Best Dremel/Rotary Tool

[Widgeon]

What is the best Dremel tool or similar. I have been casually looking at them and hoping to find a used one at yard sale. But I have a immediate need and going to buy one this weekend. Any recommendations. Dremel or was looking at the Milwaukee M12 tool as well, but that might be to big to be precise?

Is the basic Dremel corded 200 series adequate for around the house, some reviews say under powered?

 

[toplessHO]

corded Dremel is fine
I have one from the 60s
as well as a newer one
also picked up a knockoff brand that had the cable drive
very handy when you re in a tight spot.

 

[jfranci3]

I have the m12 tool. it's fine, but you may want the remote wand for true precision with either.

 

[the gypsy]

I find the Milwaukee m12 a better tool than the dremel and needless to say it is cordless. I find the dremels to be under powered.

 

[jfranci3]

Downsides of the m12 tool that may or may not be on the dremel -
1) the 1/8" collet may be a tad undersized on my unit. It is tighter than it should be.
2) The attachment ring is plastic in a bad way. I worry about crossthreading.
3) the weight is on the rear, but it is consistent unlike a corded tool which can snag.

Positives - I obviously uses Dremel bits, but also the attachments. It is more powerful than the bits so you need to worry about overheating your work, but not power.

 

[Ziploc]

I've tried both high end cordless Dremel and the cordless M12 Milwaukee one. Essentially they're the same. However, the Dremel had a built in stop feature. So the motor doesn't free wheel after you switch it off. Which I think is a really nice feature. The M12 doesn't have that feature.

However, I have lots of M12 batteries. So I gifted the Dremel to my mother.

 

[IndyGarage]

In my opinion Dremel brand tools aren't all that good.

I had a Ryobi one that was the best corded I've used. I used it so much it finally burned up.

I once had a Rotozip that had a flex cable attached to it that was really nice because it had about 4x the power of a dremel, but the flex cable broke fairly quickly and I never replaced it.

My main rotary tool these days is the Milwaukee M12 tool, and it is very convenient for taking to the work.

I've been eyeing those Foredom flex cable hanging tools, but they are pretty expensive - I notice Dremel has a bit cheaper but similar tool.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

Buy a corded Dremel to start. You won't be sorry. Move up to cordless if you want later. I have bought / acquired 5 of them. Still have 3 .. wish I could find one that's in the house somewhere. You can find used in great condition at estate sales. Also add to the bits/insert tools that way on the cheap and some are barely used or new in the box.

 

[ritestuff]

A Foredom is a Ferrari and a Dremel is a rusty bicycle with 2 flat tires. Using a Foredom tool once will open your eyes as to exactly how bad the Dremel junk is.

 

[ssdave]

A Foredom is a Ferrari and a Dremel is a rusty bicycle with 2 flat tires. Using a Foredom tool once will open your eyes as to exactly how bad the Dremel junk is.

I own both. I worked as a manufacturing bench jeweler for 7 years; so am quite familiar with use of a Foredom.

I use a Dremel tool a lot, compared to the Foredom. It is portable, light, and extremely handy. The Foredom is more or less fixed in place, heavy, industrial and in general an excellent tool. Both have their place. I'd compare them more as a Ford F-250 4x4 compared to a Chevy Impala. Both quite nice and useful for what they are intended for, but they don't have similar purposes, although their usage can overlap.

I've tried other small corded tools, but always return to the Dremel. I use the higher end corded ones with multi speed and chuck instead of collets so I don't have to change collets to change tool sizes. I have a holder with a couple hundred different tips and tools in it that I use routinely.

The Dremels don't last forever; they're an expendable. I typically replace mine about every 2 years; they burn up eventually if you use them a lot and use them hard. I do both of those things. But, so do all the other small tools. The bigger ones last longer, but they're not handy to use. Dremel has hit the sweet spot balancing size, usability, power and longevity.

When I have industrial level grinding or polishing to do, I use the Foredom. But, I use the Dremel primarily with damascus cutoff wheels to cut hardened steel, shorten drill bits, cut off nails, grind small items, and polish inside small things where you can't get to with a buffer.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

SS Dave
Thanks for rescuing me on the Dremels. Could not have said it better. Was and ho train hobbiest an used Dremels almost daily for years. I still have my late uncle's corded one. Have not burnt one out yet!

