Thread: Dremel advice required

I can't tell you what to buy, but I recently bought the Li ion model. (I work mainly on site, so I thought it would be a good idea). It only comes wi 1 battery and it doesn't last long enough, so my advice is don't buy the cordless model. (takes 3 hours to recharge???!!!).
cheers
TM

I have the original variable speed corded model, but with the long flexi shaft extension.

I debated long about getting a cordless - the cord would not be a pain when getting into this and that nook. However I reasoned that I would want to use it as a fine cut-off saw for steel and I was not confident about the power of a battery model in this regard, and/or the battery's ability to sustain the demand for power under such conditions.

I do wish still that the machine did not have a cord (it is not really that bad), but other than that it has worked flawlessly for about 18 months, the time in which I have had it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Go with mains power & a flex shaft. Check carefully as some seem to come with the 'universal' chuck & some come with the interchangeable collet chuck. IIRC you need the collet chuck to fit the flex shaft to the tool, but you can fit the universal chuck on either the tool or flex shaft. The 'drill press' add-on is well worth the money as it will support the Dremel as a 'pendant drill' with the flex shaft, as a drill press, and as a third set of hands when you need to manipulate the job, not the Dremel.

MicroMark in the US sell a lot of Dremel accessories - some genuine & some 'will fit' - www.micromark.com.

I ran a single speed mains unit for years till the silicon shaft coupler died. Still have it and will repair (parts readily available). Bought a 400 kit at the working with wood show last year, a bit cheaper than the price you have listed. Its a comprehensive kit, and the speed control systemis a constant speed one with 1000RPM steps, not the earlier SCR system that varies with load.
I have also added the plunge router base and drill press and can now use it for all light load tasks. I figure that it is very good value for a small tool.
I also dabbled with an Aldi kit for a while, but took it to work for a job and it was badly abused by others and suffered. The 400 kit is the better machine and better deal long term.

I have the basic model and I'm happy with it, considering it a good buy for the price I paid and I wouldn't want to be without it now, but... at 10,000 RPM it's too damned fast for many small jobs that it'd otherwise be perfect for.

eg. I've tried sanding the bottoms of goblets, etc. that I've turned and even with the smallest diameter sanding drum it chars the wood if I stay in the same spot for a millisecond. or two

The 5,000 RPM of the 400 series may still be a tad fast, but it's way better than 10,000, eh? The digital readout is a pretty useless gizmo IMHO, but the extra few Watts of power over the 300 series and the ability to run slower is well worth the extra pennies. To my mind, anyway. I gotta admit that I'd prefer it if it ran off mains though...

(If/when mine finally dies, can you guess what I'll be buying as a replacement? )

I had a mains powered variable speed and was happy and then bought a flexible shaft and was even happier.
You can always take the flex shaft off if you have a job that it is not suitable for doing.
The flex shaft is lighter and nicer to hold and a lot easier to get in deep, great for porting cylinder heads.

Bunnings sell an acessories kit for around $20 (red plastic with clear lid) that has cutoff wheels, buffers, drills, grinder and sandpaper that is much better value than buying dremel acessories.

So my vote goes for the $139 kit

Seems like the consensus is to go for a corded model with flexi shaft so I'll do some shopping around for the best price on a 300 or 400 series. I've previously used an old cordless Dremel multi-tool at work and it was always frustrating when the internal battery died but at least it would run off mains while it recharged, not sure if this is an option with the Li-Ion model.

cheers

Acolyte

I have had my dremel for over 30 years, Model is not listed now.I would use it at least once a week for so many light jobs.It has a universal chuck so I can change collets, I get used dentist drills etc from my dentist free,I buy the cut off disc from hong kong and I cannot see the difference from a dremel model. I think all there products are good but the prices for the accessories are very expensive.Good luck with your choice and keep posting as I fear I may have to look at a new one.