Dremel Replacement Suggestion?

[FullRaceMerc]

What would you use in place of a Dremel rotary tool? On jobsites I usually don't have easy access to air so something with an electric motor would be better.

I rarely use a Dremel. I have an angle grinder or saws for most cutting work. But every once in awhile the smaller tool has worked well for odd tasks that come up. I have kept one on the truck for years for those odd situations & it was a problem solver. Usually grinding out some small section of steel. Or cutting previously installed tile around a shower valve. Precise work. The cheapies didn't last, but if I bought the better (More expensive) models they would. Because they worked I never gave other choices much thought.

Lately the quality seems to be gone at all levels. They get too hot to hold very quickly. This week I burned up 2 machines. Both model 4000. Dremel says "The Dremel 4000 variable speed rotary tool offers the highest performance and most versatility of all Dremel rotary tools". The 1st had a few miles on it. Its speed became sporadic. The brushes looked good. I ran & bought another to finish the job before the next trade came in. The new one was toast in under 20 minutes. Complete with the magic wire smoke escaping out of the vents. It was exchanged easily under warranty, but I'd rather have tools that work when I need them instead of tools that get replaced for free.

Any suggestions?

 

[royesses]

Proxxon:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2891&category=

 

[jakemac]

Have you thought about an oscillating tool ?
https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK5121K-Sonicrafter-Universal-31-Piece/dp/B00ME95DCA/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1468810117&sr=1-2&keywords=rockwell+oscillating+multitool&refinements=p_89%3ARockwell%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A6461716011

 

[Patrick73RS]

I just burned up a 4000 tonight as well. It had maybe 2 hours on it since I bought it. Wasn't very durable

 

[MFolks]

http://www.foredom.net/rotarytools.aspx

 

[Richard Cranium]

Wow, I have never burned one up, I got two at a yard sale, they both had the connector that goes between the motor and the out put shaft melted, I called the 800 number and they were only 1.00 each with free shipping, so I ordered 5 of them so to have spares. Have yet to use any of my spares and have given one to each of my sisters for craft work.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Proxxon:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2891&category=

Thanks. Do you have one? How do you like it

Have you thought about an oscillating tool ?
https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK5121K-Sonicrafter-Universal-31-Piece/dp/B00ME95DCA/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1468810117&sr=1-2&keywords=rockwell+oscillating+multitool&refinements=p_89%3ARockwell%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A6461716011

Great recommendation. I have one & should have mentioned it. It is truly a problem solver. It's a Skil that I got cheap at a closeout & figured I would try it to see if it was useful. If I liked how it worked, but if it didn't last, then I'd upgrade with the next. Been running great about 4 years now. I love it. I have used it for wood, tile, & nails behind wood components. So far the metal blades I've tried are less than spectacular, but for wood & tile it cuts pretty good. Not the quickest tool, but I only use it for precise situations. It makes fast work of jobs that a Sawzall would butcher or vibrate to pieces. But it is tough to get into the corners on floated tile without chipping, which is one of the places where I'd normally grab the Dremel.

 

[rustynbent]

Foredom is a great tool. Try them.

 

[lightning02]

my ex used them at work. she burned up like 2 of them. i never owned one bc i think there a ****** unpowered unit.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

http://www.foredom.net/rotarytools.aspx

I just burned up a 4000 tonight as well. It had maybe 2 hours on it since I bought it. Wasn't very durable

Not good for a $100 tool.

Wow, I have never burned one up, I got two at a yard sale, they both had the connector that goes between the motor and the out put shaft melted, I called the 800 number and they were only 1.00 each with free shipping, so I ordered 5 of them so to have spares. Have yet to use any of my spares and have given one to each of my sisters for craft work.

Are they older models? I've worn out a few over the years. On my earliest cheapie without ball bearings it was somewhat expected. The older better ones usually held up for a reasonable amount of miles, especially since some of the conditions haven't been ideal. But the recently made ones have been disappointing.

 

[cheechi]

what kind of work were you doing? That can make most of the difference in what kind of recommendation to give.

I have a (much) older model 2 amp B&D rotary tool. RTX-6 or RTX-B one of them. Love it. I also have two Dremel 4000's as I have now sold every other dremel except those three. I have used both and so far the 4000 is the best Dremel model I've used, going back to mid 90s or so.

Anyway. I keep the dremel itself as far away from the work as I can, I use a flex shaft for everything that it's possible to do so. I strongly recommend get one and a backup if you use the Dremel often enough to justify it. I don't have issues with the motor inhaling dust and grit being so close to the action and I believe that's why I don't burn up Dremels anymore. I used to just like everyone else, but I think the last one that needed more than brushes happened about 6 years ago.

I have also seen a guy make a shield (think neutered dog satellite dish type shield) for his that blocked out most of the grit from getting to it. he made it to keep hot slag from hitting his hand while holding it but it protects the motor intake pretty well.