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Another vote for the M12. It's amazingly useful.

 

[joseywales]

I've always found that, the Dremel within arm's reach is very useful. I was finding Dremel, Craftsman and others yard sales for cheap. I have one mounted in the Dremel drill press. One with the flex attachment on it, one laying on whatever bench I left it, and one in a case. They all seem to work fine. If it gives the same performance, I could see a cordless being a nice option. I just have too many to even consider a cordless

 

[Davefr]

A Foredom is a Ferrari and a Dremel is a rusty bicycle with 2 flat tires. Using a Foredom tool once will open your eyes as to exactly how bad the Dremel junk is.

^^^Total B.S. It's like saying a bicycle is junk because a Harley is better.

Each tool is designed for a specific type of task. Dremels are best for small precision tasks. A Foredom picks up where Dremel leaves off. After that there's the die grinder that picks up where Foredoms leave off, etc, etc, etc.

The best rotary tool is the one that's properly matched for the task at hand.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

How many of us really need something beyond a Dremel?

 

[losvre]

I have heard good things about Proxxon micromot

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[rlitman]

^^^Total B.S. It's like saying a bicycle is junk because a Harley is better.

Each tool is designed for a specific type of task. Dremels are best for small precision tasks. A Foredom picks up where Dremel leaves off. After that there's the die grinder that picks up where Foredoms leave off, etc, etc, etc.

The best rotary tool is the one that's properly matched for the task at hand.

I kind of agree, though I prefer the smaller pencil style wand on a flexible shaft for dexterity purposes. I've got a Foredom, and also a flex shaft on a Dremel clone. I hardly use either, as I find that my pneumatic tools are so much better.

Of course, I learned to use this sort of stuff on a belt driven dentist's drill. I kind of miss that thing, but the gigantic belts were a royal pain in the ****.

 

[ritestuff]

^^^Total B.S. It's like saying a bicycle is junk because a Harley is better.

Each tool is designed for a specific type of task. Dremels are best for small precision tasks. A Foredom picks up where Dremel leaves off. After that there's the die grinder that picks up where Foredoms leave off, etc, etc, etc.

The best rotary tool is the one that's properly matched for the task at hand.

Gotta disagree 100%. I do custom restoration work for a living. Right now I have 3 Foredoms hanging at my bench, A TX, LX, and an SR. I have just about every attachment that is made for them including the 90 degree handpiece that spins rolocs. Also have the belt sander, speed multiplier (54,000RPM). I have 10 or 12 different hand pieces that utilize either a Jacobs chuck or collets. Etc., etc.

I use this stuff daily, 6 days a week, for the last 15 years or so. Before, that, I tried every form of Dremel. I know exactly how well they perform and every limitation. There is NOTHING that any form of Dremel rotary tool can do that a Foredom can't do better. And if you want to talk die grinders, I'd argue that the high torque DC motor powered TX has nearly the power, and twice the control with the foot pedal.

My machines run almost endlessly, and every once in a while I replace a cable. That's it. In a professional work environment, a Dremel is weak, noisy, underpowered, can't spin 1/4" shank tooling, and not very durable. So compared to a Foredom, yes, the Dremel is junk.

You can call "BS" all you want, but there is a reason that there are used Dremels for sale at every other yard sale for 3 bucks. The OP asked "what is the best rotary type tool out there?", and the answer certainly isn't a Dremel.

 

[Davefr]

There is NOTHING that any form of Dremel rotary tool can do that a Foredom can't do better. And if you want to talk die grinders, I'd argue that the high torque DC motor powered TX has nearly the power, and twice the control with the foot pedal.

My machines run almost endlessly, and every once in a while I replace a cable. That's it. In a professional work environment, a Dremel is weak, noisy, underpowered, can't spin 1/4" shank tooling, and not very durable. So compared to a Foredom, yes, the Dremel is junk.

You can call "BS" all you want, but there is a reason that there are used Dremels for sale at every other yard sale for 3 bucks. The OP asked "what is the best rotary type tool out there?", and the answer certainly isn't a Dremel.

