Time to buy a dremel -- which one?

Jastx · Jastx's Garage

Many times I wished I had a dremel tool. I have another small task and this time I want to buy one.

I found Black and Decker on the low end for only $35. Dremel brand ranges from $59 - 99 and includes lithium ion battery powered version.

Which one is the ticket?

Thanks!

ricochet · 01-31-2006, 02:34 PM

Hey Jastx,
I have a few Dremel tools, I prefer the Dremel brand. I also prefer the variable speed models. For most things the hi/lo speed models work just as well though.
I use my Dremels often, I even have a flex line that offers more flexibility. For some jobs these tools are worth their weight in GOLD.
I burned one up and Dremel offered replacement at a low price, got my others off Ebay. Porting motorcycle heads (years back) made me love using Dremels. You'll probably want to accessorize yours also. Cutting wheels, buffing wheels, and grinding choices are limitless.

sammyg2 · 01-31-2006, 02:36 PM

DO NOT BUY THE BATTERY POWERED DREMEL!
I got one for Christmas last year and it is so underpowered all it is good for is gathering dust and taking up room on the shelf. It bogs down way to easy and the battery doesn't last very long. The only way one of these would be worth picking up is if you get a spare battery and now you are talking even more money.

My recommendation is that if you have an air compressor, get a pnuematic pencil grinder. They are about 1/2" in diameter and about 8" long and are great to work with. It will do everything a dremel does for less money and with more power. harbor Freight sells one for around $20 that works very well. It will probably last longer too, I've burnt up two 110 volt dremels in the past.

Don't get an electric dremel knock off from harbor freight either, they are junk.

Joeaksa · 01-31-2006, 02:37 PM

Get one with ball bearings. They sell a cheaper version with bronze bearings but I still have the one I bought 30 years ago and its lasts!

Get a good one!

Joe A

ricochet · 01-31-2006, 02:38 PM

And, I have no experience with the cordless models. Could see the handiness, but most likely would be discharged when I needed it (as my cordless screwdrivers are usually). The corded models are ready any time I have power (I even have a generator) so can use these anytime. So many choices...

jtratza · 01-31-2006, 02:44 PM

I just got the cordless Dremel ($79) and found it fine. Used it cutting screws Saturday and grinding off some metal Sunday on a hood strut to see if that helped line up the holes to insert the pin. I like the cordless idea because they are convenient but for power (if needed) I'd go the compressor route. Better yet get both. Lugging the compressor out of my garage is a pain.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

FWIW, I bought (or was given - can't remember which) a Ryobi -- has served me fine for the past 5+ years. Corded and fully adjustable speed. Bought an assortment of wheels, grinders, etc. somewhere along the line. Lots of choices of stuff to use.

randywebb · 01-31-2006, 03:21 PM

there are 2 different battery powered Dremel tools - the small one is worthless (except as a toothbrush). The bigger one with blue plastic parts on it is decent tho not as powerful as the corded model. IIRC, it has NiCd or NiMH batteries. Blue....

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

If you're planning on doing a lot of work with it at one time, dont' get teh battery powered - not enough RPM's.

Bought a Dremel Multipro 395 when I set about replacing the exhaust. Didn't even break a sweat cutting off bolt heads. Wouldnt look back.

glenndeweirdt · glenndeweirdt's Garage

Why not try a dental lab handpeice? It is more expensive but 5X the torque and will last much longer. The unit is also more ergometric. Will easily deburr, polish, cut, etc.
Here is one on Ebay #7585617306.

Jastx · Jastx's Garage

I'm convinced a real Dremel is the best choice. Probably go with the 300 model.

Sunroof · 02-01-2006, 05:44 AM

I bought a Dremel vari-speed about ten years ago and still have it. Theyare built tough!! I would definitely stick to the Dremel brand and I would opt for the AC model over the battery model. They are incredible for cleaning, polishing, grinding, everything!!

Be cautious though of the small wire wheel attachments as the wires will wear off or come off fast and you need to always wear eye protection when messin about with a Dremel.

These little jewels are worth their weight in gold and will pay off in the short term. Having said that, I suggest you buy the best, most powerful variable speed (highest rpm) model with the attachment kit you can afford.

Bob

ricochet · 02-01-2006, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by glenndeweirdt
Why not try a dental lab handpeice? It is more expensive but 5X the torque and will last much longer. The unit is also more ergometric. Will easily deburr, polish, cut, etc.
Here is one on Ebay #7585617306.

Hey Glenn,
I like your choice. Is a little pricey (for me) but what a kewl tool. My brother is an oral surgeon, I'll hit him up for advice. Jeez, that is a wicked choice, but maybe TOO high rpm for my Dremel accessories?

Jastx, you have many good options. I believe any top shelf tool will do most anything you desire. I have a 2 speed, a 5 speed, and a variable. I tend to use my 5 speed mostly. Depends on what ya use it for. I use mine often and abuse them. I buy the cutting wheels bulk.

glenndeweirdt · glenndeweirdt's Garage

There are usually a few used ones around on Ebay for $100 or so. Speed is variable from about 100-40,000 RPM with 100% torque through the RPM range! Ask your brother the rich oral surgeon for one of his old surgical handpieces, they are even better (wipe the blood off first, though)!

Zeke · 02-01-2006, 06:20 AM

I bought a Dremmel and right away "caught" one ot the tools while grinding or cutting. Bent the shaft somewhere near the collet. Now I have an annoying vibration. POS, AFAIC. I will stick to air powered die grinders with the 1/8th collet adaptor. Many of these are even smaller than the Dremmel motor and they sure don't have the rotating mass to bend themselves up like thios piece of crap did. It's NFG when it doesn't run perfectly true.

I avoided buying the Dremmel almost from the beginning. And that would be a lot of years. Something didn't seem right about them. Hobby tool, or whatever. This is my first and last one.

austin552 · austin552's Garage

I have bent or broken every attachment I have used. Guess the wife can have it to polish her nails with now.

ricochet · 07:05 AM

Jeez, you guys are rough on them. I have used them often till having to put on gloves, they get that hot. I have busted so many cutting wheels and grinding stones that it got expensive. I have used mine for hundreds (maybe thousands) of abusive hours, I finally wore one out (brushes melted?), Dremel offered a replacement (CHEAP) after what, 30 years? Again, I buy my cutting/grinding tools by bulk. They are THAT good.
Have never bent one, have abused the crap out of mine. I have many air tools also, but tend to chose the Dremels 99% of the time. I build rifles and knives, I torture these tools when I need'em. Bent shafts? I thought I was hard on my tools!