Dremel Tool Help

C

candlelight001

Joined
Jun 3, 2008
Messages
764
Not sure if this is off topic. Considering getting a dremel tool to facilitate sheathmaking, contouring handles, other projects around the house. No idea where to start in terms of figuring out what to buy. Cheaper is better. Any suggestions?
 
Search " Dremel tool" on ebay. That's where I got mine. While I ended up getting a new one, at the time there were several used ones listed too, priced accordingly.
 
Variable speed is a nice addition to a dremel.

Saying that, I also believe that if you get a dremel that has only three speeds instead of say ten, I think you will be okay.

Bosche makes a good dremel, but it might be a little more expensive than you are looking for.
 
You may also want to look into one of the Craftsman branded ones. I bought one used years ago and it came with the flexcord attachment and a rheostat type speed control so you could fine tune the speed from nearly stopped up to the max (10k RPM IIRC). It has lasted a good decade or so since then floating between myself and a couple friends as whoever can use it is more than welcome to it if they need it.
I'd suggest also getting a collet set so that you can swap them out to fit different sized attachments, mine came with a set and they have been a lifesaver. It also keeps you from being limited to one manufacturers attachments.
 
They also have a small cordless one that I really like for real fine work.
 
Just don't be cutting hardened steel or Ti for "sustained" amounts of time. Mine started making funky smells. Reese Weiland said that was the insulation burning up :eek:

He told me to buy a Foredom.
 
there are some out there with more torque than the dremel brand. ryobi is one if i remember correctly. you might check. i have the sears brand which is about 14 years old and luckily still going.
 
I may be speaking heresy here, but i use a harbor freight variable speed model. It only cost me 20 bucks and came with a few attachments. It does well for what I use it for, buffing small areas and removing rust in hard to reach places. It's been working well for over a year. If it breaks or doesn't work well for some other purpose, I'm only out 20 bucks.
 
Love my Craftsman. Got it during one of Sears' frequent sales. It takes the same tools and attachments as a Dremel.

Enjoy whatever you chose!
 
A Dremel is basically a small die grinder with the advantage of a myriad of attachments and cutters/polisher/grinders. It is good for light work. It's easier to handle than a proper die grinder since it's usually smaller although I have a smaller air driven die grinder. Most die grinders have a 1/4" collett, so there is a large assortment of larger (than Dremel) accessories. A terrific tool, but lots more expensive is a Foredom. Variable speed motor hung from overhead with a flex-shaft. 1/4" collett and a very large choice of accessories.
 
richard j said:
there are some out there with more torque than the dremel brand. ryobi is one if i remember correctly. you might check. i have the sears brand which is about 14 years old and luckily still going.
Click to expand...

You are correct that the Ryobi has more torque than the Dremel or Craftsman that I believe is made by Dremel. My Ryobi finally gave out unfortunately and my son took it apart. I wish I could get another as I like it better than the Dremel and it was less expensive. However, I don't believe Ryobi makes them anymore.

Paul
 
I often use my Dremel with a flex shaft. Much more control of the bits that way. I also put on a screw chuck to replace the collets. This gives me a LOT more size variation on the burrs I can use without having to change collets to fit.

Stitchawl
 
I have had a Dremel for many years as well as a Foredom high speed (up to 22,000 rpm) bench grinder with a flexible shaft attachment.

A while back I also got a Foredom hanging unit (like used by jewelers).

Foredom is more heavy duty than Dremel.

The Dremel I have, while there is a built in sliding rheostat, has a low speed of a few thousand rpm. That is TOO FAST for many things like sanding or rust removal from small areas.

For some things the hanging Foredom is FAR better and for some things NOT having the flexible shaft is an advantage (like cleaning my motorcycle wheels).

As Bill DeShivs mentioned, getting a sewing machine foot pedal is a good idea. They show up sometimes at our "transfer station" and I have been using one with my Foredom flex shaft. It works great and can be used as slowly as desired. I found for a lot of things, slow IS good.

Peter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top