I have an old Dremel that ive had for 15 or so years and I was wondering what you guys think of the new Dremel as far as an upgrade goes? I don't use mine often but I also wouldn't be without it, are the new Dremels much better? Mine seems to overload and stop rather easily.
Dremel 4000
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spacedoutbob
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I have a 22 year old Dremel 410, it was not running that fast, I found that my flex coupling and brushes were worn out. After changing those parts, it works fine, however I purchased a new Dremel 3000 as a backup, it doesn't have as high of a top speed as the 410, but it works as well as my old Dremel 410. Good luck on whatever you choose.
Bob
Bob
Nocturnal-G
Well-known member
I can recommend a Proxxon.
This is the high end model:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FWXEO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This is the one I own:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017PWTX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Both have the same motor, the professional version has a different housing and comes with collets instead of a chuck.
Not only does it run quieter than a Dremel, it's more powerful. Don't let the 20k RPM fool you... it has torque.
This is the high end model:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FWXEO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This is the one I own:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017PWTX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Both have the same motor, the professional version has a different housing and comes with collets instead of a chuck.
Not only does it run quieter than a Dremel, it's more powerful. Don't let the 20k RPM fool you... it has torque.
I have never owned or used an older Dremel, but I do have one of the 4000 series (corded version) now. To be honest I have been quite disappointed, but maybe I was just expecting too much from it. I do realize it is a hobby tool and not for actually doing much work, but even for a hobby tool I was expecting more. I do a lot of small projects that require abrasive cutting wheels and sanding discs and the Dremel just seems gutless and also very easily overheated.
I have the flex shaft attachment for the Dremel as well and just hooking it up stresses the motor enough to drop the no-load rpms by at least half before I even start doing anything else. It gets hot within 2-3 minutes no matter how easy I take it without the flex shaft, so the flex shaft is for very quick tasks only. I actually thought I had a dry bearing when I first used my Dremel because it got hot so quickly, so I took it all apart and replaced the lube in the bearings with better stuff and it is still the same. As a result I now just use all my Dremel bits in my larger Rotozip and I couldn't be happier.
I rarely need to get into tight areas, so the extra size of the Rotozip is not an issue. It never even gets warm, it can run for a half hour or more without issue under heavy cutting loads, and it barely slows down at all when cutting or grinding something. I now only really bring out the Dremel when I need to use the flex shaft or right angle adapter to get into an impossible location. That has only happened a few times in the last year or so. With that amount of usage the Dremel should serve me well for many years as long as I never let it get too warm, and for the situations where a Dremel is needed there is usually no other way to accomplish the task, so it is sort of a necessary evil.
The newer Dremel heat issue/switch burning out issue is a well known issue online, so you will just have to baby it if you want it to last a long time. If I had the older one I would try to fix that one instead of buying the new one just based on the much better reputation the older models have.
If my Dremel ever burns or wears out I will definitely not be getting another one. I will gladly pony up the extra bucks for something like a Mastercarver or a Foredom flex shaft carver/grinder instead. They are a lot more versatile. Even Harbor Freight's knock-off version is probably a better buy, more powerful, and more useful than my Dremel.
I have the flex shaft attachment for the Dremel as well and just hooking it up stresses the motor enough to drop the no-load rpms by at least half before I even start doing anything else. It gets hot within 2-3 minutes no matter how easy I take it without the flex shaft, so the flex shaft is for very quick tasks only. I actually thought I had a dry bearing when I first used my Dremel because it got hot so quickly, so I took it all apart and replaced the lube in the bearings with better stuff and it is still the same. As a result I now just use all my Dremel bits in my larger Rotozip and I couldn't be happier.
I rarely need to get into tight areas, so the extra size of the Rotozip is not an issue. It never even gets warm, it can run for a half hour or more without issue under heavy cutting loads, and it barely slows down at all when cutting or grinding something. I now only really bring out the Dremel when I need to use the flex shaft or right angle adapter to get into an impossible location. That has only happened a few times in the last year or so. With that amount of usage the Dremel should serve me well for many years as long as I never let it get too warm, and for the situations where a Dremel is needed there is usually no other way to accomplish the task, so it is sort of a necessary evil.
The newer Dremel heat issue/switch burning out issue is a well known issue online, so you will just have to baby it if you want it to last a long time. If I had the older one I would try to fix that one instead of buying the new one just based on the much better reputation the older models have.
If my Dremel ever burns or wears out I will definitely not be getting another one. I will gladly pony up the extra bucks for something like a Mastercarver or a Foredom flex shaft carver/grinder instead. They are a lot more versatile. Even Harbor Freight's knock-off version is probably a better buy, more powerful, and more useful than my Dremel.
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It all depends on what you plan to use it for.
Dremels are best suited for small precision tasks IMHO. Some of the images in the ads are rediculous regarding the projects they show. (they grossly overstate the capabilities)
I have about 20 Dremels but the cordless 7700's are my go to tool. I also have a Foredom but have only used it once or twice. I generally skip over the corded Dremels and go straight to another tool like a die grinder, drill or trim router for larger projects.
