never had a dremel , never thought I needed one before, but I found a nice used one @ Habitat a few weeks ago for $15 and thought, Why not... add it to my collection of stuff that will never get used.... WRONG. I've actually used it 3X so far & wonder how I would have done what I did without it . I have die grinders but because they spin so fast,I find it's a bit more difficult to handle them in more delicate situations
My New Found Love; Dremel
- Thread starter The Cobbler
- Start date
engineer2
Well-known member
Very useful tool. My most common use nowadays is to trim the dog's nails.
My most arduous use was porting cylinder heads, but that was decades ago.
My most arduous use was porting cylinder heads, but that was decades ago.
ZRX61
Well-known member
I've had one for at least 25 years. Used it an average of maybe once every 5 years. Recently I needed it for a project & have used it 4 or 5 times in the past three months. I got some spiffy little scotchbrite doodads that were perfect for cleaning up the bores in my ZX11 brake calipers. Also some wire wheels in brass & stainless that removed the corrosion in the seal grooves. Gets more use now I have more doodads to fit in it.
RTM
Well-known member
For a while it was my most abused tool. Cut lots of stuff with those skinny disks, including three sets of overly long toilet bolts. Couldn’t reach in there with anything bigger due to cabinetry in the way.
Cut wood, metal, plastic indiscriminately, sanded, polished, but never could sharpen stuff. The crappy stones were eccentrically mounted on the shaft, and vibrated horribly. Since upgraded the stones, but haven’t tried to sharpen stuff.
Cut wood, metal, plastic indiscriminately, sanded, polished, but never could sharpen stuff. The crappy stones were eccentrically mounted on the shaft, and vibrated horribly. Since upgraded the stones, but haven’t tried to sharpen stuff.
four.cycle
Well-known member
I bought a second-hand model a few years ago and gifted it to a friend.
Her first attempt was this:
She quickly learned that some rocks are easier to work on than others. Quartz is not a good choice. River rocks, on the other hand, lend themselves well.
Be sure to wear a mask if grinding stone or masonry!!!
Her first attempt was this:
She quickly learned that some rocks are easier to work on than others. Quartz is not a good choice. River rocks, on the other hand, lend themselves well.
Be sure to wear a mask if grinding stone or masonry!!!
Attachments
GaryM909
Well-known member
I bought a used one a few years ago for $20. It came with a flex shaft and a router attachment. My wife saw it and then told me the woman that does her nails has something similar. Ten minutes later I ended up out on the patio removing her fake nails. I haven't used it since.
strutaeng
Well-known member
I'd bought one a long time ago. It was the deluxe version with a flex shaft and a bunch of do-dads. I quickly found out the motor got really hot using it for extended time (like 3-5 minutes) and the abrasives are for very light work and don't last. I eventually burned it up. Doh!
Years later (2014-ish) I bought a Dremel miniature worm gear saw for cutting drywall holes for PEX retrofit to my house. It was barely adequate and only smoked/charred trying to cut a 1x4. I went to their website and gave them my honest review and they contacted me and sent me their newer and improved saw for free! Unfortunately, it was no better that the first. Their blades were proprietary too so you couldn't use regular blades. I think I eventually threw both in the trash can.
So no more Dremel for me.
An angle grinder, 3" cutoff tool and die grinder are better tools for getting real work done. But I understand there some hobby situations where a very light touch tool work is desired.
Years later (2014-ish) I bought a Dremel miniature worm gear saw for cutting drywall holes for PEX retrofit to my house. It was barely adequate and only smoked/charred trying to cut a 1x4. I went to their website and gave them my honest review and they contacted me and sent me their newer and improved saw for free! Unfortunately, it was no better that the first. Their blades were proprietary too so you couldn't use regular blades. I think I eventually threw both in the trash can.
So no more Dremel for me.
An angle grinder, 3" cutoff tool and die grinder are better tools for getting real work done. But I understand there some hobby situations where a very light touch tool work is desired.
snickers muncher
Well-known member
I also will go a few years between uses, but when I do use it it is just the tool for the job.
driftpin
Well-known member
Dremels are like talking about living in CA or FL. You either hate it or love it.
