Today we’ll be learning about the Dremel TRIO! This smaller power tool fits comfortably in your hand. The tool is a cross between a jigsaw, router, and regular dremel. It has a rotating bit that cuts into drywall, wood, plastic, steel and alumimum (with the appropriate bit). With a quick change to a sanding bit, the TRIO can be used as a sander for smoothing fine details and edges. Finally, the TRIO is a router, but only with the small routing bits that come separately. In my opinion, the TRIO is good for small projects that don’t use hard or thick woods. Anything larger than 1/8″ and it is very difficult to control the tool. (Disclosure: I have not tried the TRIO with the hardwood and sheet metal bit sold separately, but I haven’t used it to cut hard woods.)
The Dremel Trio Rotary Tool
The TRIO comes with a cutting bit (I call it a scroll bit) and a sanding mandrel with three grit sanding drums (60, 120 and 240 grit). Plus, a wrench for loosening and tightening the collet.
A regular baseplate and a compact foot baseplate are also included.
Below is the anatomy of the TRIO to help familiarize you with the tool.
There is a speed adjustment on the handle of the tool. Typically you would leave it on 10 – 12 for cutting wood. A lower speed may be necessary when cutting plastic to avoid melting the material.
One of the nice features is that it can be use in a horizontal grip like a jigsaw. Or, simply press the button on both sides to …
raise the handle and use it with a vertical grip.
Changing bits is fairly simple but requires two hands (my photo is not 100% accurate). One finger pushes the button on the front of the TRIO to lock the collet. The other hand uses the wrench to loosen the collet.
Remove the bit. Insert the new bit and tighten the collet. (First by hand and then with the wrench.)
The TRIO does not come with router bits, but a Dremel 5-piece Specialty Router Bit Kit
Be forewarned that you CANNOT use bits for a regular dremel in the TRIO. The shafts are different sizes.
And here for your viewing pleasure is a video tutorial for using the Dremel TRIO:
Dixie Redmond says
January 20, 2012 at 7:11 amThanks for this. I need to go back and look at the other tool posts. This looks like a tool that I could use for my art. But I still have a Dremel tool in the box that I need to get out and try. Trying is key. Failing might happen. And then laughter, right?
missy says
January 20, 2012 at 1:49 pmThanks so much for posting these tutorials! I have a lot of wood working tools that I inherited from my dad’s shop. I have no idea how to use some of them! Your sight is great! Love the labeled pics and directions!
seansmom says
January 20, 2012 at 3:15 pmInteresting, but don’t know if I’d use it or not since we already have two of the regular dremel tools.
I did enjoy your tutorial though…it’s always interesting to see how something works.
Shell We says
January 20, 2012 at 11:54 pmSweet I don’t have this dremel but it’s always nice to know how to use them all just the same. I have a question since I’ve never used my dremel, do the sanding bits wear down like sandpaper & need to replaced? If so how do you know when to replace it? Thanks
Connie says
January 27, 2012 at 10:51 amI really thought the indoor photography idea was great. I make jewelry and just can’t get a good picture of them. And I’ve tried everything. Your hint about reflecting helped alot. Thanks so much.
Connie says
January 27, 2012 at 10:52 amAlso all the prizes are wonderful, but it’s a toss up between the sharpies (my granddaughters would love you) and the dye. So much could be done with both. Thanks again for your blog.
Shylah Kelley says
January 28, 2012 at 10:00 pmI am new to your blog and so far I am loving it. I would love to win a prize, any would work for me.
Sharon says
December 25, 2014 at 3:06 amI have this tool…have had it a while and now I have some guidance towards how I can use it. Thanks for this information.
Sy says
March 13, 2018 at 8:57 amI have a dremel trio. It would be nice if it also had a collet size of 1/8 inch
so I could interchange it with other dremel accessories.