My Dremel *****

[RoninB4]

The Foredom moto-tool was about all you'd find in mold/die shops (besides pneumatic pencil grinders) during the 80's for mold polishing or fine detail work. Small, maneuverable, and no air hose to wrestle with at a polishing bench. The only trouble was the flexible shaft would break under prolonged, industrial use. One shop I worked at had done everything they knew to prolong the working life of the cable, with no real improvement. Foredom may/may not have made an improvement, haven't used one on a daily basis since the 80's. They're probably quite well suited for the average consumer or light/occasional industrial duty but, unless something has changed, I always consider any flexible shaft to be a disposable component. If you don't kink/bend the shaft during operation they'd stand a chance of lasting as long as a speedo/tach cable. JMO

The Dremel sized electric moto-tools aren't capable of being used for polishing with diamond paste on a felt bob, the slop in the spindle allows bounce and leave a horrible rippled surface. Yeah, you can fake a polish on a small surface with the rubberized abrasives but the "waves" show on larger surfaces. Larger electric die grinders are just too bulky for intricate work and often don't have the RPM needed. Pneumatic pencil grinders do have the RPM, are maneuverable for detail work, and can polish to a mirror surface finish. But wrestling with the air hose and listening to the whine of a pneumatic all day demands hearing protection.

There may be other devices out there, never tried the dental class tools, but there's nothing I've seen/encountered that's within the price range of the average consumer that does everything I need it to.

 

[finn]

Dremmels and their clones are glorified toys for artsy crafty people. They aren’t real tools for cutting, grinding, or skating metal.

double post, I see.

 

[RoninB4]

They aren’t real tools for cutting, grinding, or skating metal.

-The limitations can be overcome, to some degree, but your technique becomes critical. Some tasks they just aren't up to no matter how good your technique is. Pick battles you think can be won with a Dremel.

 

[Doug]

The part number for the reinforced wheels (non quick-change) is 426. These are getting hard to find in the stores as it seems Dremel has switched these over to the quick-change type. I buy the 426 type wheels online in bulk for half (or less) than store prices. I've yet to have a problem with one.

 

[anndel]

I use my Dremel cordless 8220 with the EZ Lock cutoff wheels to nick inner bearing races stuck on wheel hubs. My 3-1/2 angle grinder is a bit too big and I end up scratching or nicking the hubs so the Dremel is perfect. I 've had no issues with mine.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

For someone new to die grinders is angled or straight more general purpose? Or do you actually need both?

 

[driftpin]

I use a Dremel w/their flex shaft. I have their right-angle attachment. I use the flex shaft mostly, but sometimes it's 'what accesses the confined space,' or 'what gives me the most control to avoid damaging what I need to work-upon?'

At one point I bought a HFT Dremel-type tool, for a remote location, and while it's not as robust as a Dremel, it's still kicking.

Use the right tool for the job. If you can use a 1/4" collet tool, in the space provided, then a Dremel isn't the 'right tool.' A Dremel may be able to do that job, but a 1/4" straight or 90 degree die grinder may be the best choice.

I have a Roto-Zip tool, actually two, I bought one w/a lot of accessories after I tried one my wife bought new. I thought, "it's a gimmick tool," but after using one to cut in ceiling lighting cans and wall outlet boxes quickly, easily, and accurately, I agrees with the wife, "a Roto-Zip has its place in the shop." She is an engineer, and is usually right about things we debate.

Counting all my rotary tools, including routers, the count is 7, not including pneumatic die grinders. Choose the right tool for the job, and you work safer, quicker, and with less frustration.

My last comment, which others in this thread have made, and I did earlier: wear eye protection every time!

 

[Snip's]

I have the Dremel #732 Moto-Flex... Not sure why it was discontinued... Works well..
Has different collets (1/8" & 1/4 shaft tools), foot pedal speed control...
Similar to the Foredom moto tool... I prefer the fiber reinforced cut-off discs...
Safety face shield use is a must...

 

[RaisedByWolves]

For someone new to die grinders is angled or straight more general purpose? Or do you actually need both?

I prefer straight for everything except breaking edges on parts or surface conditioning like knocking down weld spatter or the back side of a drilled hole.

Holding it like a pencil while resting your hand on the part lends a lot of dexterity and control.