It all boils down to picking the right tool for the job.
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Stuey
Well-known member
You should also take a look at the 4200, which has a neat tool-free collet.
http://toolguyd.com/dremel-4200/
What do you want to know?
http://toolguyd.com/dremel-4200/
What do you want to know?
woody 73
Well-known member
I have used the old dremels that were very nice tools, I do not like the new tools just to many problems.
This is what I use today and I like it very much
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2460-20
This is what I use today and I like it very much
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2460-20
Battery life, enough torque to be useful, durability. I know just enough about Dremels to know I don't know much...
TwoInch
Well-known member
i looked at that new system. i cant say i like the looks of it, but i have not used it.
i much prefer the $8 drill style chuck that is available, no tools, simple to use and i havent worn one out yet, and have used it quite a lot. also seems to keep balanced well, which i was skeptical about.
I have two of the 4000's (maybe one is a different model, it is the revision with the wrench built into the collar) and I will say they are good tools but they are not my favourite rotary tool.
For corded I prefer my B&D RTX (not the one you can still get on amazon, the variable speed 2A model) and for cordless I like the M12 linked above. I feel that both of these have better respective features than recent model dremel brands. The M12, aside from battery compatibility is both a longer lasting battery though you're still only getting maybe 15 mins max on the low-med speeds. The corded just has a better grip, feels like it's cutting/sanding more effectively at any given rpm (though the 4000 goes up to 35000 or 40k as opposed to the 30k on the B&D) but I have them set up for different tasks.
I also have a masterforce or something similar (the same thing as the kawasaki you can get on amazon) that I use for rougher tasks like the drywall cutout tool and grinding. In general, if you have any air or electric grinder, you will learn pretty quick both the dremel tools and the stones aren't really the best suited for grinding, except once in a while you'll find something that it's PERFECT for. When I do come across one of these, most of the grinding I use is with the HF 3" bench grinder with flex shaft attachment. Since you're corded anyway, and those cost a lot less than the corded dremel brands anyway. It only spins at about 10k so it's not going to be best for engraving or cutting wheels but for grinding its at least as good as using a dremel motor.
For corded I prefer my B&D RTX (not the one you can still get on amazon, the variable speed 2A model) and for cordless I like the M12 linked above. I feel that both of these have better respective features than recent model dremel brands. The M12, aside from battery compatibility is both a longer lasting battery though you're still only getting maybe 15 mins max on the low-med speeds. The corded just has a better grip, feels like it's cutting/sanding more effectively at any given rpm (though the 4000 goes up to 35000 or 40k as opposed to the 30k on the B&D) but I have them set up for different tasks.
I also have a masterforce or something similar (the same thing as the kawasaki you can get on amazon) that I use for rougher tasks like the drywall cutout tool and grinding. In general, if you have any air or electric grinder, you will learn pretty quick both the dremel tools and the stones aren't really the best suited for grinding, except once in a while you'll find something that it's PERFECT for. When I do come across one of these, most of the grinding I use is with the HF 3" bench grinder with flex shaft attachment. Since you're corded anyway, and those cost a lot less than the corded dremel brands anyway. It only spins at about 10k so it's not going to be best for engraving or cutting wheels but for grinding its at least as good as using a dremel motor.
Stuey
Well-known member
Battery life, enough torque to be useful, durability. I know just enough about Dremels to know I don't know much...
Battery life depends on what you're doing, but can be short. Torque is fantastic in the latest cordless models.
If you plan to use your Dremel within reach of a power outlet most of the time, skip the cordless.
I find that I use my Dremel for less than 5 minutes or more than 20 minutes a session, so a cordless is less than ideal. It's great for a couple of minutes here and there.
This man speaks wisely. I have been through two Dremels, but the 15 year old Proxxon is still going strong.
I got one as a gift ~10 years ago. Came in a large kit with a bunch of accessories including a flex shaft. I freaking love the thing. Quite honestly I use the heck out of it. Mostly cutoff wheels, grinding wheels and sanding drums. 95% for metal work. Mine has the old style multi speed "slide" switch. Never had a problem wit hit. I'm not a fan of the new style "roller" switch, just doesn't seem as durable. 
Dremel is a good company they stand by their product very well. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one again. I just wish some of their accessory bits were cheaper.
Dremel is a good company they stand by their product very well. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one again. I just wish some of their accessory bits were cheaper.tweedlestan
Well-known member
I'd suggest a Proxxon as well.
Thanks, man. Come to think of it, I probably became interested in the 8220 after reading about the 8200 on your blog...
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I have a Dremel MultiPro Model 395 that I probably have had since the late 90's... Probably the most often used attachment is the fiberglass cutoff wheels. I bought some replacement brushes probably a decade ago and still haven't found the need to install them.
zakmartin
Well-known member
I have an old made-in-the-USA dremel with the case that I bought in 1988 or 1989 new at a government auction for $20. It's never let me down and I use the thing all the time. I wish I'd bought a few more of those when I had the chance.