Dremel Kit Recommendation

[Tatsuya]

My older brother's got a birthday coming up and has recently mentioned to my dad he needs a Dremel for something. My dad and I and perhaps my other brother are gonna throw some down on it so cost isn't too much of an issue (I don't think). Just looking for a good rotary tool kit for a homeowner/DIYer that gets the GJ stamp of approval. Open to other brand rotary tools too, I'm kinda keeping an eye out for one for myself too.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I'm thinking this could be a winner?

 

[Monte]

i would buy a "Proxxon" tool.

 

[Trucky]

Dremel 400 XPR did all my work for me for a few years.. they discontinued it and replaced with the 4000. I'd get that one, really. With a flex shaft! He won't be disappointed.

 

[jtrace]

Depends on what he is doing I hace several Dremel tools both corded and cordless I use my cordless Stylus the most it has a pistol style grip that is comfortable but as mentioned the flex shaft comes in handy too. I use mine for model building and HO trains. Proxxon as mentioned are good also but you need a seperate power supply which will add to the cost.Any other questions let me know as I have been using them for close to 30 years.

John

 

[dwm]

The 4000 kit is a good start. Whichever one you choose, I'd throw in a Dremel EZ Lock kit too; the standard Dremel cutoff wheels are almost useless (break very easily and take too long to change). A few carbide plunge bits would be good too.

 

[MattT]

i would buy a "Proxxon" tool.

Why?

Dremel 400 XPR did all my work for me for a few years.. they discontinued it and replaced with the 4000. I'd get that one, really. With a flex shaft! He won't be disappointed.

If the new 4000 is a match for the 400 XPR I agree. You won't run out of power with one.

 

[steel 35]

I use my cordless Stylus the most it has a pistol style grip that is comfortableJohn

Yep! Reminds me need to do the dogs claws.

 

[Monte]

Why?

higher objective and subjective quality

 

[Mavawreck]

The thumb switch on my dremel has died so I need to buy another one, probably was only about 5 years old, two of those years I lived overseas and it wasn't used. Very few hours on it, I'm pretty disappointed and wasn't thrilled with the design from the get-go. Dremel's are very useful though, still hard to go wrong.

 

[kellymc]

dremel = a device that converts electricity into vibrations

buy the proxxon instead it is a better made tool

 

[ChrisF250]

I have the one you mentioned and honestly have been very happy with it. Only suggestion is to buy extra cutting discs they go QUICK.

 

[DOlsen]

I would recommend the Foredom flexible shaft machine. The one I have is variable speed, controlled by a foot pedal. I find that it gives you much finer control, as well as having more power than the Dremel tools.

MSC sells a number of different models. This is the one I have:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=79558284

These are more expensive than the Dremels.

 

[jtrace]

I dont remember the model of mine on the flex shaft but it has a digital rpm read-out which is nice. I've been eyeing up a Proxxon also but with 2 corded and 2 cordless dremels plus a Craftsman in my shop toolbos I dont see the sens.My one corded one was my Grandfathers single speed I got in like 79-80 bought a tabletop speed control and she is still going strong.....
John

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I had a craftsman branded dremel.

Used it ALOT.. pretty much was my tool of choice for modding..etc.

Looked exactly like that except it wasn't beat to hell, mine was clean and in good condition.

Lasted me 10 years. Finally died and picked up a brand new one exactly the same as what I had (same model) on ebay for 40 bucks... If I get 10 more years out of it then the tool is by far the best investment I've ever had...lol

-Nigel

 

[Notwerk]

I'd go with the Dremel 4000. Proxxon is an option, but the Dremel has more flexibility, i.e., router base, drill press, plus all of the other tools and addons. The 4000 has plenty of power, too. The Dremel also costs less, is more easily available and is probably easier to warranty/service should you have a problem.

As far as I know, there aren't really any other options besides the Dremel 4000/Proxxon, barring the Foredom that seems like total overkill for a homeowner/DIY users.

 

[american lockpicker]

higher objective and subjective quality

I have that its a lot better than the Dremel I had.

 

[DrunkSmurf]

I'll agree with the Dremel 4000, Flex Shaft and the EZ Lock kit.

It should do him plenty well enough IMO.

If you have a Sams Club membership, they used to carry Dremel kits there quite frequently.

 

[csargents1546]

That is a good choice, I also have the dremel 400 xrp and stylus. Definaltey get the ez lock wheels. My only small issue, not enought storage space in the cases that they come in. Definatley not a deal breaker. He will be very happy with it.

 

[gnx547]

How about the Black and Decker rotary tool? I forgot the name of it, but I heard it is very good.

 

[JML2]

When I tried the EZ lock system, twice, the cut-off discs wobbled so much that they were not useable. Did I get two duds?

I have a 398 Pro and a Stylus. The former is the older model with electronic speed control and a digital readout. The Stylus is a great tool if you don't need the power of an AC model. Really versatile. The hand-tightening 4486 chuck you can get for the Dremels means you do NOT need to fuss with collets. (The chuck is German-made, by the way.)

Anyway, the kits don't have great storage for bits and burrs beyond the basics. I got one of these blow-molded boxes, and used a drill to enlarge some of the holes to hold various diameter shanks.

http://www.treelineusa.com/rotary-bit-case.html

The same place sells an excellent cleaning block for abrasive burrs.

http://www.treelineusa.com/cleaning-block.html

 

[Zaylor]

How about the Black and Decker rotary tool? I forgot the name of it, but I heard it is very good.

Can anyone offer an opinion on the B&D? I hear good things about it and am thinking about purchasing one.

There is a foredom at the pawn shop for $70 but I don't think it would suit my needs when I need to be in a tight space, under a car etc.

 

[jim2664258]

The thumb switch on my dremel has died so I need to buy another one, probably was only about 5 years old, two of those years I lived overseas and it wasn't used. Very few hours on it, I'm pretty disappointed and wasn't thrilled with the design from the get-go. Dremel's are very useful though, still hard to go wrong.

I had the same issue on my 400XPR - I think that model just plain sucked. I actually emailed their customer support just to express disappointment and got a reply from Bosch customer service. They picked up my Dremel via UPS pickup and sent me a refurb 4000 model, all at no cost. Worth a shot IMO, if your 400XPR was clearly not abused. I am sure my 400XPR was out of warranty.

You cannot buy a 400XPR anymore, but you can buy their 2nd-best model of the same vintage. The 400XPR was just plain a bad machine and I think they know it.

I like the 4000 model much better.

 

[Zaylor]

Ended up buying the $30 Black and Decker. Love it.

quiet
powerful
spindle stops fast
flicklock is a brilliant and safe way to change bits

 

[bigpasta]

I use to have a fancy dremel (don't remember the model) that broke under heavy stress a few years ago. It was my fault, but I didn't feel like paying the high price for another dremel. I'm always tempted to get the Mastergrip one that Costco has for $30, but the 1.0 amp rating always makes me take it out of my cart before I check out:

Mastergrip 190pc Rotary Tool and Accessory Set

I've been thinking about the B&D RTX but I didn't like the idea of not being able to easily return it. Well, tonight I was in Target and I saw it on the shelf for $29.99 so I bought it! It's the RTX-B so no clamps and not as many accessories:

Bob Tobias "Robert Tobias"'s review of Black & Decker RTX-B 3 Speed RTX

but I can get those elsewhere. I've only played with it a little bit, but I like everything so far and the Flip-Lock is great!


-Bp