I got my 1st rotary tool (Sears L'il Crafty, still have it, & it still works) in the early 1960's, as a kid, to work on slot cars. That was a favorite activity then. I still have friends, when I attend a reunion, mention having fun playing w/my slot cars. The rotary tool was a boon to trying things out, attempting to make mods on the cars, or doing work on the track, scenery and stuff.
As an adult, I bought a Dremel, I think I've owned a half-dozen Dremels, most of them being the rotary tool. I will never be w/o one, because they do what I need, when and where I need to do it. Sure there are much more-expensive rotary tools, which may work better, but for the use I put 'em to, the Dremel works.
I suggest you buy the flex cord and the mandrels to use different diameter shaft accessories. I never use it w/o the flex shaft anymore but I could if I needed to. Swap-over w/o the flex shaft would probably take a minute and a half.
Working on motorcycles, I use 'em for defeating security screws on float bowls (I'm a retro-grouch, no fuel-injection in my 'cheaper-by-the-dozen' stable). As zrx61 said, they are the bee's knees for deposits/oxidation/corrosion removal in small spaces. For the O-ring grooves in calipers, I usually use large brass wire wheels. 'Large' in Dremel-speak, is a 1-1/2" dia. piece.
I just bought a set of cut-off discs, fiber-reinforced, on Amazon, something like 50, and 4 mandrels, for $10. The EZ Lock cut-off discs are what Dremel went to, they're more-expensive than the old style. I have both. The Big Box Store I frequent only has the EZ Lock cut-off discs anymore. The old ones, you could buy in a PEZ dispenser, 20 for something like $35, but I haven't seen those in years at the store.
Wear your eye protection! I cannot emphasize enough how-important this is! If you value your eyesight, you will never be without it. The cut-off discs you want to use are the fiberglass-reinforced ones. Even then, if you place lateral pressure on the disc, it will fragment! The broken pieces are akin to shrapnel, and without eye protection, you could lose your eyesight, one or both, in a worst-case scenario.
Bottom line, you will find many uses for it. If you don't, gift it to someone who can use it.
I got my 1st rotary tool (Sears L'il Crafty, still have it, & it still works) in the early 1960's, as a kid, to work on slot cars. That was a favorite activity then. I still have friends, when I attend a reunion, mention having fun playing w/my slot cars. The rotary tool was a boon to trying things out, attempting to make mods on the cars, or doing work on the track, scenery and stuff.
As an adult, I bought a Dremel, I think I've owned a half-dozen Dremels, most of them being the rotary tool. I will never be w/o one, because they do what I need, when and where I need to do it. Sure there are much more-expensive rotary tools, which may work better, but for the use I put 'em to, the Dremel works.
I suggest you buy the flex cord and the mandrels to use different diameter shaft accessories. I never use it w/o the flex shaft anymore but I could if I needed to. Swap-over w/o the flex shaft would probably take a minute and a half.
Working on motorcycles, I use 'em for defeating security screws on float bowls (I'm a retro-grouch, no fuel-injection in my 'cheaper-by-the-dozen' stable). As zrx61 said, they are the bee's knees for deposits/oxidation/corrosion removal in small spaces. For the O-ring grooves in calipers, I usually use large brass wire wheels. 'Large' in Dremel-speak, is a 1-1/2" dia. piece.
I just bought a set of cut-off discs, fiber-reinforced, on Amazon, something like 50, and 4 mandrels, for $10. The EZ Lock cut-off discs are what Dremel went to, they're more-expensive than the old style. I have both. The Big Box Store I frequent only has the EZ Lock cut-off discs anymore. The old ones, you could buy in a PEZ dispenser, 20 for something like $35, but I haven't seen those in years at the store.
Wear your eye protection! I cannot emphasize enough how-important this is! If you value your eyesight, you will never be without it. The cut-off discs you want to use are the fiberglass-reinforced ones. Even then, if you place lateral pressure on the disc, it will fragment! The broken pieces are akin to shrapnel, and without eye protection, you could lose your eyesight, one or both, in a worst-case scenario.
Bottom line, you will find many uses for it. If you don't, gift it to someone who can use it.
Last edited:
neophyte
Well-known member
A professional woodworker once told me Dremel tools were “throw away” tools.
While I understand his point;
a Dremel is nowhere near the quality of a Foredom flex shaft grinder, or a Dumore grinder, or a larger electric die grinder from a manufacturer like Metabo,
The Dremel I got in the 1990s is still going strong.
