What’s a better tool

[Elvie84]

Just looking for a tool to do small stuff with and looking at either a dermal or a cordless hikoki die grinder.

What would be the better one.

 

[DaveInHouston]

I love my Dremel but cordless is nice.

 

[Wamsutta]

Variable speed is a necessity when dealing with implements that small.

 

[PelicanPines]

The Hitachi has a lifetime battery warranty.

 

[seber]

I haven't used a cordless but all the Dremels I've used have been too weak for most purposes. I generally use a real corded die grinder. Dumore, Makita, or a very old Craftsman. The Dumore just gave up the ghost after decades on a toolmakers' bench.

 

[Davefr]

If you're doing really small stuff, then get the Dremel Micro. It'll get into tight spots that the others won't.

However in true GJ fashion, you need a lineup so you can pick the right tool for the given job.

Li Ion Dremel Micro 8050
Corded Dremel 3000/4000
Fordom
Pnuematic die grinder
etc

 

[matt_i]

After using a Foredom I'll never buy another Dremel tool if mine dies.

 

[PelicanPines]

After using a Foredom I'll never buy another Dremel tool if mine dies.

Agree somewhat... Foredom for a bench top rotary tool is golden. The problem is when your project is not on your bench top. For battery operated, I have FOUR. They get used more then my flexshaft at my bench.

 

[Rickster]

I recently bought the Milwaukee 12v rotary tool and it’s great. Variable speed, plenty of power and the portability of no cords. My Dremel sits in the tool box drawer for now ... until I get a chance to sell it.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Are you stationary? Like at a bench?

I have the following and use them where applicable.

Foredom
2 Dremels
M12 rotary
M12 Die Grinder
Pneumatic pencil die grinders (IIRC 60k rpm on one of them)
Pneumatic die grinders (large and small)
Electric die grinders (large and small)

Most of the time for small finesse stuff, I use the Dremel or Foredom.

I think the Dremel is more weildy than the M12 rotary for finesse. The pneumatic pencil die grinder is even more precise in finesse but a little bit longer setup.

That Hitachi looks rear heavy with battery... maybe not. It just looks like it in the picture.

Look into the pneumatic pencil die grinders if you have an air source. Research in a little bit. Mine are old USA made and like $600 MSRP... But I've read really really good things about the new astro pneumatic one that's under a hundred bucks. Just an idea.... Then again, with these guys you need much better tooling because it spins so fast compared to a Dremel.

 

[larry_g]

Just looking for a tool to do small stuff with and looking at either a dermal or a cordless hikoki die grinder.

What would be the better one.

Ya know that small is a relative term so your going to be more specific. Are you working jewlery or small model railroad stuff, or do you expect to port the heads on your single cylinder mower engine? What EXACTLY do you need this type of tool for? Answering that will go a long ways toward you getting pertinent answers.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Rinspeed]

I know a lot of people will disagree with me but battery tools are **** compared to pneumatic tools. A quality pneumatic tool will last ten or fifteen years. Batteries don't last more than 24 months, and them after four or five years you won't be able to get a new battery because that design will no longer exist.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I know a lot of people will disagree with me but battery tools are **** compared to pneumatic tools. A quality pneumatic tool will last ten or fifteen years. Batteries don't last more than 24 months, and them after four or five years you won't be able to get a new battery because that design will no longer exist.

I mean.... we'd disagree because the longevity you speak of is simply not true.

The performance is better. I agree. But there is a crossover for usability for lot of people messing around in the garage.

 

[Davefr]

I know a lot of people will disagree with me but battery tools are **** compared to pneumatic tools. A quality pneumatic tool will last ten or fifteen years. Batteries don't last more than 24 months, and them after four or five years you won't be able to get a new battery because that design will no longer exist.

I guess no one bothered to tell my Dremel Micro that it's batteries (Li Ion) are only good for 2 years. I bought it Nov. 2014 and it hasn't failed me yet and I use it all the time.

 

[PelicanPines]

I know a lot of people will disagree with me but battery tools are **** compared to pneumatic tools. A quality pneumatic tool will last ten or fifteen years. Batteries don't last more than 24 months, and them after four or five years you won't be able to get a new battery because that design will no longer exist.

The same is true with air tools... they keep changing the quick connects and you have the insurmountable project of swapping every tool.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I use a dremel quite a bit. Usually with cut-off wheels occasionaly with the sandpaper like "grinding" cylinders. I have tried a large variety of bits and attachments, haven't found many that work well, 5000 RPM is way too fast.

 

[mc4life27]

Just looking for a tool to do small stuff with and looking at either a dermal or a cordless hikoki die grinder.

What would be the better one.

I have both and a few different ones. I have corded and cordless dermal and also a cordless Milwaukee m12 (3 of them all the same just keep them different places). The dermal corded is good old faithful always works. No issues the cordless not a huge fan seems to act up now and again. The Milwaukee makes strange noises here and there but doesn’t seem to effect usability so if I need cordless I grab the m12. Or if I’m at the bench I use dermal plug in.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Wayyyyyy out of OPs price range, but I went down the rabbit hole of Google finding the most badass electric micro die grinder and it is the Misumi Minitor.

Variable speed, DC power, up to 60k rpm,..... I want one.

If any of you watch "My Mechanics", a European dude on YouTube who does absolutely beautiful restorations, he uses one.