Dremmel advice?

R

RobbW

Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
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I'm looking for a good dremmel. I want it to do a "fluff and buff" on two of my pistols, and to have for around the house work. Saw one at Costco today that was a plug in going for $100. I assume it was more than the battery powered units I've seen because it was more powerful. I think I'd like a cordless version if they had enough power.

Any feedback on good dremmels?
 
It's late, and I've had a little much to drink--so I'm not sure that I have everything right here. But I seem to remember that I got a Dremel (cordless, w/ a lot of attahments for about $60 or so at Home Depot (in MA no less). That oughta leave enough money ofr any special attachments you might need. And the cordless models have quite a bit of power.
 
DON'T GO CORDLESS!
They don't offer the same range of speed, and charging batteries is a PITA. The batteries will wear out long before the tool, and they will cost more than the dremel to replace.
I bought a Ryobi Moto Tool about 10 years ago and I'm still using it. I make knives and use the hell out of it, cutting frame locks and doing filework. It took to smoking on me last summer finally but after taking it apart and cleaning out all the steel filings its running great again. Despite all that use the bearings were tight as ever and it runs smooth.
I think Ryobi still makes them. Dremel also makes a very good tool, and I've heard good things about the black and decker wizard.
If your wanting to get into some really serious work with it a Foredom tool is nicer cause you have more power and a smaller handpeice. Ther'e pretty expensive though.

I have to caution you before you go taking a dremel to a gun too. You really will wanta larger buffing wheel than the dremel has if your going to shine the whole thing up. The small wheels on a dremel have a habit of leaving tracks on larger projects. Its a detail tool.
 
I agree with Matt. If used on larger surfaces, a small buff will leave lines, as the contact patch is narrow and oblong.
If you keep the buff or wheel in constant motion across the surface, plus push the buff sideways ( in-line with the axis of the arbor ), there will be less noticable lines. It will take multiple passes to produce an even finish.
Never let a buff sit in one place, unless you like grooves in your finish.
Now, that wasn't real clear, was it?
Practice on something similar to what you want to finish to make sure you can get the result you want, plus hone your technique...

Howie
 
I'd go for the cord-powered model too, especially for prolonged work.

A nice accessory is the flex-extension. You can hang the motor from a hook or something, and use the flex-with considerably more freedom and precision.
 
I vote against the cordless too.

Never seems to be charged when you need it. The power isn't the same either.

Alex
 
I have the large cordless model along with the corded model and just saw the 4000 mdl ( I think that was the model, it was corded) at Lowes that looks like it would be nice. The cordless models are ideal for small jobs like buffing screws and pivots, along with washers. For the larger jobs definately go with the cord.
 
I bought a cheap Black and Decker cordless kit a couple of years ago. It really lacks power and has limited battery life. It is good for quickly shering off a bolts here and there when you don't want to run an extension cord. I did get a real dremell and it works much better.
 
Thanks for the info. I have a cordless drill/driver that is so convenient and handy I thought for sure I'd want a cordless dremmel. I'm glad I thought to ask here about it first. I'll go with a corded dremmel for sure now based on your collective feedback.

On the pistol, I'm just looking to polish the feed ramp and top of the barrel, no outside work so I think the small wheel will be fine for that. I'll practice first on some stainless to get the technique down.

Thanks again for the great advice.
 
I would go with the corded style. Look around at the different accessories at the stores. I always use the flex tool attachment and the footpedal control. It offers better speed control and reduces fatigue.

If you have the coin, go for the Foredom. You wont regret it. If not the Dremel will be around for a long time. You can get a selection of bits at the hardware shops, Sears, and even at craft shops.
 
Dremel bits are expensive. If you can use a full size tool, go for it.

Let the speed do the work, the motors really arn't that strong.

Use it on small projects, it can be very frustrating when using an underpowered tool when a full sized tool will do the work.

Don't loose your wrench.

try to oil, the collets, and the treads on the thing. They'll rust and you'll have the bit, chuck nut thing, and the collet stuck together.

