Thread: Dremel or "Rotary Tool", which one?

Last month for my birthday my son gave me a Dremel - unsolicited. It gives you the right to spend more money. There are so many attachments - sanders, cutters, polishers, router bits,........ I have also purchased the router base. The Dremel is about $89 and the router base not much different. Most bits seem to be just under $10 each, except for the router bits which can be around $29. The only real task it has been used for is to chamfer some frame and panel constructions. Did a great job. In the past I have used a borrowed trimmer. Compared to the Dremel the trimmer is heaver and more awkward to use. I would recommend the Dremel. However, you have not given any details on what you are going to use your rotary tool for.

Well primarily it will be used for small wood work, the first port of call being the inlays for my electric guitar. I'm splitting the cost with my dad as he wants to have a bit of use outta it as well.

Besides that im not quite sure what else at the current time it would be used for, but I think it will come in as a great finishing tool as it can buff as well, and to just to tiny things on my guitar not that I know of any at the moment lol.

But yeah definately need a router base. Saw one at bunnings and it was $92 or something... for a cheap all plastic thing... The one I have in mind atm from stew mac is alluminium and brass construction and the edge guide is the same (for around 120 aud, also comes with an air pump the alternate air pump nozel thing so you can hook it up to the router base and some little binding bit). BUT I have no idea how hard it would be to make a plexiglass baseplate to make doing the inlays a little easier.

ttys

I've got a Dremel and I LOVE it!!! The missus gave me one for Christmas 2 years ago. My tip would to go for the 10.8V (I think) lithium-ion cordless model (there is another alkaline cordless model I think, only goes upto 15,000rpm).

Before I had my own I borrowed my mate's 240V one, and found the cable got in the way occassionally. Being lithium-ion, the battery life is good and can be recharged at any time. I've got the flexible lead attachment which lets me get into tighter spots with it, and the plunge router attachment. Because its cordless, I've taken it out with me when I've raced remote control cars and stuff, and its very handy.

As a tip, when you are after genuine Dremel parts or attachments, give this guy a go. Mates and I have bought off him and his prices are very good:

http://search.ebay.com.au/_W0QQfgtpZ...thomasaxel1999

3 of my mates have seen me using mine, and have all gone out and grabbed one. I have told them all one thing: "You won't have a clue what you will use it for, but once you have it you won't be able to live without it".

Its my favourite tool......

Cheers.

Dremel is the one to go for, no doubt about it.

I have the corded one, plus a fixed-base and a plunge-base router stand, heaps of little wire brushes, sanding/shaping disks, drill, a few router bits -and even a mini circular saw.

Although I have several 1/2" routers, plus a smaller Makita trimmer, the Dremel is a very hand thing to have.

Also, its quality far outshines the replicas. As to the Ozito brand: well most of their stuff redefines the term "crap"

Go the real deal, corded.

Then buy a cheapy for all the bits and pieces and you score a simple handheld for free.

Got a cordless one, too much of a PITA when it goes flat and you want to finish the job. Plus the corded one never lacks power, and I think it's prolly better quality inside too. The cordless one has been fixed numerous times, but it's also 15 years old. Now runs at 12V (car battery) and isn't bad.

From the cheapies I got a flexible drive thing and heaps of cutoff wheels and bits. A small box full of the things. Gave the motor unit to dad and another one to a friend and still had enough bits left with them to keep them both happy.

Tis true, never know how you got by before you got one.

(I bought mine here with me from Oz. They go for over $200 around here. Even the knockoffs go for nearly $100.)

A corded Dremel and it's authentic flexible extension are the go. I had a cheap flexible drive and was given a proper "Dremel" one for chrissy... the difference was chalk to cheese. Well worth the extra pennies.

I can't say the same for the disposable bits (cutting wheels, etc) though, I find the cheap stuff has much the same life-span as brand-name stuff. It could be what I'm using 'em for though... just 'cos the Dremel's small doesn't mean I don't give it a good workout.

For Dremel bits, you should also check out Micromark in the US - they have heaps of Dremel & 'no name' accessories - just check that what you are looking at is marked as being 'Dremel' - always good for a price comparison with the local shop.

I have a Mk. 1 and a current corded Dremel plus a 3 volt & a 9.6 volt cordless. Some of the cheap cordless machines are as good or even better than Dremel - specially the ones that have a separate on/off and speed control.

I notice Dremel haven't brought their digital speed contolled unit to Oz yet either.

Dremels are the Swiss army Knives of Rotary tools. Use good tooling. DuraGrit are really good.

I've got the 10.v cordless. I had to buy an extra battery because they run out too quickly, but I use it on the road so need the convenience. For shed use, I would definitely get a corded model. Very handy bit of kit.
TM

I have 2 hand held 240 volt models. One a single speed that must be 30 years old and still working. A more modern version, that I bought after buying one for my daughter. And a 1/3rd HP flex drive model with interchangeable hand pieces and a really heavy cast iron foot control.

I've built up quite a collection of Dremel gear, all bought from http://www.mytoolstore.com.au/ - great prices and brilliant service.

- Michael

As above I have had a dremel for 30+ years none of new attachment fit, but it is still going as good as the day I bought it

G'Day!

Do you not get Proxxon in Oz? I used to have a Dremel but wasn't that impressed with the quality. The drill stand was very flimsy. It all went when my workshop was burgled when I was still in the UK. The Proxxon I replaced it with seems more like a professional tool whereas the Dremels seem more hobby orientated.

Cheers

Peter

My drill stand and router base are not as sturdy as they could be, but they were great in their time, Excellent for drilling PCB's.