Dremel - Best Model?

[D45]

Looking to replace my tried and true 395, easily 20 years old

I see they still sell the 395, but is there a better model or version out now?

 

[macgee]

I have the Dremel 8220 12V cordless and will never miss needing to access a 120v outlet and dealing with cords. Its more money but finding it well worth it. I own Dumore hand grinders, Foredoms and micro-motor grinders but seem to always reach for the cordless Dremel. I can attest they have a very good warranty and Dremel stands behind their product

 

[AmericanMechanic]

Check out Proxxon. German made and about the same price I think. Lots of options.

 

[D45]

I think i still want a corded tool

 

[Davefr]

IMHO there is no "best". My favorite is the Dremel Micro (8v cordless) since it's so compact and gets into really tight spots for precision work when others won't fit or are too bulky. (I don't know if they still make it or have a similar model). I would also have a larger corded Dremel with the flexible shaft option for bigger projects. Next up would be a benchtop Foredom but I almost never use mine.

What's wrong with your 395? I believe Dremel sells replacement parts like brushes, collets, etc. That was a good model.

I would also look at some of the other brands. Dremel is no longer the only game in town.

 

[M6erfan]

If you are on the Milwaukee platform already, they make an M12 rotary tool.

 

[39 LaSalle]

Y'all are going to laugh...but I've got a $22 Chicago Electric variable speed job from Harbor Freight that just won't quit. I've had it for maybe 10 years now and certainly haven't babied it. Does a great job and has never failed me. Not saying it's the best one out there by any means, but I have been more than impressed by how it's held up. Never once have I regretted buying it, nor have I ever sat back and wished I'd spent 4x or 5x the amount of money and got a Dremel or other "top" brand tool.

 

[c10bonanza]

The 3000 has served me well, but the shaft lock strips easily. The 4000, 4300, and 8220 all have a much beefier shaft lock.

 

[c10bonanza]

I have the Dremel 8220 12V cordless and will never miss needing to access a 120v outlet and dealing with cords. Its more money but finding it well worth it. I own Dumore hand grinders, Foredoms and micro-motor grinders but seem to always reach for the cordless Dremel. I can attest they have a very good warranty and Dremel stands behind their product

Do you ever find the 8220 to be underpowered? I have a 3000 that stripped the lock mechanism. I'm trying to decide whether to replace it with the 4000 or the 8220.

The 8220 is appealing for the cordless aspect (plus I have lots of Bosch 12v that are compatible with minimal effort). If it is less powerful than the 3000 I think I will keep the cord and go 4000.

 

[M6erfan]

Do you ever find the 8220 to be underpowered? I have a 3000 that stripped the lock mechanism. I'm trying to decide whether to replace it with the 4000 or the 8220.

The 8220 is appealing for the cordless aspect (plus I have lots of Bosch 12v that are compatible with minimal effort). If it is less powerful than the 3000 I think I will keep the cord and go 4000.

I have a 4000, it's been fine but it doesn't get a ton of use

 

[D45]

IMHO there is no "best". My favorite is the Dremel Micro (8v cordless) since it's so compact and gets into really tight spots for precision work when others won't fit or are too bulky. (I don't know if they still make it or have a similar model). I would also have a larger corded Dremel with the flexible shaft option for bigger projects. Next up would be a benchtop Foredom but I almost never use mine.

What's wrong with your 395? I believe Dremel sells replacement parts like brushes, collets, etc. That was a good model.

I would also look at some of the other brands. Dremel is no longer the only game in town.

The 395 was involved in a horrific incident

Lol. Joking

After 20 years, it's been buried

 

[Bogie1632]

At home I had a 395...but the ******* movers in Germany stole it along with a large kit of accessories and some other tools I had. After I got stateside I bought a 3000 and still have it after 10 years. Damn thing won't die. Only issue its ever had is my kids running over the cord end last year. I sort of want to upgrade to cordless but I'm cheap enough to wait till I let the smoke out of this one someday.

I really like the 8220 cordless. Used it quite a bit at work before I retired. Plenty of power but seemed like the batteries didn't fair all that well. Now that I've got some Milwaukee stuff I'll likely be getting the M12 2460 rotary tool. A friend has one and I really like it more compared to my Dremels.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I don't own one but I have heard the Foredom units are about the best unit of their type out there. I keep looking for a decent used one.

 

[c10bonanza]

I really like the 8220 cordless. Used it quite a bit at work before I retired. Plenty of power but seemed like the batteries didn't fair all that well. Now that I've got some Milwaukee stuff I'll likely be getting the M12 2460 rotary tool. A friend has one and I really like it more compared to my Dremels.