^^I still say B.S. The best tool is the one matched to the task at hand and to universally say a Foredom is always better then a Dremel is just plain silly. It's like saying you should throw away your 1/4" ratchet because a 1/2" ratchet is always better because it's bigger/stronger.

I have a Foredom and it almost never gets used because the shaft is cumbersome and the bulky handpiece + flex shaft + motor + line cord limits the tight spots that you can get into. In addition if you bend the flex shaft too much it'll disengage from the motor. My little cordless Dremel Micro can do precision tasks that a Foredom can't even dream of and is much more of a pleasure to use for many tasks.

Remember it's about the task at hand. There's a place for both depending on the task.

 

[driftpin]

I like the 110 V variable-speed Dremel. I haaven't burned up mine yet. I find it's great for jobs that a die grinder is just too-big. It's proven its worth time & again.

When slot cars were on every kid's Christmas list, I also asked for a Dremel. I got a 1/32 scale slot car set and a Sears similar tool, a "L'il Crafty" which was one-speed and a chuck head for different size bits. I used that for my hobby uses, and it still is functional, though I long-ago got a Dremel.

I also have a Roto-zip with a few attachments, and I found it to be very versatile in remodeling duty.

If you need one I suggest the corded one and a chuck head to eliminate the need for collets.

I do agree about 'the right tool for the job.' If you run your tool all-day every day then grab that heavy-duty one. For my use, the Dremel does just fine.

 

[stormboard]

is the dremel 3000 the best budget roatary tool? need it for cutting through abs/fiberglass enclosure.. on a budget

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have the 1/3 hp Foredom and the M12 tool. It’s the right match for me. I’m a DIYer. I had a deemed my parents gave me when I was 10, from the S&H Greenstamp catalog. It finally died a couple years ago.

 

[bczygan]

I hate to be that HF guy, but they make both Dremel, and Foredom knockoffs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?dir=asc&order=EAScore%2Cf%2CEAFeatured+Weight%2Cf%2CSale+Rank%2Cf&q=rotary+tool



Bill

 

[anndel]

I use a Dremel 8200 cordless to cut off inner bearing races when I'm replacing wheel bearings. I can get into tight places the cut off tool can't and sometimes end up nicking the hub.

 

[Fbmoose48]

I have heard good things about Proxxon micromot

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I own the Proxxon, all metal gear box, negligible vibration - night and day to a Dremel or m12

 

[losvre]

I own the Proxxon, all metal gear box, negligible vibration - night and day to a Dremel or m12

Which Proxxon model you own? I am also looking into Proxxon after recommendation of many people.

Thank you

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[mr.lemons]

I have been very happy with the Proxxon compared to my dremel. I find that with the Dremel you have to set it a very high speed or it gets bogged down and stops. The Proxxon has more torque so can be used at a lower speed which gives much more fine control.

Proxxon fbs 240/e

 

[Fbmoose48]

Which Proxxon model you own? I am also looking into Proxxon after recommendation of many people.

Thank you

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I have the Proxxon IBS/E, picked it up for about $110 - totally worth the few extra dollars over the Dremel between the build quality, multiple collets included, premium accessories/bits, and actual usable case (I rarely keep anything in the provided case, but the German's are on to something).

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a IBS/A cordless for the 110V US market.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Proxxon...92LJrw0DfEE5m7xJTIDtTm8yFLhg3fGQaAiL7EALw_wcB

 

[Fbmoose48]

Which Proxxon model you own? I am also looking into Proxxon after recommendation of many people.

Thank you

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If I did need to go cordless, I imagine with a travel adapter/transformer I could probably make this setup work.

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01G3QOXXO/

Since you're in the UK, you may have better luck sourcing this setup without the need for an adapter.

 

[losvre]

Thank you very much for the feedback and suggestions!!!

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[jantar]

I tried to get a part for my Dremel 396 last year and was told that they where no longer supported and not available. One of the reasons I've liked Dremel in the past was the availability of parts.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've used Dremel's for light hobby work for years with no issues. We also have a Rotozip which works well for its intended use.

I see them as entirely different tools, sort of like comparing a scroll saw and a table saw.


