Help need Dremel suggestions.....

[Kentastic]

I've been needing a Dremel (or other hand held rotary tool) for quite awhile now, but now that I've gotten into bottom feeders and there is such a lack of bottom feeding atomizers available I'm really going to need one to convert some top feeders (and misc other things).

So I'm asking for ECF's opinions and suggestions. I don't want to spend $200+ on a top of the line model rotary tool, but I'd like to get something that has variable speeds and is not going to break on me in 2 weeks. Should I get a Dremel? I'm probably going with corded because most of the stuff I'll be doing is at a desk or workbench. I've been warned against getting the latest Dremel 4200 due to it's numerous problems. Opinions and/or suggestions? Some other brand? is it better to just buy a cheap tool from Harbor freight and use it until it breaks then buy another one or spend the money on a nice brand? Starter kit or buy the accessories separately? Alternative brands? Must have accessories when I get one?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[pwheeler]

Buy the Dremel. I have one, variable speed with flex shaft attachment, a variety of bits, and I think it was around 50 bucks at Wally world. Buy extra tubes of abrasive cutting discs, and also a replacement chuck. Mine went bad and I had to buy another chuck.

 

[canoeist]

I need one too. For the same reason. I tore 2 cyclone clones apart today but will probably cut a channel in the insulator for those. Looks dirt simple (famous last words, eh?).

 

[RattlerX]

I have had two knockoff brands that did not last. The variable speed switch keeps giving out. Get the Dremel model and save yourself some headaches in the long run.

 

[glasseye]

I have the variable speed rotary tool from harbor freight, it's $22.99. It's not bad. Usually I buy the universal chuck so I'm not messing around with different collets, but I haven't for this one, just the Dremels. Should fit, not 100% sure.

 

[EagleTa2]

I second the flex shaft... I have one on my craftsman variable speed Drexel and I use it almost exclusively.

I don't know if I would recommend that brand now... but mine is 20 years old. Their power tools just arent what they used to be IMO.

Thanks
Geo

 

[supertrunker]

Dremel.

That faffing with collets is a major nightmare. No 1/16" one on a cheapo, whereas my dremel has one like a drill chuck - fits anything up to 1/4".

If you have to mess with SS, and i'm sure you will (brass is so soft you can drill it with a hand-drill), then get a decent tool and some good drill bits. If you are just using a cutting wheel then it's easier, but not foolproof and maybe consider a drill press - wives love them

T

 

[Ryedan]

I've been needing a Dremel (or other hand held rotary tool) for quite awhile now, but now that I've gotten into bottom feeders and there is such a lack of bottom feeding atomizers available I'm really going to need one to convert some top feeders (and misc other things).

So I'm asking for ECF's opinions and suggestions. I don't want to spend $200+ on a top of the line model rotary tool, but I'd like to get something that has variable speeds and is not going to break on me in 2 weeks. Should I get a Dremel? I'm probably going with corded because most of the stuff I'll be doing is at a desk or workbench. I've been warned against getting the latest Dremel 4200 due to it's numerous problems. Opinions and/or suggestions? Some other brand? is it better to just buy a cheap tool from Harbor freight and use it until it breaks then buy another one or spend the money on a nice brand? Starter kit or buy the accessories separately? Alternative brands? Must have accessories when I get one?

Dremel makes good machines. I started building and flying model airplanes about 40 years ago. I'm 57. Dremel makes various versions of their rotary tools. I bought a cheap version a long time back and it finally broke last year. I also do renos on the house and for friends and family and I appreciate having a good rotary tool for that as well.

I bought a 4000 series Dremel kit to replace the first one for about $100 up here in Canada. It does all my small jobs (e-cigs and model airplane stuff) with total ease and when I need to remove bath tub drain plumbing that I can't unscrew, or cut out a toilet closet flange I use it to grind through that too.

IMO if you are never going to push the Dremel, you don't need to pay the extra for the bigger, tougher model. OTOH, once you have a good one, I think you'll find more uses for it than you ever thought about before. And if you don't, it will last you forever

 

[kinggirl]

I bought my dremel on amazon. They have kits with everything ranging from $50 to $75. Much cheaper than home depot's prices for the same models.

 

[Chowderhead1972]

Yup... Amazon for the win. I got two cordless dremels from them, stylus and 8200. The stylus is awesome for this type of stuff; very smooth and precise. I never cared for the noise of the corded models. The 8200 now 8220 is good all around but get the one that comes with 2 batteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-8220-2-28-12-Volt-Cordless/dp/B008DRY5AS/ref=sr_1_13?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1400854209&sr=1-13&keywords=dremel+rotary

 

[kingdal]

Just a quick question. Assuming ou have good bits, is a dremel suitable for drilling holes in stainless steel? Thought I read somewhere that drilling ss needs slow rpm. Isnt a dremel's minimum speed too fast?