 

[FigureItOut]

On a side note, you mentioned not having good results with metal cutting OMT blades. The Bosch carbide tipped are exceptional. They outlast and out cut every blade I've tried, including Fein.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[FullRaceMerc]

http://www.foredom.net/rotarytools.aspx

Foredom is a great tool. Try them.

That looks interesting. I like the thought of moving the motor out of the hand. Been looking thru all their choices. I suppose it might work to hang the motor off of 4' ladder in a shower.

 

[Danglerb]

I have a few different ones, the most recent is I think a Gyro. A Dremel type tool is just what you need sometimes, so I have some.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

what kind of work were you doing? That can make most of the difference in what kind of recommendation to give.

It varies. It's sort of a do all tool when nothing else will work. Recently I have started using their quick change cut off wheels. Much better & easier than previous wheels. This is a quick sample of tasks from recent months:

• Cutting 2 steel fence posts to below the surface of a concrete driveway. This is the job where 2 machines did not make it thru. I cut the posts close with a sawzall then finished with the Dremel cutoff wheel from inside the tube. The motor was vertical above the work throughout.
• Cutting an opening in the trans tunnel of a 73 Bronco. Most of the cutting was done with an angle grinder, but the tight locations way up under the dash were done by the Dremel. Motor horizontal or above the work.
• Cutting of glass tile already set in a shower. The rough in was too low in relation to the height of an accent band. I had to cut thru both tile & mud to re-position the valve body. I used an angle grinder, an oscillating tool, & the Dremel for different portions. The glass dust could have easily been rough on the tool. Motor at various angles.
• Cutting inside corners thru 3/16" wall square tubing for some car ramp adapters for the back of a trailer. Mostly done with other tools, but the details finished with the Dremel. Motor horizontal.
• Grinding the cast printing off of old cast iron drain pipe prior to installing a no hub coupling. Motor horizontal.
• Using a wood blade to chew out room in the cabinet side under a sink for a soap dispenser. Motor below the work.

Anyway. I keep the dremel itself as far away from the work as I can, I use a flex shaft for everything that it's possible to do so. I strongly recommend get one and a backup if you use the Dremel often enough to justify it. I don't have issues with the motor inhaling dust and grit being so close to the action and I believe that's why I don't burn up Dremels anymore. I used to just like everyone else, but I think the last one that needed more than brushes happened about 6 years ago.

I have also seen a guy make a shield (think neutered dog satellite dish type shield) for his that blocked out most of the grit from getting to it. he made it to keep hot slag from hitting his hand while holding it but it protects the motor intake pretty well.

I try to keep the motor above the work when possible, but haven't used a flex shaft or done anything else to protect the motor. It seems like a grinding tool should be built to survive grinding, but it appears that may not be the case. Although the newest tool was only used a short time in a vertical position above the work.

On a side note, you mentioned not having good results with metal cutting OMT blades. The Bosch carbide tipped are exceptional. They outlast and out cut every blade I've tried, including Fein.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

Thank you. I have been experimenting with different blades & will be getting some of those.

 

[lightning02]

Has one tryed the Milwaukee?

 

[Furious Filipino]

• Cutting 2 steel fence posts to below the surface of a concrete driveway. This is the job where 2 machines did not make it thru. I cut the posts close with a sawzall then finished with the Dremel cutoff wheel from inside the tube. The motor was vertical above the work throughout.
• Cutting an opening in the trans tunnel of a 73 Bronco. Most of the cutting was done with an angle grinder, but the tight locations way up under the dash were done by the Dremel. Motor horizontal or above the work.
• Cutting inside corners thru 3/16" wall square tubing for some car ramp adapters for the back of a trailer. Mostly done with other tools, but the details finished with the Dremel. Motor horizontal.
• Grinding the cast printing off of old cast iron drain pipe prior to installing a no hub coupling. Motor horizontal.
• Using a wood blade to chew out room in the cabinet side under a sink for a soap dispenser. Motor below the work.

Not necessarily directed at you, but you guys have to realize that a Dremel is more or less a hobbyist tool designed to have a fairly low duty cycle of maybe 5-10%.

I've burned one out modifying 16 ga stainless steel plate fabricating a makeshift shock tower for an r/c car.

All the examples above, with a few I have edited out, are really considered heavy applications where a a die grinder or purpose built rotary cut-off tool is the appropriate tool.

I do understand that sometimes, the Dremel is the only tool that can get in there, but if I'm going in knowing there's a good chance I'm going to kill the machine, I'm buying the cheapest single speed version and know that the $40-$60 will save me a few hours. I still have 2 Harbor Freight cheapies in boxes specifically for that purpose.

 

[Brian_WK]

A RotoZip or Dewalt Rotory tool work great use can use either the 1/8 or 1/4 collates soo you have a wide array of accessories and at 5.5 amps they have 3 times the power as the Dremel 4000.