Has anyone used the Gyros Tools Power Pro? I've had my eye on one, but there is nothing wrong with my Dremel so it has been a very low priority.

 

[Jim c]

I wonder if harbor freight sells a dreamel equivalent?

 

[eyeball]

After having my Dremel let out its smoke on a prior project, I purchased an M12 rotary tool during the restoration of a 1970 Nova.

My air compressor was woefully underpowered to run a cut off disk so I resorted to the M12 and a big old stack of cut off discs. It actually became a go-to tool for my son and I. It was slow going but it worked out remarkably well on cutting out rusty body panels.

I was very surprised I didn't kill the tool for as many hours we put on it.

 

[kctyphoon]

This might all depend on what you wanna use it for.. I have the entry level corded dremel, the cordless m12, and what I think is the original rotozip.. the corded rotozip is by far the most powerful. The motor is just huge in comparison, like a small laminate trimmer in size. Most things I use the m12 since these aren't really "I need to use this for an hour" type tools for me..

 

[theoldwizard1]

I sure wish there was a cordless rotary tool about the size of the M12 but more torque. If Milwaukee added a 2 speed gear box on the M12 Fuel rotary tool, I would be first in line to buy one ! Joe Average does not need 30,000+ RPM !

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a dremel 4000 series I like, but if I’m cutting something I grab my rotozip. It’s a larger rotary tool with much more power. For finesse type work I grab a die grinder I can feather the trigger.

 

[EdT]

I have had a number of Dremel tools over the last 50 years. IMHO they are not that great and, relatively, they're expensive unless you get one at a yard sale which is where most of mine have come from. The biggest beef I have with the Dremels that I have had is that the ergonomics of the switch are about as bad as it's possible to imagine. Pretty much every one I have had required two hands to switch on or off. My son has a Dremel "roto zip" and it has the same problem. Almost like there's a special "Department of Switch Inconvenience. I had a Ryobi that was pretty good and lasted quite a while, but it failed. Went to get another and it had been discontinued. Lately I have been using the HF offering and they seem to work pretty well. Certainly no worse than the Dremel for what I do and the cost about 1/3 as much as a Dremel. An added plus is the switch ergonomics are pretty good for me. With a coupon they are around $20 so even if you hate it, you're not out much. I also have a Foredom set up which is very good, but not as portable.

 

[KDubU]

Go with a Dremel. Unless you are in a business that needs a Foredon then the Dremel does a good job.

 

[6PTsocket]

I own both. I worked as a manufacturing bench jeweler for 7 years; so am quite familiar with use of a Foredom.

I use a Dremel tool a lot, compared to the Foredom. It is portable, light, and extremely handy. The Foredom is more or less fixed in place, heavy, industrial and in general an excellent tool. Both have their place. I'd compare them more as a Ford F-250 4x4 compared to a Chevy Impala. Both quite nice and useful for what they are intended for, but they don't have similar purposes, although their usage can overlap.

I've tried other small corded tools, but always return to the Dremel. I use the higher end corded ones with multi speed and chuck instead of collets so I don't have to change collets to change tool sizes. I have a holder with a couple hundred different tips and tools in it that I use routinely.

The Dremels don't last forever; they're an expendable. I typically replace mine about every 2 years; they burn up eventually if you use them a lot and use them hard. I do both of those things. But, so do all the other small tools. The bigger ones last longer, but they're not handy to use. Dremel has hit the sweet spot balancing size, usability, power and longevity.

When I have industrial level grinding or polishing to do, I use the Foredom. But, I use the Dremel primarily with damascus cutoff wheels to cut hardened steel, shorten drill bits, cut off nails, grind small items, and polish inside small things where you can't get to with a buffer.

I believe the collet or chuck setup is inter changable. The foredom takes 3/32 shank bits so, never having owned one, I don't know if it has a 1/8 collet available for those widely used bits.
I have a corded Dremel 400XPR that has a 2.0 Amp motor. I know that is a lot more than the models that preceded it, that I think were 1.15 Amps. I don't abow about the current ones but I think they are less, as well. Mine has as much power as I would expect from it. The wide range of accessories, like right angle adapter , cable, saw sharpener guides, etc., is unmatched. They are not industrial quality but do quite well for the price.

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