Thread: Buying a Dremel

I have been using a Ryobi speed saw to "work" on blades but the speed cannot be controlled and it is way to fast. I have read wonders about the Dremel tool and I would like to buy one. Doing my research I found the reviews for the 400 XPR series are not all that great. The question is what would be a good kit to buy?

Al raz.

I get good service from my 400 XPR. When more power is needed I use a RotoZip RZ20 with a flexshaft. The Dremel does ok for what it's designed for. I still have an old model Dremel, about 15 years old, that still works fine.

I use Dremel more often than the RotoZip.

Here's what Lynn's been using: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tml#post327623

Sure that is the mother of all Dremel tools but I was thinking of something that would fit my already depleted razor related stuff budget. If I were a pro in restorations, I would have no hesitation with this one. I have been looking at several alternatives:

This one is sturdy and economical but it does not have a flex shaft or variable speeds. I can buy the dremel polishing kit to use with it for $12.

Walmart.com: Black & Decker 3 Speed RTX Rotary Tool (Model# RTX-B) : Home Improvement

This one is probably discontinued, it is Dremel brand and it has both variable speed and flex shaft. Probably hard to find too.

Walmart.com: Dremel Variable Speed MultiPro with Flex-Shaft: null

This one is a has lots of bits, variable speed but no flex shaft and it is Dremel.

Dremel 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit - 400-3/70H at The Home Depot

and finally, this one which does not have as many bits but has the flex shaft (not shown in this description) and variable speeds by Dremel.

Dremel at Lowe's: 55-Piece Rotary Tool Kit

This one has variable speed and flex shaft but it is not a 400 series.

DREMEL 3956-02 MultiPro Rotary Tool Kit Type 6 (Variable Speed Comfort Grip, Garden Sharpener, Flex-Shaft, Two Clamps, 77 Accesessories, Mid-Size Window Case) | AceToolOnline.com

I found these 2 that are not Dremel brands but could be good as well.

Cosmeticmall.com, Shop the Beauty Superstore - Make Up, Cosmetics, Skin Care, Hair Care, Fragrances, Tools, Men, Gifts. Beauty Tips and Free Samples at the Cosmetic Mall.

Rotary Tool Kit, 41 piece # RTKUL by Buffalo Tool

245-Pc. Rotary Tool Kit | Grinders + Stands | Northern Tool + Equipment

Probably my struggle here is that there seem to be too many brands and combinations and I just do not know where to skimp. The question are:

Is the brand Dremel so superior that it is worth the difference in price?

Is the flex shaft something that people workI just do not want to Iing with razors would benefit from?

Would a rotary tool with fixed speeds be useful or the advantage of having variable speeds outweigh the higher cost?

I just would like to avoid buying another useless tool ;-). Your help in selecting my tool would be greatly appreciated.

Al raz.

I was at Lowes about a week ago and saw a Dremel 400XPR package like the one in your Lowes link (same storage box) that also included a flexshaft. I think they were on sale, too. I remember thinking, "I wish mine had come with the flexshaft".

Is the brand Dremel so superior that it is worth the difference in price?

I haven't really tried the other rotary tools in the same application/power category as the Dremel. I've been happy with the Dremels I have. You do need to check the contact brushes occasionally, but that's normal maintenance with any tool that has replaceable brushes. I've used my older Dremel so much that the brushes were replaced at least twice.

Is the flex shaft something that people workI just do not want to Iing with razors would benefit from?

For fine detail work the flexshaft is useful.

Would a rotary tool with fixed speeds be useful or the advantage of having variable speeds outweigh the higher cost?

IMO, variable speeds are a must for working with different materials and cutters/bits.

I really don't see how you could do work on a razor without a flex shaft. To me its much too clumsy as you get down towards the ends and edge of the razor. The flex shaft just makes things much easier and safer. Also the variable speeds are a must if you do polishing and grinding and sanding.

Hi Alraz!

Before you take the plunge, make a mental note of all the things you want/expect a dremel to do. In my opinion (and its only my opinion) there isn't much that a dremel can do that you cannot do by hand, and if you add a variable speed buffing tool you can far exceed what the dremel can offer.

I've had various incarnations of dremels and many other dremel clones over the years - the dremels have lasted longest (apart from one - a Como with a variable speed transformer) but none of them have lived up to my expectations - magic bullets they are not! (Once again, not to offend anyone, it's only my opinion though!).

Regards,
Neil

+1 what Neil said, I have a couple of Dremels with lots of extra's, They're great, no doubt. I've used mine many times, but for razors, I sand by hand, maybe use a little homemade jig, but for buffing, I have a variable speed buffer/grinder. If I didn't have a garage or workshop and lived in an Apt. I would use the Dremel for restoration. I like the buffer/grinder because it goes down to 2000 rpm's. The Dremel's lowest speed is 5000, kinda high for razor polishing.
I was at Lowe's last weekend and they had a Delta Buffer/Grinder with variable speed on sale for 64 bucks, I think. If you think might be getting into restoration, I think they're a must....