Please educate me on Dremel Tools.

Battery or corded, speeds, package deals, hints and tricks, etc.

I've never had or used one, but I think I would find it very useful soon for some projects, and Black Friday is right around the corner.

Thanks

I have had what amounts to their “Model #1” for about four decades. Corded, basic, but a very handy machine. If I were to do it again, I think I would still have a corded model.

They have their place, but they are not the end-all tool. Buy a variable speed corded model. About every thing else can be purchased as needed as an accessory.

Variable speed corded.

An oscillating tool I find just as handy.

What projects you planning on?

quote:

Originally posted by GaryBF:
They have their place, but they are not the end-all tool. Buy a variable speed corded model. About every thing else can be purchased as needed as an accessory.

This. Their diamond bladed cutting wheels are absolutely amazing in how they cut, but they're about $20 each for a little wheel.

An incredibly useful tool.
I have one that is corded and has the flexible extended shaft that hangs like an IV drip bag on my main workbench.
Love it.

I had the original corded model for many years and when it came time to replace I went with the battery powered version. Been very happy with that. Great tool for cutting, grinding, shaping, etc.

I've bought 4-5 Dremels and each one lasted less time than the one before it, until I stopped buying them. Bought the one Black & Decker sells for a lot less money and have been happy with it for 12-15 years.


I have a cordless Dremel at work and it never gets used because it's fairly useless. I'm sure battery tech has improved and maybe they're better now, but I still wouldn't buy a cordless one.

After a few Dremels I got a Foredom.
Made a handy portable carriage for it.
Very nice tools.

quote:

Originally posted by Dbltap:
After a few Dremels I got a Foredom.
Made a handy portable carriage for it.
Very nice tools.

They are the best and equipped with variable speed control and cable. I got mine a long time ago like the mid 70's. They were expensive back then and are now close to $300 or more.

I have a corded kit that's several years old. I don't use it often but once in a while it's exactly what I need and I'm glad I have it. Definitely for finer, more precise grinding, cutting, polishing work. Anything requiring any sort of muscle or time and it's inadequate. As long as you understand it's place they are handy. For example, I used it a few months ago to grind of the cover off and then grind a slot in an old stripped out license plate screw. it saved me a lot of time.

My battery power Dremel did not last long at all and lacked in power. When it died it was replaced with a corded Rotozip Rotosaw. It is a much better tool in my opinion.

I have two Dremels, corded and battery, and also a RotoZip, they all have their sweet spots. The latter is 10x the tool of the Dremel, but 1/4" shaft, rather than 1/8" shaft so far less versatile. If a 1/4" flex shaft were available, the choice would be obvious.

Corded variable-speed Dremel, with a flex shaft, is probably the most appropriate tool for most folks.

DeWalt and others make similar cordless rotary tools that may be a better fit if one has already bought into a specific vendor's battery/charger arrangement.

I have used my Dremel tool (corded, variable) in so many ways - it boggles the mind. I've used it to cut pipe, get a "locking lug nut" off of a stud, hobby projects, gunsmith projects, and many others. They have every attachment you could ever think of, and they're rather affordable on amazon.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
I have two Dremels, corded and battery, and also a RotoZip, they all have their sweet spots. The latter is 10x the tool of the Dremel, but 1/4" shaft, rather than 1/8" shaft so far less versatile. If a 1/4" flex shaft were available, the choice would be obvious.

Roto-Zips used to come with two collets (1/4 and 1/8), do they not include the 1/8 anymore?

If not, you can buy them:
https://www.google.com/search?...i160k1.0.o6lY4QphrSE

You cant be seriously considered as a gun plumber until you are Dremel equipped. I have the corded model. And it does appear that Dremel brand quality is in decline. When my current one gives out, I will go Rotozip.

Invaluable tool to be sure, but you have to remember that it's easier to remove material than it is to add it.

Less is more.

I always say about the Dremel, it's the tool that makes a bad idea seem perfectly reasonable.

I have battery and corded.

Definitely corded, had a battery powered version at one point and it was a total piece of crap and batteries no longer held a charge after a short time.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
I have two Dremels, corded and battery, and also a RotoZip, they all have their sweet spots. The latter is 10x the tool of the Dremel, but 1/4" shaft, rather than 1/8" shaft so far less versatile. If a 1/4" flex shaft were available, the choice would be obvious.

Corded variable-speed Dremel, with a flex shaft, is probably the most appropriate tool for most folks.

DeWalt and others make similar cordless rotary tools that may be a better fit if one has already bought into a specific vendor's battery/charger arrangement.

My kit came with both size collets and a spare of each size.
I don't have a flex shaft but would the dremel one not work? All my other dremel accessories work.
Not sure why I never have a flex shaft but pretty sure I need one now.

I have an original, single-speed Dremel. Have had it for who-knows-how-long. Terrific tool. I have a battery-powered Dremel, with two battery packs, I was given for Christmas several years ago, which has seen more use since I got it. But if it's a more demanding job, or the batteries are empty, I fall back to my trusty old corded one.

I also have an original RotoZip and, more recently, a RotoZip RotoSaw and the RotoZip Direct Drive Cut-Off attachment for it. The original is smaller and more manoeuvrable, but the newer one is variable speed, has dust collection and can take the cut-off attachment.

Which of these tools is the best tool for the job depends upon the job. I've used all of the above-listed tools, many times each.

If I were going to start from scratch I'd have a variable speed corded Dremel and a RotoZip RotoSaw.