I sort of regard Dremel like X-ACTO hobby knives.
They’re made for hobby use, but still well worth owning.
While I understand his point;
a Dremel is nowhere near the quality of a Foredom flex shaft grinder, or a Dumore grinder, or a larger electric die grinder from a manufacturer like Metabo,
The Dremel I got in the 1990s is still going strong.
I sort of regard Dremel like X-ACTO hobby knives.
They’re made for hobby use, but still well worth owning.
Pinemarten
Well-known member
I like using mine with a thin cut-off wheel to cut a slot in a mangled Phillips screw, so it can be removed with a flat blade screwdriver.
The sanding and buffing disk are handy as well.
The sanding and buffing disk are handy as well.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
There's a wide range of Dremels... I think many of the guys who make sweeping generalizations about them don't realize that.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ there are also a bazillion knock-offs. the one I mentioned above was not a "Dremel" BRAND - it was a PowrKraft (Montgomery Ward).
second-hand. ebay sale. immaculate. in original box with some widgets. I think I was into it all of maybe $30 bucks.
definitely worth the investment - she loved it! (should be obvious from the pics.) we actually started LOOKING for "carvable" rock specimens.
second-hand. ebay sale. immaculate. in original box with some widgets. I think I was into it all of maybe $30 bucks.
definitely worth the investment - she loved it! (should be obvious from the pics.) we actually started LOOKING for "carvable" rock specimens.
larry4406
Well-known member
I love the Dremel. I’ve had mine since around 1985. It came with the flex shaft and I’ve never used it. 
CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
I've had a Dremel for many years. It's one of my main go-to's especially paired with carbide bits since the vast majority of my witchcraft involves seriously detailed bodywork on cast aluminum.
It finally died a few years ago while cleaning up defects on an old crossram intake. I contacted the company and told the lady about my 25-year old Dremel. She sent me a new one a few days later at no charge! It doesn't like the lowest speed but I rarely used that anyway. It's been a solid, reliable workhorse though and I'm happy to have it.
It finally died a few years ago while cleaning up defects on an old crossram intake. I contacted the company and told the lady about my 25-year old Dremel. She sent me a new one a few days later at no charge! It doesn't like the lowest speed but I rarely used that anyway. It's been a solid, reliable workhorse though and I'm happy to have it.
Last edited:
whitesco
Well-known member
I just gifted myself a new 3000 series kit from Lowe’s. I’ve had the variable speed Craftsman for probably 25 years, maybe 30. The switch on the old one has been gimpy for a while so I’d been thinking of a new one and caved.
First time I used the original one was to cut a couple of inches off exhaust pipe. Completely wrong tool for that job but I was 20 and worked with what I had.
First time I used the original one was to cut a couple of inches off exhaust pipe. Completely wrong tool for that job but I was 20 and worked with what I had.
Wife gifted me a nice Dremel tool with the flex shaft......damn thing just reminds me too much of a trip to the dentist. Something wrong with a guy that puts his hands in your mouth. I use it when I absolutely have to, when I have no other choices....
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Funnny, last time I really used mine was to clean up some M/T valve covers... worked a treat.
CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
Yeah, that unruly box of casting flash -- or trench as the case may be -- around the logo irritates me too.
They are great for delicate detail work, and reaching tight areas as mentioned. Also for cutting plastic or small parts. My most common use is the tiny wire wheels for cleaning up gunky bolts in a hurry. They don't last long so I buy them in bags of 20 now.
bpwoodworking
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2023
- Messages
- 254
I've had a Dremel for many years. It's one of my main go-to's especially paired with carbide bits since the vast majority of my witchcraft involves seriously detailed bodywork on cast aluminum.
It finally died a few years ago while cleaning up defects on an old crossram intake. I contacted the company and told the lady about my 25-year old Dremel. She sent me a new one a few days later at no charge! It doesn't like the lowest speed but I rarely used that anyway. It's been a solid, reliable workhorse though and I'm happy to have it.
Beautiful work!
CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
Thanks! I love my job.
brianh
Well-known member
They are ok if not pushed, I use them for fine work they are great for sharpening chainsaws using diamond chain files.
My more used rotory tools are some Harbor Freight long nose 4.5 amp die grinders they are going on 15 years of weekly use multiple cord and brush replacements and they keep running.
