High-speed rotary tools have the ability to work at speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. Of the two main types, Cut Out tools and Basic Rotary tools, the former has the bigger motor. Cut Out tools have motors ranging from 4 to 5 amps, while rotary tools motors’ use 1 amp. Both types have cordless versions, but the corded ones are always more powerful.

They are designed for professional and amateur craftsmen, and can be used to carry out regular cutting jobs, or more detailed artwork. Rotary tools are designed to cut:

• holes in wallboard
• fibreglass
• heads off stripped screws
• ceramic tile
• nails
• plumbing pipe
• marble
• wood

They also grind, varnish, polish, shape, etch, engrave, strip, sand and debur.

The versatility of this tool stems from the range of attachments that can be used with it.

For example, a circle cutter is used to cut perfect circles in building materials, and a rotary sanding attachment, which consists of small strips of sandpaper and spins around as the drill spins, is employed in hard-to-reach areas when sanding by hand won’t allow for the creation of intricate detail. Cut Out tools are recommended for big jobs and Basic Rotary tools are best for hobby-like tasks.