Variable/Slow speed drills for modelling

[Glenn S]

After a recent discussion about using pin vises, can anyone recommend some options for a small hobby drill that can take microbits and turn slow enough that it doesn't melt plastic?
Years ago I used to use my Dremel Tool, but as many of you know, it spins too fast to be usefull for drilling small holes in plastic.
I am interested in a tool that meets the following criteria:

• can operate it with one hand;
• not too big. Smaller than an electric toothbrush;
• battery powered, or rechargeable;
• the chuck should accept bits from about 1/8" to 0""
• the RPM should be variable, and start from around 15 RPM (i.e. manual pin vise type speeds;
• it shouldnt cost an arm and a leg; and
• it would be nice if it was reversible.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[RocketRanger]

I also wanted a very low-speed powered drill and my solution was to use a small drill chuck that fits into a cordless screwdriver. The rotational speed is just right for drilling out holes in styrene such as gun barrels and flashed over locator holes. A (very) small drill bit is inserted into the chuck and the chuck goes into the hex hole in the cordless screwdriver. Fast, simple, easy. The original chuck I bought was from Rockler Woodworking about a decade ago, but I see they no longer offer it. However, it looks like Micro-Mark carries just what you need for $13.95 USD:
https://micromark.com/products/prec...k4XPi0FbmxQG7m9IgBulC1oBPEiN4jEWXWobDpVkZxZ9v

 

[Glenn S]

That's a nifty idea!
I used to have a number of the cordless screwdrivers that could have worked. For some reason they seem to have fallen out of favour in the past couple of decades.