 

[Woody_]

I was in simular dillema,but instead of buying Dremel,I bought Proxxon.
Dremel was great back in days, but now they are assembled in Mexico and parts are from China, and quality isn't as it use to be.

Proxxon is made in Germany/Luxembourg,and claimed by users to have less problems then Dremel. (no overheating problems,sustain power when at pressure,etc.)

Anyway,I use my Proxxon IBS/E for long period and it works just perfect,so I can recommend it with all my heart.

 

[zoiDman]

I think a Cordless Variable Speed Dremel Brand Dremel with one of these Puppies on it the Only way to go.

Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck - Power Rotary Tool Accessories - Amazon.com

It's kinda one of those Tool Combinations that I Couldn't Imagine going thru life without.

 

[NickCA]

Yup... Amazon for the win. I got two cordless dremels from them, stylus and 8200. The stylus is awesome for this type of stuff; very smooth and precise. I never cared for the noise of the corded models. The 8200 now 8220 is good all around but get the one that comes with 2 batteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-8220-2-28-12-Volt-Cordless/dp/B008DRY5AS/ref=sr_1_13?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1400854209&sr=1-13&keywords=dremel+rotary

Stupid question, but, for purposes of converting a non-BF atty to a BF, what is the difference between a handheld dremel - like the one linked - and a just a regular, battery powered drill?

 

[Rev. Stabard]

I was in simular dillema,but instead of buying Dremel,I bought Proxxon.
Dremel was great back in days, but now they are assembled in Mexico and parts are from China, and quality isn't as it use to be.

Proxxon is made in Germany/Luxembourg,and claimed by users to have less problems then Dremel. (no overheating problems,sustain power when at pressure,etc.)

Anyway,I use my Proxxon IBS/E for long period and it works just perfect,so I can recommend it with all my heart.

I've got a Proxxon as well. The selling point for me was that the Dremel I was looking at had a minimum RPM of 10,000. The Proxxon goes down to 5,000 RPM. Handy when you need it.

 

[EagleTa2]

Stupid question, but, for purposes of converting a non-BF atty to a BF, what is the difference between a handheld dremel - like the one linked - and a just a regular, battery powered drill?

The difference is shaft speed NickCA. A dremel at its lowest setting will be much to fast to drill stainless. You will burn up 1/16" drill bits in a heartbeat. On the other hand, a cutoff wheel in your drill will be way too slow to cut a groove in a center pin. The dremel has the speed to get it done.

If you're really looking to covert TF attys to B, a drill press with a vise on it is the way to go. Will allow you to drill the center pin at slow speed and accurately. You can also use the drill press to drill juice feed holes in the posts and enlarge or drill additional holes in the top caps.

Now, if I only had a lathe I could make my own attys

Thanks
Geo

 

[Ryedan]

I bought my dremel on amazon. They have kits with everything ranging from $50 to $75. Much cheaper than home depot's prices for the same models.

That works great if you're in the US, it's not that cheap for us Canucks

 

[Ryedan]

Just a quick question. Assuming ou have good bits, is a dremel suitable for drilling holes in stainless steel? Thought I read somewhere that drilling ss needs slow rpm. Isnt a dremel's minimum speed too fast?

I would not try drilling holes in SS with a Dremel. They don't have much power, specially at low speed. I'm fortunate in having a drill press so it's not an issue for me. If I didn't have a drill press I would try a hand held electric drill. Best deal there is to put the steel in a vise, get as stable footing as you can, keep from spinning the drill too fast, push appropriately hard and back off when you sense the drill starting to break through.

 

[Ryedan]

Stupid question, but, for purposes of converting a non-BF atty to a BF, what is the difference between a handheld dremel - like the one linked - and a just a regular, battery powered drill?

The Dremel type machines spin fast and don't have much power. Electric drills are the opposite. If you're drilling something soft like brass or aluminum, the Dremel is fine for small holes. The harder/tougher the material is the slower you want to spin the drill and the harder you want to push on it. The last scenario is not the best application for a Dremel, but it can be done if you accommodate the tool appropriately.

 

[zoiDman]

Yeah... When drilling SS or any "Hard" Metal Alloy you need Torque vs High RPM.

You also need the Work Piece/Drill to be Very Ridgid. And it Helps to use Good Drills and Coolant. Especialy when Drilling Small Diameter holes that are 2 Time Deeper than their Diameter.