Old Dremel Parts source or alternatives

[oldpops]

Hello all! I have an old Dremel 395 (type A) and the switch is bad. Called Dremel and they said they no longer have that part (the variable speed on/off switch), nor do they carry the armature, or really any internal parts. They did send me a parts list and so I am trying to track down a new switch, or the parts to repair it., but the switch's I've found so far are half the cost of a new Dremel!! I know my Dremel is old but so am I and I don't really like the idea of just throwing stuff away (what if my wife thought that way about me!)!. Anyone here know of a place to get inexpensive, but dependable, parts to replace what's broken? I also saw a YouTube video of a guy who was taking the switch apart to repair the little board inside, but I don't think he ever fixed it. Any tech guru's out there who can offer advice and suggestions?

 

[BillK]

I just put "dremel 395 parts" in Google and found several places that have the switch listed ????
Here is just one:

Dremel 395 - Corded Multi-Tool (F013039504) - eReplacementParts.com

Fix your 395 Corded Multi-Tool (F013039504) today! We offer OEM parts, detailed model diagrams, symptom-based repair help, and video tutorials to make repairs easy.

www.ereplacementparts.com

 

[oldpops]

Yeah, I saw that but I am wondering if there is a place to get it cheaper than $21.00 bucks. Plus it would be great to find a place that sells the components of the switch to repair it.

 

[alfadan]

Kinda hack-ish, but what about jumpering the switch out and just plugging it in. You lose variable speed but do you actually use lower speeds?

My dad had an ancient Dremel he plugged into a glorified light dimmer, like an SCR or Triac speed control.

 

[driftpin]

I don't think having to unplug the tool to turn it off is a safe way to operate it. At least wire-in an on/off switch to the cord.

 

[The Cobbler]

parts are always higher than what we think they should be, it's a profit center and they also would like you to buy a new tool so there's no incentive to sell parts cheap .
as far as parts, first you need to diagnose what's needing replacement, then you may find they are standard parts that can be bought from an electronics supplier like digkey etc.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks everybody!

 

[jonesg]

over the yrs i've thrown 2 dremels away, eventually switched over to the milwaukee cordless.