Dial in variable speed electric drill with trigger lock????

Probably a stange question but is it possible to get a dial in, variable/ or low speed drill, with a trigger lock??

I realise that most drills are variable speed depending upon trigger depression (and I try so hard to keep mine happy :D ) but they also need to be going flat out to engage the trigger lock. I use my drill heaps for sanding my burl bowls (no lathe used) and find that its a real catch 22 situation. I need to use the trigger lock to allow me to use both hands to get the fine control but with the trigger locked on the high speed means torque which also makes it harder to control.

I have tried to use the cordless but without the trigger lock I have no control. I also find that the 25mm discs heat up toooooo quickly at speed and the glue holding the hook and loop melts really quiclky, regardless of pressure applied.

any suggestion????????

(have tried the drill press but working upside down makes it hard to see what u are doing)

My 10mm Makita has a dial in speed control on the trigger and you can lock it regardless of the setting. I don't think the one I have is available any more but I imagine there would be a similar model in the range available now.

Hi Rowan,
I've got an old Black and Decker drill that has a variable speed control built into the trigger. It's A twist knob that creeps the trigger into the desired speed. It could be worth the trouble to see if they still use this system. As another option I used to control a home made drill bench with a house hold dimmer switch wired in line on the power lead. Don't know what this will do to your drill motor but mine went for years.
Then again isn't that all variable speed controls do, restrict current?
Hope this helps.

Sid