after shortening it twice (teeth in the middle part of the saw blade are finally used, too). With the head in the lowest position, working with a blade shortened to 2 23/64" is even more precise. The machined worktable of die-cast aluminum has a size of 6 19/64" x 6 19/64" (160 x 160 mm) and is equipped with an adjustable longitudinal stop and graduated miter gauge (0-90°). The ABS plastic body provides a very practical sliding door on the right side of the housing for the removal of saw dust. The saw is powered by a 110 - 120V motor (85 W) for prolonged use, low noise performance and even supported by a quiet and wear-resistant toothed belt drive, running in a ball bearing assembly. The machine offers an electronically controllable stroke rate from approx. 150 - 2,500 strokes/min.

Here's the link to the Proxxon 37088 DS 115/E Scroll Saw

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Proxxon MICRO Woodturning Lathe

Makers of precision miniature power tools, Proxxon offers this very small-scale woodturning lathe.

From the manufacturer's description:

Proxxon Micro Woodturning Lathe DB 250. This compact size machine is ideal for turning pens or doll house items such as cups, plates, pots, vases, columns, also for model railroad items including power or signal posts and tanks, doll and marionette limbs. Thousands of classical model building items may be turned with ease. Adding final touches with paint to your work piece at lower speeds, easily done through the electronic speed control. the tool rest is conveniently adjustable in height as well as it turns through 360° allowing for centerless turning. Overall length 15-3/4 inches by 3-3/4 inch height. Weight: 5.5 pounds

Here's a link with more info on the Proxxon MICRO Woodturning Lathe. If you've already decided this is the tool for you, you'll want to pick up the Proxxon 5-Piece Turning Tool Set at the same time.

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Sand tight spots with the Proxxon Pen Sander

If you sand really small wood, metal, or plastic surfaces, this pen sander may be a HUGE time-saver.

From the product description

Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander sands linearly where space is at a premium. This superfine sander with linear sanding motion operates at 8,000 strokes per minute with a 3/32" stroke. Superfine finishing of wooden, plastic or metal surfaces can be done in less time hands can do without big efforts. It is ideal for surfaces, slots and tight corners. Included are four sanding attachments with straight shanks and four with angled shanks -four different shapes per shank style- as well as three sheets of pre-profiled self-adhesive sanding pads. The sheets are 180, 240 and 400 grit with 5 of each shape per sheet.

NOTE: To operate, this unit requires a 12-volt transformer such as the Proxxon 38704 Heavy Duty Transformer

Here's a link to more info on the Proxxon Pen Sander.

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Proxxon hand-held minature belt sander

Designed for sanding in spots where there is limited space, this little power belt sander works on flat surfaces, corners, and curves. The sanding head tilts to provide access to difficult spots. The belt speeds may be adjusted from 300 fpm to 700 fpm. The sander features a quick and easy belt change system and belts that come in 80, 120, and 180 grit.

Here the link for the Proxxon Hand Held Belt Sander

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Proxxon's Miniature Bench Drill Press Machine

More Proxxon goodness for you (me) to ponder...

From the Amazon Description

Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115 - This 3 speed drill press excels at drilling micro holes down to 1/64 inch (0.5 millimeters). The unit offers a high quality machined work table of ribbed die cast aluminum, 8-1/2 inch x 4-3/4 inch in side. It provides an adjustable parallel fence with scale. The solid high chrome steel column is 11 inches high and is 4/5 inch in diameter. The powerful motor is built into the super stable die cast head of the machine, runs very quietly and has a long life expectancy. The power transmission by 3 step aluminum pulley and flat belt provides 3 spindle speeds of 1800, 4700, 8500 rpm. This allows triple torque and lower speeds.

Here's the link for more information on the Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine.

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Proxxon model-maker's power tools store section

I am the proud owner of two Proxxon tools -- the miniature table saw and the miniature mitre saw. As someone who works with small-scale pieces of wood and metal, I am a big fan of this company's products. The Automata / Automaton Store now features an entire section dedicated to Proxxon tools. If you are serious about model-making and are looking for high quality power tools that are the right size for the job, look no further.

Check out the Proxxon Power Tool section of The Automata / Automaton Store.

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Proxxon Micro Band Saw with optional wet cutting

From the Amazon.com Product Description

A solid, ribbed die-cast aluminum housing (not a tubular or sheet metal construction) ensures the necessary stability. The machine has double ball bearing aluminum pulleys, a sturdy machined table with a slot for the miter gauge as well as the coolant trough. The worktable tilts up to 45° for accurate miter cuts. The low noise 110-120V motor (high quality, for quiet, prolonged use) operates via toothed belt. Electronically controlled speeds for exceptionally accurate cutting (no subsequent finishing necessary) are available from 395 to 820 ft/min. A practical table at the outside of the machine housing indicates the recommended speed for various types of material. The blade size of 13/64" x 1/64" (5.0 x 0.4 mm) is ideal for fine work, allowing to cut even smallest radii. The machine is equipped with a vacuum-cleaner adapter to help you work in a dust-free environment.

