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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    498

    Default Reliable Dremel Alternative, What Are The Options?

    I have had two Dremels, the first needed repair in the first few months and my 4000 lasted a year and a half of occasional use. The 4000 seemed to get hot no matter what you were doing with it and as it was purchased on an OS holiday I have no warranty.

    Like my first one it's max speed dropped then died completely, the first was a connection issue and the second has two winding that are open circuit but there seems to be another issue too.

    So, I want something for power carving wood and if possible has the option of using Dremel size bits.

    Does anyone use anything better than a Dremel?

    I was looking at a Metabo electric Die Grinder but it is quite large for day to day use and bit selection would be limited.

    Cheers ladies and gents.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    6,127

    Default

    Find one that runs on air; no electronics to cr@p out and the pencil grinders are absolutely tiny.

    You can pick them up on ebay for $30 with free shipping pencil grinder | eBay
    ...or you can drop $800 for an Ingersoll Rand that'll still be around to hand down to your grandkids

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    498

    Default

    Compressor motor, cut out switch, draining tank, reg/water sep/oiler or die grinder motor and speed controller?

    I have an oilless compressor but it is a bit low on flow, I also find air tool pretty annoying as if you use them at high speed for long periods you really need a glove to stop your hand getting stupidly cold. If I did go that way I'd go a Shinano unit and a new compressor but people that do head porting seem to use electric now and that would be the only other thing I would ever use such a tool for.

    I like the look of the Fein unit but it seems to be over $1000 for a die grinder, for now I remembered my old GMC spiral saw used the same size bits as my dremel so I am using that where possible but I see a Hitachi or Metabo die grinder in my future. I have had a few beers so this may make no sense.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    4,470

    Default

    Have a look here Foredom Electric Co.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Townsville, Tropical North Qld.
    Age
    76
    Posts
    556

    Default

    I have the Foredom and it came with a US plug which I just changed it out for an 230V aussie plug and its all good. There is possibly a lower voltage version (110V) avail so if you buy one just make sure it's the higher voltage machine. I have a dremel as well but was never happy with it and dont use it at all now I have the foredom. I bought mine when the dollar was over par and it might be more economical to buy locally now due to freight costs.
    Hope you find what you need.
    Cheers, Ian
    "The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot.. it can't be done.
    If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run.
    And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better"

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    McBride BC Canada
    Posts
    3,543

    Default

    Dremel makes a flex-shaft, hanging motor unit that looks a lot like a Foredom.
    Several in the rustic furnture shop down my street, I never hear complaints.
    I know that they will carve for days at a time with those.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    San Antonio, Texas, USA
    Posts
    3,070

    Default

    +1 for Foredom - really strong machines with lots of great accessories.
    Innovations are those useful things that, by dint of chance, manage to survive the stupidity and destructive tendencies inherent in human nature.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    498

    Default

    Thanks guys, any idea how much power you lose through the shaft or do they have a max speed limit?

    I have a couple of Dremel flex shafts, the first one was garbage and I haven't used the second one, it just came in the kit.


    I know this will probably sound stupid but I really like making stuff and I'm not terrible at fibreglassing, my dad is a retired electrician and a friend has a couple of metal lathes and a CNC machine at home. A brushless RC car motor, a flex coupling(to reduce radial load on the motor), a speed controller and a mini chuck would probably make something useable. Then again it would probably cost the same as a cheap Foredom but I would like to avoid using a flex shaft if I can.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    McBride BC Canada
    Posts
    3,543

    Default

    Problem that I see is that for more hand-held power, you wind up with more motor in your hand.

    I confess that I have done a lot of rough-out carving with a RotoZip.
    One bit, no accessories at all and the depth adjustment is a POS.
    That thing, at 30,000rpm, is a big handful to hang onto.
    Did the job but I was quite nervous, all the time.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    San Antonio, Texas, USA
    Posts
    3,070

    Default

    The Foredom I have will turn 24k r.p.m. if I'm remembering correctly. The flex shaft of the Foredom vibrates a lot less than does a Dremel motor held in the hand. It has an additional advantage in that the handpiece doesn't get hot. The Foredom flex shaft has a quick disconnect feature allowing rapid handpiece changes. The Foredom will also turn burrs with 1/4" shafts allowing the use of die-grinder burrs, a feature I've found very useful. The desk-top and foot operated speed controls are extremely handy as well. The motor is 1/6 H.P. but it has enough torque that I've never had problems with it bogging, even when I use it to turn a 2.5" diameter flap wheel.
    Innovations are those useful things that, by dint of chance, manage to survive the stupidity and destructive tendencies inherent in human nature.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Kew, Vic
    Posts
    1,064

    Default

    Uber,
    i have a Dremel for light work, but use a Proxxon where I need a bit more. Proxxonworld.com.au has a range of gear depending on your particular use. I have the IBS/E (Professional drill/grinder IBS/E (220-240V) | Proxxon World) which I use with the micro-plunge super-accrate router base from microfence.com for routing channels for inlay banding.

    That said, I've looked at a lot of reviews of the Foredom units and they seem to be much loved in professional shops.

    Good hunting!

    Brian

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    498

    Default

    I did look at that model but with a third less power than my Dremel.......had, it would have to have mountains of torque to be useful to me.

    I am going to join the two segments on my Dremel's com so that should get me a bit more power and torque back.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Minbun, FNQ, Australia
    Age
    66
    Posts
    12,881

    Default

    I got a Foredom from Chippingaway in Canada.

    They have a 240v model, I am very happy with it.

    Foredom Carving Power Tools Archives - ChippingAway
    Cliff.
    If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Kew, Vic
    Posts
    1,064

    Default

    Can't speak for the numbers, but I find the Proxxon can do a lot that my Dremel 4000 can't.

    Amazon's review says: "The Proxxon Professional Grinder is the smoothest and most powerful hand held rotary tool we have ever tested. The quality of this tool is exceptional. This tool has features not found on other rotary tools."

    Brian

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    498

    Default

    Thanks for the replies gents but I had a look at the Milwaukee and like it for the money but thought it was odd that it was made in Germany so I thought I'd try to work out if it was just a re-badged Metabo and I spotted this- Product catalogue accessories handheld powertools - Products - Metabo Australia - Power tools built by professionals for professionals
    Metabo make flex shafts to fit their die grinders and routers so I think that seals it for me, the price is similar to the Foredom but it is more powerful and for me, more useful.

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