Which Dremel ?

[WR250F]

I need to know which of the current Dremel models is "the one" to buy.

I have a Proxxon and really like it, but this is for my daughter and she would be much better off with something that Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears etc carries accessories for.

I realize the older Dremel models are great, but, they aren't currently available for retail purchase.

Of those available retail, which one offers the most torque and works well with the flex shaft attachment ?

I see reports of those who like the 4000 and 4200 models, I see just as many that insist these are junk.

I need to lay my hands on this by Tuesday night, so my options are going to be limited to retail availability.

I would prefer a unit with collets, unless the chuck versions are better than they used to be.

Can someone suggest something ? Or, an opinion on which to stay away from ?

Corded version only please. Battery models can be convenient, but charging and spare batteries is going to never happen where this is going.

Thanks guys.

 

[doan]

I dont remember the model numbers, but I would either get the corded variable speed, or the top of the line that has a tool-less chuck.

 

[Steinmetz]

A Model 395 here. It is a nice tool.

 

[BK13]

I figure when I buy one (or more) I figured I would get the 8220 (cordless) or the 4000 (corded) but I have no experience with either. Curious about other's opinions.

 

[MRunabout]

I have a Black & Decker RTX-6. After killing off the B&D discs, I used Dremel ones which are a perfect fit. It is compatible with a lot of the Dremel add-ons. I have the Dremel EZ Lock mandrel and Mini Saw attachment on mine: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FBLRWE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FBLRWE/?tag=atomicindus08-20. It has way more torque than my Dremel 300 and has lasted longer under the same use (headlight retrofitting).

 

[Davefr]

I realize the older Dremel models are great, but, they aren't currently available for retail purchase.

I have a bunch of extra corded Dremels. (most are lightly used) Send me a PM if you're interested in used.

 

[cheechi]

If I were buying either 4000 or 4200 I'd get the 4000. essentially the same tool. The only difference is the screw on collar reduces the times you need to use the dremel wrench. it doesn't eliminate those times because some accessories still work best tightened down on a collet.

I have some 4000's I will put it to you this way. I didn't like most of the dremel brand ones, I acutally preferred B&D RTX-6 back when they made it. But for what Dremel makes, the 4000 is pretty nice.

There's a kit branded both Kawasaki & Mastergrip (likely ohers also) that has a 1Amp motor and kind of a bent 'pistol grip' on the back where the cord comes out. Among the cheaper ones, it's the best I've used. I've seen in both brand names it comes with a lot of accessories.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Older Dremel designs had the copyright expire and now are being produced by Black and Decker, along with other companies, so you can still get those 'old' designs that were so robust through other companies now.

Another good source are pawn shops where they aren't quite sure what to categorize them as. I have picked them up for $10-20 typically.

 

[oldwino]

I have a 4000 that I have a ton of use on. Pretty good tool for the $$$

 

[notlob]

I would purchase for her the smallest available model 4000 kit and the keyless chuck. I have had the keyless chuck on my dremel 3000 for over a year and have not once had to reach for that tiny !@#%& dremel wrench, nor have I had any issue with tool slippage.

Dremel 4000:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4000-2-30-120-Volt-Variable/dp/B002L3RUVG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395194689&sr=8-2&keywords=dremel+4000+kit

Dremel Keyless Chuck:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4486-MultiPro-Keyless-Chuck/dp/B0000302ZV/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1395194689&sr=8-11&keywords=dremel+4000+kit

 

[cheechi]

That chuck is pretty good and especially for the money, it's a no brainer. no matter which one you buy the chuck is a great addon.

I keep one of my dremels with it always on, and the rest I will use for any of the other attachments like the chainsaw sharpener etc. I used to say the same about the flex cable (it is still very good and I do strongly recommend it, mine is a B&D branded one) but since I got a bench grinder with a flex attachment I don't keep it permanently on a dremel anymore.

 

[SigElite]

I like my 4200 because there is no chuck or collet at all you just slide the lever down and insert the bit and then you're good to go


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cburnscrx]

Dremel Keyless Chuck:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4486-MultiPro-Keyless-Chuck/dp/B0000302ZV/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1395194689&sr=8-11&keywords=dremel+4000+kit

Thanks for that link. I've got an older Dremel and love it! I didn't even realize they had a keyless chuck for it. I got so tired of that stupid little wrench that I just recently bought one from Cripe's to keep in the tackle box.

BTW, I bought a tackle box to store my Dremel and accessories and that was one of the best organization ideas I've had to date.

 

[Twitchr]

I have a Black & Decker RTX-6. After killing off the B&D discs, I used Dremel ones which are a perfect fit. It is compatible with a lot of the Dremel add-ons. I have the Dremel EZ Lock mandrel and Mini Saw attachment on mine: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FBLRWE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FBLRWE/?tag=atomicindus08-20. It has way more torque than my Dremel 300 and has lasted longer under the same use (headlight retrofitting).

I second the Black and Decker RTX-6. I used many dremmels in my days when I was in high school "modding" computer cases to pay for my hobbies. After home depot stopped letting me warranty my dremmel I turned to the black and decker after positive reviews. I bought it around 5 years ago and have had zero problems, and has helped me in so many pinches.

Just my 2 cents. Ohhh and the dremmel router stand fits on it just fine!

 

[bonneyman]

A Model 395 here. It is a nice tool.

ditto
And get dremel accessories at Widget Supply.