Hello everyone! I am looking at getting one for general hobby work. I will be using it for cutting down computer cases (sheet metal) and possibly for things such as sanding for audio applications. My girlfriend plans on using it for her robotics building. It won't need to be totally precise but I need it to last and not break after a year either. I'd prefer cordless if possible but corded will work if it will be better. I'm looking at an under $100 budget, preferably less than $50. Thanks in advance for your help!
Help me choose a rotary tool :)
- Thread starter ampageg2
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dodge610
Well-known member
HD has a nice kawasaki 1 amp corded that is a very nice unit comes in a 190 pc. set bought one with a hd gift card. Just got it yesterday and i am pleasently surprised. My son got me a cordless one from summit racing that is also very nice made by genisys. the kawasaki one was about $45.00 an the cordless genisys was $40.00. Both are very nice units very well made.
dodge610
Well-known member
Here is a few pics of the rotary tools the cordless comes with a 65pc. Acc kit and you can get an extra acc kit for $20.00. That should give you a few choises.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk
83c10submariner
Active member
Quality bits are what really make a rotary tool. Just my opinion
dodge610
Well-known member
My thought also thats why i checked out the bits when i got both tools. Actually they both had very decent bits. I was surprised to say the least.
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I really implore you to check out used DuMore and/or Foredom flex shaft grinders on the ebay.
Then buy a few quality carbide burrs, and all other burrs can be of the yard sale variety.
Hang the motor on a small stand or post from the desk.
Or get a mini die grinder. I have a Dumore ($10 yard sale) and Metabo G500 that I got off ebay for like 88 bux. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VY4L5K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
EDIT: maybe I should try one of these little light weight ones you guys are discussing....maybe I'm missing something. I don't think so, but what the hell do I know....I've had Dremels and they weren't powerful nor reliable for heavy use. Operator error I presume. Overworking it???
Then buy a few quality carbide burrs, and all other burrs can be of the yard sale variety.
Hang the motor on a small stand or post from the desk.
Or get a mini die grinder. I have a Dumore ($10 yard sale) and Metabo G500 that I got off ebay for like 88 bux. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VY4L5K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
EDIT: maybe I should try one of these little light weight ones you guys are discussing....maybe I'm missing something. I don't think so, but what the hell do I know....I've had Dremels and they weren't powerful nor reliable for heavy use. Operator error I presume. Overworking it???
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Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
Oh yea. I have that one too.
Feel kinda dumb considering my post above. Forgot about it. It works good I suppose. I say that because the 110v are just so much more powerful. And maybe I got a lemon M12, but it seems to vibrate more than it should.
But I did cut out a lot of dividers on Plano cases and it definitely was nice to use...aka light weight and no cord.
Should I be sad or glad I forget the tools I have???
rice rocket
Well-known member
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- Mar 24, 2011
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No, my M12 was pretty bad, my Bosch 12v is only a little better. Plus they chew through batteries.
Really trying hard not to spend money on a grinder like you posted with a flex shaft.
Really trying hard not to spend money on a grinder like you posted with a flex shaft.
dodge610
Well-known member
That kawasaki also has a 36 in. flex shaft attachment that you can add to it for like $14.00. That was pretty much what sold me on it. Plenty of power and 110 volt too. Could not find another in that price range that had the flex shaft attachment.
Dremel -
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dremel-4000-Series-120-Volt-Corded-Rotary-Tool-Kit-4000-4-36/203711873
$69 now at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dremel-4000-Series-120-Volt-Corded-Rotary-Tool-Kit-4000-4-36/203711873
$69 now at Home Depot.
stihlntime
Well-known member
I've got the variable speed dremel. It has held up for over 15 yrs. The Foredoom are the way to go if your going to use it daily.
383 240z
Well-known member
Get the 4000. Kick *** tool. Way better then its counterparts. However the key is not overworking the tool and using quality bits. It's not as powerful as your air or 110v tools, but your not using it to cut quarter panels of a 68 Newport!
dodge610
Well-known member
Ok how did you know that I burnt up my dremel doing that you got someone watching me,
Gidge
Well-known member
Dremel -
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dremel-4000-Series-120-Volt-Corded-Rotary-Tool-Kit-4000-4-36/203711873
$69 now at Home Depot.
+1 I've used this for years, very reliable !
dodge610
Well-known member
I must of got a lemon from dremel then mine didnt last at all. Not trying to be arguemenaive mine just didnt hold up was using it on a wood project.
A Dremel type of rotary tool is the wrong tool for what you describe. (especially a little cordless one). You need a die grinder like this:
The typical Dremel is for very small/light duty projects. Cutting steel computer cases will take hours and lots and lots of their little cut off wheels.
I have about 20-25 various Dremels but cutting off a small bolt is about the extent of what I'd do before getting out the "big guns".
It's the same with sanding. They're great for small jobs and touch up work but I wouldn't use them for large areas.
The typical Dremel is for very small/light duty projects. Cutting steel computer cases will take hours and lots and lots of their little cut off wheels.
I have about 20-25 various Dremels but cutting off a small bolt is about the extent of what I'd do before getting out the "big guns".
It's the same with sanding. They're great for small jobs and touch up work but I wouldn't use them for large areas.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Dremel is fine for "hobby" use but it lacks any real guts like for cutting bolts etc.
dodge610
Well-known member
That is what the op says he wants the rotary tool for. General hobby work that is why i posted my recomendations. I just re read his post to make sure. I didnt want to get off track on this thread.
I agree and his budget is "under $100 budget, preferably less than $50".
He said he's cutting up "steel computer cases and sanding". If that's the OP's "hobby" and he wants to do it with a $50 Dremel type of tool then he'll need lots and lots of time, patience and cutting discs.
Dremel tools are indispensable for the right applications. However their capability is greatly exaggerated.
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Me, I don't exaggerate their capability. I have used and abused them over the years. A Dremel has proved indispensable for me on more than one occasion and for more than cutting off a small bolt. But I don't advocate them as the best choice for every situation. And, yes, he should consider something "heavier duty". But that's not what he asked and his budget is very limited. Hence, my (and others) recommendations.
A Dremel type of rotary tool is the wrong tool for what you describe. (especially a little cordless one). You need a die grinder like this:
The typical Dremel is for very small/light duty projects. Cutting steel computer cases will take hours and lots and lots of their little cut off wheels.
I have about 20-25 various Dremels but cutting off a small bolt is about the extent of what I'd do before getting out the "big guns".
It's the same with sanding. They're great for small jobs and touch up work but I wouldn't use them for large areas.
The case I'm looking at cutting down is aluminum not steel - I'll get a better tool for that if the time comes. I'm also not looking at extremely large areas for the sanding, I'd get a sander for that. Like I said, it'll be mostly for small projects that I am looking at doing. I'm currently looking at getting this one:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EEIR42
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