Thread: Looking to buy a dremel, but what model?

Originally Posted by Denno

What is this?

And I am cool for now. I am not bouing anything in a haste.

Here it is. Looks like a good option.

do NOT buy the battery drivel dremel. it sucks. lower speed, less power, and the damn thing dies after 10 minutes of solid work.

a cord is irritating, sure, but your sanity is worth the price of an extension cord.

Actually, my vote goes for a Foredom. I have enjoyed mine so much more than the 3 previous Dremel's I wore out....... including a battery operated one...........

http://cgi.ebay.com/Foredom-Flex-Shaft-Jewelers-Kit-2230-SR-motor-NEW_W0QQitemZ230325275647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item230325275647&_trksid=p3286.c 0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|24 0%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

Have fun,

Lynn

The reason that I strongly recommend the 4486 chuck is because the collet that comes standard on most Dremels will only hold a very limited size of bit. The chuck fixes this. That way you can use it for bits with 1/32" to 1/8" shanks. For me the 1/16 drill bit was important for pinning. All without have to purchase or swap out collets.

Another attachment (if you can call it that) I have recently purchased and has changed the game for me is the Dremel Drill Press. What a great idea, and a must have in my shop since I don't have any other major power wood working tools.

Check it out:
Dremel Drill Press Attachment

The Foredom is a pro quality tool. Here is their website with the different models. I don't have one yet but I have thought of getting one. My old dremel is still kicking but if I ever did get into restoration I would go for one of the Foredoms with the flex shaft and the 1/3 hp motor.

I don't really rate the Dremels much - they all seem underpowered and a bit cheaply made - even the digital one I have at the moment. The drill-press attachment is a bit of a plastic joke too - I reckon I can drill freehand better than that thing holds the Dremel - and I've tightened everything with gritted teeth fearing I would hear something snap! Maybe mine has a touch of Parkinson's though (trying to be fair and even-handed here!).

And don't get me started on the planer attachment - it chews up hardwoods like palmira like a ravenous pig with three teeth. The chuck is great though - a well thought out thing (but why did it take so long to appear - how long have chucks been about?).

Mine does have one good point, though - I like the tuneful noise it makes as it labours up and down trying valiantly but unsuccessfully to keep the torque even.

The Foredom sounds interesting...

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

The Foredom is a pro quality tool. Here is their website with the different models. I don't have one yet but I have thought of getting one. My old dremel is still kicking but if I ever did get into restoration I would go for one of the Foredoms with the flex shaft and the 1/3 hp motor.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

I don't really rate the Dremels much - they all seem underpowered and a bit cheaply made - even the digital one I have at the moment. The drill-press attachment is a bit of a plastic joke too - I reckon I can drill freehand better than that thing holds the Dremel - and I've tightened everything with gritted teeth fearing I would hear something snap! Maybe mine has a touch of Parkinson's though (trying to be fair and even-handed here!).

And don't get me started on the planer attachment - it chews up hardwoods like palmira like a ravenous pig with three teeth. The chuck is great though - a well thought out thing (but why did it take so long to appear - how long have chucks been about?).

Mine does have one good point, though - I like the tuneful noise it makes as it labours up and down trying valiantly but unsuccessfully to keep the torque even.

The Foredom sounds interesting...

Regards,
Neil

I have the XPR400 and it seems to have a good bit of power and infinitely variable speed control from 5K to 20K. If I need a really big hammer then I get out my RotoZip

The Foredom looks like a pro tool. but... I wonder who the marketing genius was that came up with the product name . I mean really. "Heh, I got a dremel, what do you have?" "Ummm, I have a foredom... It's really good. No really, it's a quality tool"

I've been using a Dremel for decades, my current one is a 400XPR. The only attachments that I use are the plunge router (I use it more as a shaper table and drill press) and flex shaft.

I also reach for a RotoZip RZ20 w flex shaft when I need more power.

Has anyone used the Cordless 8000 with the LI Ion Battery? The reviews say that it has the same power and speed as the corded models. Anyone know how long the battery lasts?

Thanks