Thread: Which Rotary Tool

Well, since my RAD hasn't subsided as I'd hoped I suppose I should probably start looking at some proper tools for restoration. Which rotary tool do you recommend? Thanks in advance, J.

the golden standard (and i mean golden because it ain't cheap) is a dremel. not sure about which model but i can suggest a few things:

make sure it has variable speed with the capability to go as slow as 5000RPM if not slower. most variables are 5000-30000/35000 RPM

there are corded and cordless models. personally i wouldn't go for the cordless because they are more expensive and...

you HAVE to get a flexishaft!!!!! no ifs, ands, or buts! the maneuvaribilty and control is priceless. (hence you don't need a cordless model since you won't be holding the actual unit anyway)

i bypassed the whole dremel route and opted for a Mastercraft rotary i got from CanadianTire for $50 (it was 50% off from $100 negular) came with a flexishaft and this pointless/flimsy stand you are supposed to hang it from while you use the flexishaft, aswell as a 100 piece kit with several sanding and grinding bits and buffing wheels.

the flexishaft for the dremel tool costs $30 alone. yeesh...

and you might want to know that the 1/2" felt buffing wheels from dremel cost $4 for 6 of them and the 1" felt buffing wheel from dremel costs $4 EACH (what was that Mr. Dremel? You want me to bend over how far?)

maybe you can find felt buffing wheels in bulk somewhere locally for cheap (i couldn't) but i ordered a whole bunch in soft and hard densities from a guy on ebay. 4 dozen for $20

personally i like the control i get with the 1/2" wheels but the 1" wheels cover more area so they'd be good for light polishing

You can get knockoff sets with flex shafts and variable speed for as little as $30 if you catch the right sale. I bought my Motomaster set used for $15CDN and been using it for about 4 years now, with great results.

Looking on ebay it seems the Foredom unit might be a step up from the dremel. Anybody have one of these?

Costs a lot of cash but its main use is for 2" radial bristle discs. They're more expensive but real pro stuff. Talk to Joe as he uses one. I'd like to have one but can't afford it now.

I have a Ryobi, i got it at lowes for around $50 with the flex shaft, stand and about 200 attachments.

My Mini mite Dremel tool died a while ago, looks like I'll be getting the new one ...

For anybody looking in the UK, B&Q do a good one. It has a flexible shaft and variable speed with many attachments, and fits all the dremel bits. I think it is about 30 pounds made by performance power, B&Q's own make, I believe.

My first Dremel purchase was one of their Li-Ion cordless models (10.8V), probably a couple years ago now. They must have had a bad batch over at the Canadian Tire because I returned 3 of them in a row due to the chargers not working at all. Needless to say I lost my trust in the battery powered idea and stepped up to the 400XPR. I cannot speak highly enough about this monster.

Fully adjustable between 5000-35000 rpm. If you get the kit, it comes with a slew of little toys and gadgets, including the flex shaft (which I highly recommend), cutting/sanding/polishing wheels, and pretty much anything else you need for resto.

Here's the one I picked up:

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/tools/ki...69673&KI=66247

Retails for about 180CAD...maybe 165USD? Worth every penny. Nevermind razor restoration, I can't tell you how many times I've pulled this thing out for projects I'm working on.