Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Flexible drive shaft - rotary tool?

Not sure exactly what to call this type of thing. I saw this

Heavy Duty Flexible Drive Shaft Bench Grinder 225 - eBay (item 150326728931 end time Jun-13-09 10:40:06 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150326728931&ih=005&category=29528&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1)

I did a web search but found very little. Seems like a great idea, but I want to learn more about it. I'd love to be able to attach such a thing to a drill press or bench grinder, for example, if it does what I think it does. Can anyone provide links with products or descriptions? Thanks.

Pretty common item, problem is it's a direct drive thats only going to give you the same speed as the drill itself...not very good for grinding.

Don't see how it could be attached to a bench grinder.

Guessing "bench grinder" reflects being able to attach it to a drill chuck and grind something on a work bench.You could attach it to a bench grinder but it would take a somewhat rigged adapting to do it and wouldn't be worth that effort.

The tool itself has been around for a long time.I wouldn't rely on it for anything hardcore.

Didn't want it for anything hardcore - basically I wanted a Dremel-like tool, without having to buy the Dremel, and also like the idea of that long cord which I could run from my drill press. I assumed that by "bench grinder" he meant there was some way you could plug it onto your bench grinder as a rotational power source. But if a drill press can do 3,000 RPM, this should be pretty handy shouldn't it?

So if I go to a store, what should I ask for exactly?

Here's an example attached to a bench grinder. But as far as I know this only comes as a package - I don't know if they sell them separately.
Trademark Multitasking Bench Grinder 31 in. Flexible Dremel Attachment - Model 75-9915 at Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00912800000P?vName=Tools&cName=Bench+Power+Tools&sName=Bench+Grinders)

Even 3000 rpm isn't all that great. A bench grinder works because the shaft is turning at 3000 rpm, but the surface of the wheel is much larger in radius, so it has a faster surface speed, same rpm.

An average electric die grinder runs about 25,000 rpm, angle grinders around 11000. Pneumatic are about the same to allow the same tools and discs to be used. Dremels will run 5-30000 rpm.

I guess it depends on what you intend to do with it.

I doubt any local stores except maybe Harbor Freight or similar would carry it.

If you want Dremel like performance you'd be better off with the first item you posted.Either that or look for that type of item specifically for Dremel bits as the item posted likely has a 1/4 chuck which will probably chuck down to the Dremel bit but something specific would fit easier and have a smaller end.Then attach it to your drill press.

I know you don't want to buy a Dremel kit but some of them aren't that expensive especially if you catch them on sale.

Yeah, I see your points. Seemed like a good idea :-)