Brian

 

[AndeiH]

i've had a dremel 400 XPR for a long while now and it still works fine. i try to set the speed at the lowest setting that will get the job done to keep the heat from the motor down.

i was thinking about replacing it with a newer unit but i think i'll hold off for now.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Has one tryed the Milwaukee?

Sure wish it was M12 Fuel !

 

[Jeeper]

Sure wish it was M12 Fuel !

I have the Milwaukee one. Very handy. I never used my corded dremel (craftsman brand) cause it was too much of a pain to take out and set it up. The cordless M12 rotary is convenient and powerful.

 

[Rory Bellows]

Why not an electric die grinder. A makita can be had for around $100. Much more powerful and durable than a dremel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASC73E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ttpete]

I've never destroyed a Dremel tool. Used within their limitations, they're useful tools. I have an older one with a router attachment that I've used extensively for inletting gun stocks. Currently, I use a Ryobi that seems to be very sturdy.

I have a couple of Dotco pencil air grinders that are almost bulletproof, and various air and electric die grinders for most of the heavier work.

 

[ritestuff]

Spend the money, buy a Foredom, and never look back. Once you use one you will totally realize what a piece of junk any Dremel tool is. I do restoration work for a living and use a Foredom every day. You can't kill one. There are different motors that deliver different torque and speeds for different jobs. I use 3 different ones. My TX model currently has at least 600 hours on it swinging a 3" X 3/4" stainless wire wheel. The top of the line Dremel tool wouldn't last 5 minutes doing that.

 

[PureLeaf]

I bought a Fein Die Grinder. Thought it'd be an upgrade to my old dremel. Regret buying it now. For homeowner use, just dabbling here and there, the dremel was a much better choice for my uses, and I never really make use of the grinder or the really expensive add ons for it. mostly use my Dremel still.

 

[DC73]

Proxxon:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2891&category=

I 2nd this recommendation. My Dremel failed and I replaced it with this model Proxxon. I like it much better than the Dremel.

DC

 

[the gypsy]

To answer lightning02, yes I have used a Milwaukee Rotary tool and must admit I like it a lot. I actually picked up 2 more one on liquidation at $30.00 and 1 at $79.00.
They work better and cooler than the Dremels, the spindle lock mechanism is much better on the Milwaukee, the speed control is better plus the fact that it is cordless. All these features convinced me to use my Milwaukees more often that the Dremels. So seeing that I will not be throwing out my Dremels until they burn out I will use the dremels with the flexible shaft keeping the dust far from the cooling openings.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Not necessarily directed at you, but you guys have to realize that a Dremel is more or less a hobbyist tool designed to have a fairly low duty cycle of maybe 5-10%.

I've burned one out modifying 16 ga stainless steel plate fabricating a makeshift shock tower for an r/c car.

All the examples above, with a few I have edited out, are really considered heavy applications where a a die grinder or purpose built rotary cut-off tool is the appropriate tool.

I do understand that sometimes, the Dremel is the only tool that can get in there, but if I'm going in knowing there's a good chance I'm going to kill the machine, I'm buying the cheapest single speed version and know that the $40-$60 will save me a few hours. I still have 2 Harbor Freight cheapies in boxes specifically for that purpose.

It's ok to direct it at me. I'm asking & expect no less from honest people. As for me, I understand that I'm working it hard. And the life will be shorter because of that. But I have used them for years, & have a basic idea of a reasonable lifespan using this level of tool in my situations based on the performance of their previous products.

I bought my first one in the 70s while working in a hardware store. I sold them & thought they were a decent tool. For my use they were good enough for years. I have lost track of how many I've been thru. Out of all of them, these newest machines have a far shorter lifespan. They just don't seem to be up to their previous quality, even if that wasn't at an industrial level. And the small size with the small box to keep the kit together in the truck was a plus.

I am ready to leave the brand & get something else. At this point I am leaning toward the Foredom as the next tool. If I had made that change a few years ago I'd be money ahead. I have to figure out which combination (bench or hanging, foot or knob control) will work best in all the crazy places I'll need it. I never know what it will be next. Foot control sounds good for being able to start & stop without leaving the work, but might be tough to use under a house. If they are interchangeable maybe I'll go with both controls. How to transport safely for months without use is another question. Maybe the Proxxon will fit the bill better due to space concerns.

Thank you all for the recommendations. I'll keep going thru the options.

 

[kabinenroller]

The Dremal headquarters is located a few miles from my home. I have a couple of their tools and rarely have issues. Most people I talk to who have stopped at the factory service center with a broken tool say that their tool was just exchanged for a new one not repaired. I have a Milwaukee die grinder that I use for heavy work, the Dremal is too light duty and is designed for the hobbyist. Besides the accessories for the Dremal are expensive, cut off wheels don't last long at high rpm when cutting steel tubbing etc.
If you continue to have quality issues with your Dremal I suggest contacting the factory service center.
https://www.dremel.com/en-us/customerservice/productsupport/ServiceAndRepair/Pages/default.aspx