FISKARS Precision Rotary Tool
An intuitive twist on an essential device
A tool designed for cosplayers and craftspeople with
comfort in mind, by a brand that’s trusted by DIYers
Task Analysis
User
Cosplayers often make props and costumes from EVA foam, a dense, lightweight material that can be carved.
Materials
EVA Foam is so light that it must be handheld while carving, which can cause awkwardness with the tool.
Environment
Objects are usually made at home, often in the garage where dust can be generated and easily cleaned.
Central Pain Points
Speed controls are unusable with one hand
Large grip and extrusions around controls
Vents allow dust to accumulate inside tool
Market Audit and Brand Research
Most hobbyists don’t need the power of an expensive professional tool, but cheap tools don’t always offer the strength and durability needed to make a quality product.
Fiskars is a brand already trusted by DIYers and cosplayers. Though they focus on hand tools, a rotary tool could help them compete with the currently Dremel-dominated market.
Brand attributes include orange details, hard, geometric material break between shiny white body and light gray overmolded grips, circular/arc motifs, and ergonomic form language.
Design a rotary tool for hobbyists and amateurs who work at home on light projects and want more comfort and control with one hand
Safety
Make controls usable with
one hand and prevent internal dust buildup
Ergonomics
Make a smooth form that reduces wrist flexion and hand strain
Aesthetics
Utilize FISKARS form language and aesthetic guidelines
Innovation
Incorporate ease-of-use attachments and
alternate speed controls
Ideation and Modeling
CAD development occurred in multiple stages, improving and refining shape and detail with each iteration.
Ergonomic Improvements
Final model CNC milled out of foam to validate ergonomics
A - Minimal wrist flexion when held
B - Speed controls easily accessed, circular speed dial follows thumb’s movement, no unnecessary extrusions
C - Divot at neck’s base allows more relaxed grip
D - Curved body follows natural hand position, makes extended forefinger more comfortable and precise
Product Specifications and Renders
Internal Components
1. Tool Bit
2. Collet Nut
3. Collet
4. Shaft End
5. Ball Bearing
6. Flexible Shaft*
7. Motor Fan
8. Shaft
9. Armature
10. Field
11. Copper Nodes
12. Carbon Brush
13. Brush Lead
14. Brush Access Cap
15. Touch-Sensitive
Capacitor **
16. PCB
17. Power Cable
18. Overmolded Grip
19. Casing Right
20. Casing Left
21. Screws
*Flexible Shaft - Made of coils of interlocking wires which transmit rotary motion
**Touch-Sensitive Capacitor - Uses resistance from skin to transmit information to circuitry
Loosen collet nut and
insert desired bit
Plug the rotary tool
into the outlet
Turn tool on and set to desired speed
Start sanding in the
direction of rotation
Change carbon brushes
as necessary
Due to the pandemic, fully realized final prototypes were difficult to produce. I focused on honing my Keyshot skills to create a quality set of final renderings.