V/R
Bogie

Bogie - can you expand on your comment that the Dremel batteries "didn't fair all that well?" As I understand it, these batteries are identical to Bosch 12v battery, with the exception of the base plate. I've read that 30-40 minutes of run-time is expected.

Did you have significantly worse runtimes than that? I'm also curious what, specifically, you like better about the M12 2460 vs the Dremel 8220?

OP - sorry for the thread drift. My research shows that in the Dremel line-up the 4300 or 4000 (corded, minor differences between the two models) and 8220 (cordless) are the best versions out right now.

 

[Bogie1632]

Bogie - can you expand on your comment that the Dremel batteries "didn't fair all that well?" As I understand it, these batteries are identical to Bosch 12v battery, with the exception of the base plate. I've read that 30-40 minutes of run-time is expected.

Did you have significantly worse runtimes than that? I'm also curious what, specifically, you like better about the M12 2460 vs the Dremel 8220?

We were typically pretty hard on our tools but my experience was the new batteries were just fine. Within a couple months we got 20-25 minutes on a full charge. Within a year they got replaced. Definitly harder on them than an average at home garage user, though my personal tools dont get beat on too hard.

Weight and ergonomics between the two and run time are what leaned me to the M12, it just felt better using in my hand. Secondary is trying to get into one type of battery platform that meets all my needs. The Dremel is just under 1.5lbs IIRC and the M12 is just over 1lb, depending on which battery you use, and they have a few battery sizes to choose from. Sure, an XC 6.0 would add some serious weight, but give great run time if needed. Small job or limited access...grab a 2.0.

When/if I get around to buying one my Dremel will still be hanging, ready to use, until it goes to the land of the misfit tools.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Davefr]

I don't own one but I have heard the Foredom units are about the best unit of their type out there. I keep looking for a decent used one.

They are well built but "best" depends on the task at hand. It's like saying a 1/2" ratchet is better then a 1/4" ratchet.

 

[lhloy]

Plus one for the Proxxon. Super quality. I've been using mine for almost 10 years.

 

[corn chip]

They are well built but "best" depends on the task at hand. It's like saying a 1/2" ratchet is better then a 1/4" ratchet.

i dont think the other guy meant theyre the best tool for every job but rather theyre the top of the line (best) tool of their style.
having had a full foredom setup for around seven years now ,i can vouch that theyre top qaulity in really every way. some people might find the price outrageous but i see it as fair when you consider the qaulity of what your getting. theres no cheap **** chinese stuff when you buy foredom.
obviously they arent as mobile or portable like a handheld dremel but still they have many uses. mine is mostly for working on 2stroke engines but also i used it many times for other odd jobs around the garage

 

[anndel]

I have the cordless 8220 and love it. I use it for cutting bolts and inner bearing races on press fit wheel bearings when it's stuck on the wheel hub and can't use a puller.

 

[Michael732]

The 3000 has served me well, but the shaft lock strips easily. The 4000, 4300, and 8220 all have a much beefier shaft lock.

This is very true. I just finished replacing the shaft on my 3000. I had inadvertently placed my finger on the lock as I was operating the tool. I tried to change bit but was unable to break the bit free from the check without having to disassemble the entire thing. At least now I'm well versed on the disassembly and assembly of the tool.

 

[c10bonanza]

This is very true. I just finished replacing the shaft on my 3000. I had inadvertently placed my finger on the lock as I was operating the tool. I tried to change bit but was unable to break the bit free from the check without having to disassemble the entire thing. At least now I'm well versed on the disassembly and assembly of the tool.

Same experience here! Glad to see the mechanism has been redesigned in 4000, 4300, 8220 and perhaps other models.

 

[D45]

I found a very gently used 395, case and accessory kit on ebay for $60 shipped

 

[Badgerstate]

Ive got a 200 and I love it. For me, it does everything that I could ever need.

 

[Indexmill]

I have several Model 395 Dremel tools and I think they are excellent. I highly recommend the 395 from eBay if you are okay with corded.

The OP did ask for a Dremel tool; so the high-priced Foredoms and Proxxons are in another price league.

 

[Sgtboz]

I have the Dremel 8220 12V cordless and will never miss needing to access a 120v outlet and dealing with cords. Its more money but finding it well worth it. I own Dumore hand grinders, Foredoms and micro-motor grinders but seem to always reach for the cordless Dremel. I can attest they have a very good warranty and Dremel stands behind their product

The current stuff virates too much and I feel is unnecessarily loud.