My more used rotory tools are some Harbor Freight long nose 4.5 amp die grinders they are going on 15 years of weekly use multiple cord and brush replacements and they keep running.
ALBRECHTSAUTOREPAIR
Member
metal beer cap on a screw is a cheap cut off wheel.
driftpin
Well-known member
Picture of that please!
Bessy
Well-known member
I have an older craftsman and a Dremel 4000 that's maybe 7 years old. Used to use them both a fair bit as they really are indispensable when you need them, but I really haven't found too many uses more recently.
driftpin
Well-known member
As Bob Heine did, he set one up (I think a generic) with a diamond disc for grinding tungsten TIG rods. He marked the diamond disc w/a big 'T' in the center so he wouldn't contaminate it by using it for another purpose.
Many people 'poo-poo' Dremels and all I need is mine at-hand for those jobs which are difficult-to-impossible without one, or a similar small form-factor rotary grinder.
Many people 'poo-poo' Dremels and all I need is mine at-hand for those jobs which are difficult-to-impossible without one, or a similar small form-factor rotary grinder.
I've had a corded Dremel for as long as I can remember but the cord get's in the way and it got used less and less.
A few years ago I picked uo a Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool similar to a Dremel that solved that problem.
A few years ago I picked uo a Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool similar to a Dremel that solved that problem.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
^^^^ That is funny I had my Dremel stolen and bought the Milwaulkee 12 volt for a replacement. Liked the balance in the corded Dremel better. Thinking of buying the Dremel again.
danski0224
Well-known member
I used one to cut out a tub drain. Wasn't budging otherwise.
I agree on the M12, it's a bit bulky so I guess there are compromises.
Luckily I don't have use it much.
The dogs just hate it when the word "nails" is mentioned not to mention that the M12 sings a bit.
CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
Billy's Doberman Zeus gets his eagle talons trimmed with my inline air sander
... he absolutely hates it. The 80 grit bands take them down pretty quickly.Two Speed
Well-known member
Still have my original dremel, been through hell and back over the years. It blew up its internal flex coupler a few years ago and I bought a dremel 4000 at that time becuase CTC had them for 70% off. Replacement flex couplers where stupid money here in Canada, so got the 4000 becuase the sale price made it the wise choice. Then I discovered some nylon tubing in my stash and it made a perfect replacement flex coupler and have hardly touched the 4000 as I keep going to the original anytime I need a dremel. Last job for it was something better suited to a die grinder, but had to hog out the steering column side hole on the jeep steering shaft to fit my c10. Through hell and back and it keeps coming back for more.
I probably have a dozen different die grinders, pencil grinders air tool and at least 3 Foredom flex shaft machines. I wore out my first dremel in the early 70s. Sent it off for repair and they sent me a new one.
I've done a lot of plastic injection mold work with Dremels or flex shafts. R&D, modeling, die and pattern making over the years.
Currently I have a couple original wood boxed late 50s/early 60s kits in my collection.
I use one if not daily for stretches of time at least weekly. I even have a couple of dentist drills I use for really fine details.
When I finally get a dedicated engraving shop, I want to suspend half a dozen with different bits ready to use just by reaching for it.
To me, with the different things I've done, having a dremel or an equivalent is mandatory.
Hell, I've even mounted one on the lathe to use as a tool post grinder. It works fine for +/-0.001 tolerance cuts.
I've done a lot of plastic injection mold work with Dremels or flex shafts. R&D, modeling, die and pattern making over the years.
Currently I have a couple original wood boxed late 50s/early 60s kits in my collection.
I use one if not daily for stretches of time at least weekly. I even have a couple of dentist drills I use for really fine details.
When I finally get a dedicated engraving shop, I want to suspend half a dozen with different bits ready to use just by reaching for it.
To me, with the different things I've done, having a dremel or an equivalent is mandatory.
Hell, I've even mounted one on the lathe to use as a tool post grinder. It works fine for +/-0.001 tolerance cuts.
Rockable
Well-known member
I am on my 3rd Dremel in about 40 years. This one is pretty heavy duty compared to the others. Since most of my work is in metal, I use cut off wheels, carbide burrs and grinding stones mostly. I will never be without a Dremel. It has a lot of versatility.