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Question about Dremel tool.

C

CLock3

Gawd
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
898
Hello. I've been interested in getting a dremel lately, but I'm not sure what model to go with. I did a quick look around online, but it seems like a lot of them are wireless. Are the cordless ones just as powerful and such? Also, the only other thing is I'm only looking to spend around 20 to 30 dollars on one. Are there even any models for that cheap? The main reason I want one is I'm working on an older millenia mATX case to make it look a bit nicer, and I was planning on throwing a window on it, so I would have to cut the plastic side panel. But I figure now that I'm getting more into modding and what not a dremel is sort of a must have tool, haha. So if anyone knows a certain model or anything that would work out well for me in that price range, I'd greatly appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.
 
$20-30: Don't think so. I recall them starting from $50 or so. Maybe $80.

Cordless: Why bother with battery packs? Sure its handy... but unless they last you a while, you might end up with a hindrance.
 
I really don't think a cordless would have the same power as a corded model. I also wouldn't want to deal with dead batteries in the middle of a job and having to wait for them to recharge.

That said, check out Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=111&pricetype=

I was just there today and if I would have known that they have a corded model for $20 on sale I would have picked it up. I killed both a Dremel and a Craftsman (Dremel clone) doing some heavy grinding and if the cheap crap lasts almost as long as the expensive stuff then it's money well spent.

Don't forget the safety goggles (teh goggles, they actually DO do something!) since crap will go flying all over. I've had too many things fly in my eyes from not wearing safety glasses to want to have it happen again, and I already wear prescription glasses.
 
I have a 10-or-so year old Rotary tool which is basically the same thing as a dremel, its corded and works fine. Cordless is somewhat unnecessary, and it will be easy to just use a corded one, due to the probability of it being more powerful and less chance of fail.
 
Yeah, I would prefer corded anyways as like you all said, cordless just adds a bunch of things that can end up being annoying, and probably not give you power, but when I was searching, most results came up as cordless, so I wasn't sure if they were making the change to cordless being the main one now. Thanks for the info though. Oh, and also, would Dremel accessories, like extra bits and such, work with the Chicago brand tool? Thanks again.
 
As long as they have the same size (diameter) collet then yes. the accessories would work. I've found that many of the off-brand accessories work just as well if not better than the Dremel branded stuff and cost less than half as much. I especially like the fiber reinforced cutoff wheels - don't bother with the "stone" cutoff wheels since they break constantly.
 
IMO I would take a corded over a cordless. Also, if you have the chance I would try to ask someone to use their tool, whether it be a "rotary tool" or a Dremel, because personal preference is also a factor. An example of this is that you might like the way your hands fit on one tool more than another. Also, be sure to shop around.
 
Well, I have used one before. I used my brother-in-laws to cut a window previously in my current case. I believe he has the Craftsman rotary tool, but it's really nice. He had an extension for it as well which made the part you actually hold the size of like a pen, so it's real easy to use.
 
I have the pen attachment as well, but mine didn't come with instructions on how to put it together.
So it just sits there. For cutting things though, I feel like I would have more control holding the actual dremel rather than the wire.

If I was etching something, I wish I knew how to use the pen attachment part.

Also corded will save you lots of hassle. More power, and it won't run out of batteries :)
 
For ease of use for precision dremmeling in our workshop we used a corded variable speed thats plugged in and mounted to the ceiling. Then we have an 6 foot extension than can dangle down.

It's sometimes annoying because of the cable, but it sure beats having to hold onto a thick tube.
 
I stopped in Target earlier today and figured I would see what they had as long as I was there. Turned out to be a good idea. I ended up picking up a multi-speed rotary tool from there for 30 bucks. Seems pretty nice too. I haven't tested it out yet, but it's seems pretty good quality and has a bunch of accessories including the extension. It's Durabuilt brand. Not the greatest I'm sure, and definitely not a Dremel, but hey, for 30 bucks it's not bad at all. Here's a link to it. Not much details there, but you can see the whole kit.
 
MasterOfNone said:
...That said, check out Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=111&pricetype=

I was just there today and if I would have known that they have a corded model for $20 on sale I would have picked it up. I killed both a Dremel and a Craftsman (Dremel clone) doing some heavy grinding and if the cheap crap lasts almost as long as the expensive stuff then it's money well spent.
Click to expand...

Just for future reference, I picked up one of those Harbor Freight rotary tools. Complete junk! I used it to cut off some 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8" aluminum angle and a bit of sanding....lasted maybe a total of 15 minutes use before it started slipping and burning out the insides. I don't think it has a solid shaft from the motor to the output shaft, but rather a rubber coupling. At least that's what it smelled like when the output shaft would stop rotating and the motor was still spinning. And it ran quite hot. I took it back and got my money back.

I probably will get another Dremel since I still have the wand attachment and a few other specialized accessories that I wouldn't want to have to re-buy because I switched brands.
 
i had a cordless dremel about 2 years ago, it was crap. Battery lasted 4 minutes max, took some REDICULOUS amount of time to charge (5 plus hours). Corded ones won't run out of power, and usually have a lot more torque.
 
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