Dremel? Which model? Or a different roto-tool?

[EmptyWallet]

Looking to pick up a dremel.

I'm used to the dremel of years ago, hard plastic...indestructible.

I see they have a dremel 3000, 4000, etc.

Is it just me or does the 4000 seem....big? I'm going to get the flex shaft with whatever model I go with...but if someone had experience with the current offerings and could offer some insight...that'd be nice.

 

[Davefr]

I have at least 12 Dremels right now.

It really depends what tasks you have in mind. Forget some of the silly claims Dremel makes. These tools are for small precision tasks. (not sharpening lawn mower blades or polishing a set of golf clubs).

For versatility and precision I like the 770 cordless versions for small tasks. I use mine almost daily.

For medium projects I prefer the older 395 series. (that was the best corded Dremel IMHO). It works fine with a flex shaft. However for serious flex shaft work I'd skip over Dremel and get a Foredom tool.

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

Looking to pick up a dremel.

I'm used to the dremel of years ago, hard plastic...indestructible.

I see they have a dremel 3000, 4000, etc.

Is it just me or does the 4000 seem....big? I'm going to get the flex shaft with whatever model I go with...but if someone had experience with the current offerings and could offer some insight...that'd be nice.

I have the 4000 and i like it, but i would recomend this from Proxxon, i also have this and is much more heavy duty then any dremel...
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2891&category=1081446983

 

[RCL]

I really like the Proxxon.
I used a Dremel for many years with no problems, but the posts on this forum led me to the Proxxon.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Hmmmm. Alright. Proxxon...I'll check into that. Foredom?

Are these tools I can't use on small jobs?

Or will a Proxxon and Foredom do everything a dremel does and then some?

 

[EmptyWallet]

Alright. Settled on a Proxxon. What model though? Are the attachments or kits/parts/bits interchangeable with dremel stuff?

 

[Stuey]

Hmmmm. Alright. Proxxon...I'll check into that. Foredom?

Are these tools I can't use on small jobs?

Or will a Proxxon and Foredom do everything a dremel does and then some?

Foredom is in a whole other league.

These tools are typically designed for small and higher precision jobs, compared to a die grinder.

Alright. Settled on a Proxxon. What model though? Are the attachments or kits/parts/bits interchangeable with dremel stuff?

Proxxon accessories should be interchangeable with Dremel. 3/32" and 1/8" most definitely. Be aware that Proxxon tools run at slower speed than Dremels. This might not make a difference, but might limit your selection of bits/burs slightly.

 

[SMKS]

Does anyone know the COO of the Proxxon grinders? I've been considering them myself. They have them on Amazon.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Is a Proxxon just a beefier more torquey Dremel?

 

[Stuey]

Is a Proxxon just a beefier more torquey Dremel?

It's a semi more precise brand.

Do you need more power than a Dremel can provide?

 

[EmptyWallet]

I'd like to regroove some golf clubs, so the comment above about it possibly not working for that application caught my eye.

 

[Stuey]

I'd like to regroove some golf clubs, so the comment above about it possibly not working for that application caught my eye.

Dremel's marketing materials advertise that their rotary tools can be used to clean and polish golf club heads.

I know nothing about regrooving golf clubs so I can't say if they're suitable for that or not.

Proxxon tools are usually aimed at modelers, carvers, and more precise applications. Some users prefer Proxxons over Dremel b/c they're better built and rated for extended use, but I'm not sure if they're more powerful.

I would suggest trying a Dremel. If it works well, great. If not, then try Proxxon. If that doesn't work you'll need to go towards Foredom or a die grinder.

 

[aosty]

Milwaukee M12 cordless works great and very handy.... Foredom for the heavier work.

 

[cheechi]

Last time a thread like this came up, I suggested getting a Dremel 4000 and was outvoted by Proxxon. Noticing a trend, there must be something to it.

I still suggest getting the biggest/most inclusive Dremel 4000 kit you can afford. The accessories are worth it. Having multiple tools with different bits or attachments has come in handy more than once. If you use the flex shaft all the time, why remove it from one tool just to put it right back? Keep it on there and use another to change bits less frequently used.

 

[Davefr]

Hmmmm. Alright. Proxxon...I'll check into that. Foredom?

Are these tools I can't use on small jobs?

Or will a Proxxon and Foredom do everything a dremel does and then some?

A Foredom tool is dedicated/powerful flex shaft tool. There's a choice of handpieces from straight to angle.

The handpieces are small and much more maneuverable then individual Dremel type tools.

I've also found that Foredom offers many more accessories then Dremel.

You'll have to open your wallet and dig deeper for a Foredom tool. They're not cheap.

 

[Monte]

Does anyone know the COO of the Proxxon grinders? I've been considering them myself. They have them on Amazon.