Here's the link to the Proxxon Micro Band Saw

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Proxxon precision mini-lathe - 30 lbs of awesome

The Proxxon Lathe PD 230/E can be used to perform precision turning on plastics, steel, brass and aluminum. It boasts a lot of very nice features for such a small lathe.

From the manufacturer's description

Comes complete with automatic feed, thread cutting capability, headstock chuck, live center and top slide for taper turner. It may be used to part, turn, and cut tapers. The numerous optional accessories add the versatility you need to complete all your miniature projects. Weight approximately 30 pounds and dimensions approximately 21inches by 9.8 inches by 5.9 inches. Has features of full sized lathe and can be packed away after each use. Practical hand wheel with zero adjustable scales 1 division = 0.001 (0.025 millimeter) 1 revolution equals .04 (1 millimeter). Combination of 3 speeds and additional electronic speed control allowing speeds from 100 to 3000 rpm are among the many features standard on this precision lathe.

OK, so I'll add this to my wishlist: the Proxxon 34004 PD 230/E Lathe

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Proxxon Micro Plunge Router for Miniature Work

I haven't tried a router this small (1/5 HP), but it sure does look like a good size for model and automaton making. This little router allows you to round-over, slot, counter bore, and remove stock from wood and other materials.

Some details on the router from Woodcraft:

* Depth adjustment of 0.008" increments
* Easy router bit changing with the shaft lock button
* Support columns are positioned so you can see as you cut
* Integrated suction device for connecting to a vacuum
* Parallel and circle jig made of die-cast aluminum
* Die-cast aluminum base and smooth gliding polycarbonate face
* Includes 6 pc. collet set
* Comes in plastic case

Here's more info on the PROXXON Micro plunge router

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Proxxon Rotary Tool & Accessories

I own some Proxxon tools and I own several rotary tools, but I don't actually own a Proxxon rotary tool.

OK..that said, I love the Proxxon tools I do own. Woodcraft is sellng the Proxxon rotory tool at a close-out price right now (about $73). The specifications do sound impressive (see below).

Personally, I am very interested in that Universal Holder (D) for use with a flex shaft (sold seperately). That looks handy, indeed.

From Woodcraft's Site:
Great for detail cutting, grinding and sanding, the German-made Proxxon has a top speed of 20,000 RPM, continuously variable down to 5,000 RPM. Electronic full wave speed control gives almost constant torque, even at low speeds, easing micro drilling. The spindle rides in precision ball bearings, and has a lock button for changing bits. The Proxxon gets its power from a quiet, specially balanced permanent magnet motor. Our own testing showed superior low-end torque and far less vibration than the most popular rotary tool on the market.

Check out all the details of Proxxon Rotary Tool & Accessories over at Woodcraft.com.

Proxxon Micro Shaper - small scale router table

Often, full size woodworking tools are just too big or too powerful for working on small scale projects such as an automaton. Fortunately, companies such as Proxxon make power woodworking tools for small scale projects. I've posted in the past about the Proxxon Miniature Tables saw and the Proxxon Miniature Miter Saw -- both of which I own. Here is The Proxxon Micro Shaper, a small router table that takes 1/8" bits -- perfect for minature-making and other small-scale woodworking projects.

From the Product Literature:
This miniature router table is the perfect sized machine for small-scale routing and trimming applications. Ideal for model building such as railroads, airplanes, doll houses and more! Features powerful 115V, 60Hz, 1/8 HP motor.

I can assure you that Proxxon tools are very well made and will surprise you with their performance.

Here is where you can check out the Proxxon Micro Shaper.

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PROXXON Miniature Power Miter Saw

I own two Proxxon miniature power tools and they are both amazing. Not "amazing for their size" -- just plain amazing.

The mini miter saw is a great addition to any model-maker's or automaton-maker's tool collection (or any work area where space is tight). This miter saw is great for cutting 90 degree and 45 degree cuts in a variety of materials. There are detents every 15 degrees for cutting a range of angles.

The saw has a really clever integrated clamp to hold the material and ensure that your cut stays on the mark. There is also a built-in stop to help you cut a bunch of pieces to the same length. Nice.

As with Proxxon Miniature Table Saw, these miniaturized tools are clearly not toys; they are solid and exceed one's expectations in terms of performance. Seriously, the mini table saw can make a clean cut in 3/4" hardwood and it's barely bigger than a toaster.

The truly handy thing about owning the miter saw AND the table saw is that they use the same blades. You can get a variety of blades for slitting, cutting wood, and cutting metals. I have found the miter saw mounted with an abrasive blade for non-ferrous metals to be a great way to cut brass rod and bars to length.

Check out all the details on the Proxxon Mini Miter Saw and the Proxxon Miniature Table Saw

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