I'm late to the party (it's been a busy week), but Harbor Freight is fine for consumables like drill bits, diamond burrs, sand paper, and so on, and they're also good for non-power tools, but the general opinion seems to be to stay away from anything containing a motor. On the other hand, they sell those Chicago Electric rotary tools for under $10, and the question is really, how long do you need it to last? What I usually do is to buy the cheap Harbor Freight tool, and if I wear it out, then that means I'm using it enough to justify getting an expensive good one somewhere else. But, a lot of tools, I've only used half a dozen times or so, and I'm glad to have saved the money.
I'd say a dremel is generally useful enough that it makes sense to pay a little more and get a real one, though.
So, I'm almost at my break even point! Should be some time next week!
By the way, the good news is I got the job and I'm officially full-time, probationary, permanent faculty. The bad news is that I'm teaching another completely new course, which I'm building as I go. So, not a lot of time to stop and smell the roses, but I'm having fun.
But I always bought top quality. I used tools daily. Even nightly! LOL And I'll be one to tell you... Craftsman sux. Just sayin that if it's going to be used just "occasionally", the Wen would likely be over kill for ya. Not to mention, WEN is an old, old USA company. Check out the back porch for a history link. Not really the top shelf greatest quality but not really junk either.