Luxemburg

 

[dandan111]

If flex shaft is what you want I think the foredom would be the way to go. Just depends on how much you will use it,I think the foredoms are more heavy duty. If its just occasional than a dremel will be the least expensive I bet.

 

[Monte]

Proxxon tools are often used for milling machines

 

[porschedude996TT]

I perfer the Hang Up Models with a flex shaft. Foredom is the brand I have. I bought it at sears as a close out for $99.00 and they listed for over $200.

http://www.foredom.net/16hpseriessr115voltdomestic.aspx

 

[Stuey]

Proxxon tools are often used for milling machines

So are Dremels. =)

P.S. I wish Kress spindles were available in the USA.

 

[Monte]

So are Dremels. =)

right, but the Proxxon IB/E looks more trustworthy for me with its metal housing

P.S. I wish Kress spindles were available in the USA.

how far is Costa Rica from you ?
www.hidrocacr.com

 

[Harvey Melvin Richards]

A Foredom tool is dedicated/powerful flex shaft tool. There's a choice of handpieces from straight to angle.

The handpieces are small and much more maneuverable then individual Dremel type tools.

I've also found that Foredom offers many more accessories then Dremel.

You'll have to open your wallet and dig deeper for a Foredom tool. They're not cheap.

A flexible shaft or a Foredom isn't always more maneuverable, and certainly not more portable.

 

[BabaGanoosh]

Basic question. What's the difference between the larger multi max models and the smaller (flex shaft?) models in terms of functionality and job suitability? I need to cut 2 x 4's recessed in concrete.

 

[90zcar]

I actually use a craftsman rotary tool. Only has 2 speeds which is really all u need. This thing I have honestly had since I was in 7th or 8th grade....I know it was middle school. I have used the hell outta this thing especially when I was younger and didn't have larger power tools to do jobs. There was one instance where it wouldn't work and smelled funny. I thought it was toast but plugged it in the next day and it has worked ever since.



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[Stuey]

Basic question. What's the difference between the larger multi max models and the smaller (flex shaft?) models in terms of functionality and job suitability? I need to cut 2 x 4's recessed in concrete.

Cutting 2x4s is something rotary tools aren't designed to do. You *can* do it, but not quickly or easily.

The Multi-Max or another oscillating tool will be better for the task. Edges where 2x4s meet concrete might be a hassle if you need to avoid nicking the concrete.

 

[flyingtpot]

For precision and accuracy, models from Dumore and Foredom are some of the best available. They both make flex-shaft and micro-motor designed hand-held devices. It is all about money and what you need to get done. After using Foredom and Dumore products I find myself never wanting to use the Dremel for even the most simplest of tasks.

 

[Wamsutta]

Make sure you get variable speed. Don't even think about getting by without it.

 

[pauls_workshop]

These which rotary tool threads come up every month or two. It's been posted before, but some good alternatives to Dremel are the cheap Black and Decker or Ryobi rotary tools. These have more torque and less speed than the Dremel, which has very little torque actually and relies on very high speed to cut. I prefer the ones with more torque, as they can dig into the cut or grind better without breaking the bits right off. They are also much lower cost than Dremels. I have a few Dremels too, but I prefer the others for uses where torque is desired. - Paul

 

[90zcar]

Make sure you get variable speed. Don't even think about getting by without it.

Correct.....but I find the ones that have 5-10 speeds pointless

I feel u need a steady speed or balls to the wall with one of these things


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[AndeiH]

i've had a dremel XPR 400 since it came out (long time ago). i've ground the heads off of large bolts, cut off large bolts, sharpened lawnmower blades, cut wood with the saw attachment, used it as a drill press with the attachment, i use it to grind tungsten for TIG welding.........i've used it for a lot of stuff. one of the best tools i've ever bought and its still on the original brushes .

 

[pauls_workshop]

By the way, it is also worth mentioning, always always always use full goggle eye protection when using any dremel. I came within 1/2" literally of losing an eye to my dremel a few years back. Cutting bit broke off, came towards my head out of plane of the cut, skidded up my eyeglasses and chewed up the whole polycarbonate lens, then bounced off and hit my forehead and gave a good bruise there after that. You cannot predict where these will bend or what direction they will go when they break. Had the wheel been 1/2" lower, it would have gone under my eyeglasses lens and right into my eye. Full goggles - always - trust me. A separate plastic guard on the dremel tool itself covering over the bit is even better and well worth it. They are all great and useful tools, but they are very dangerous, esp the low torque ones if you don't go very very slowly with them (high speed but slow to move into the cut patiently). - Paul

 

[bonneyman]

Dremel model 395 all the way.
The USA-made ones, with the red speed control switch.