Good luck, have fun
 
underaged! said:
Dremel bits are expensive. If you can use a full size tool, go for it.

Let the speed do the work, the motors really arn't that strong.

Use it on small projects, it can be very frustrating when using an underpowered tool when a full sized tool will do the work.

Don't loose your wrench.

try to oil, the collets, and the treads on the thing. They'll rust and you'll have the bit, chuck nut thing, and the collet stuck together.

Good luck, have fun
Click to expand...

All good advice. I would add that it's a good idea to have lots of spare parts (wrenches, collets, chucks, mandrels, etc) and don't be afraid to try non-Dremel brand stuff - some of it is cheaper and just as good. A quick change chuck is pretty convenient but it is not compatible with some of the other attachments (like the lawnmower sharpening guide). Flex attachment is a must!

I never leave a bit mounted for the very reason underaged! mentions - the parts tend to "become one". I agree with the "have fun" part too - I've had a blast with mine. Don't tell anybody who knows about my whittling that I have been doing rough outs with the Dremel and finishing with the knife. Sssssshhhhhh!
 
The best bit that Dremel makes is the bathroom grout removal bit. It just zips out the old grout in seconds.
 
Go corded. I saw that set at Costco and one of teh reasons it was $100.00 is that it comes with a whole bunch of accessories. Everything you need to get started and use it for a while, especially the indespensable flex shaft.

John
 
Go corded, more options. I disagree with Matt Shade. I have the original cordless Dremel 2 speed. I have owned this for 5 years, and have the same battery I started out with. I am however going to purchase a second on because after 5 years the charge lasts roughly 50 minutes on the hi speed setting. I say go corded, because you can get the flex shaft attachment, and have variable speeds. It is totally worth the money. I am looking into a corded model myself now. I use it to profile sand the kydex sheaths I make. Have fun, it comes in handy. I used to to cut a lock off my garage after the key broke off in it. those cutoff wheels rock :D
 
I have a Dremel that is now 3 years old (it's the professional model w/ the LCD speed setting readout).

It SUCKS. Let me say that again lest anyone here think I mis-typed: it SUUUUUUCKS :barf:

This is comming from a long time Dremel fan. This new model is simply not engineered corrrecty. It shocks me--sometime severely--every time I turn it off! This is PAINFUL :mad:

It's been back to Dremel 3 (4?) times and they have never been able to make it right--it will run shock free for a few days after it's returned and then it starts delivering shocks again. I've spent close to the half the tool's value in postage and insurance.

I've stopped using it in favor of my older "nonprefessional" dremel, but the motor on the older one is wearing out and it will need to be replaced soon.

Wanna bet that it won't get replaced by another Dremel? :grumpy:
 
For something basic like what you want to do try:
Craftsman Single Speed Rotary Tool, Sears item #00961121000 Mfr. model #5002751-13

I think it's made by Dremel for Sears and it's only $39.99

Here


OR


Again, Dremel made for Sears (I think), for $49.99 (on sale, regularly $59.99) you can get the variable speed one.

Craftsman Rotary Kit, Variable Speed with 40 Accessories, Sears item #00961122000 Mfr. model #61122

Here.


My wife uses the Dremel Mighty-Mite cordless for very light jewelry work. Bascially to ream out the holes in beads, it works ok for that but I wouldn't do much more. They also have a little 7.2volt cordless ones which I have no experience with.

Proxxon's are supposed to be very good, made in Germany (I think) Dremel-like rotary tool. I use the hell out of my corded single speed Dremels and go through about 1 a year. Thinking of getting a Foredom but they are pretty steep cost wise.



For what you want to do, get the variable speed from Sears for $49.99 (sale price) and call it a day. Better hurry though, sale ends today.
 
Black & Decker RTX!!! It is a monster!! Any of the Dremmel tools will fit and it won't die. I have been useing it for years and use it I do. For everything!!
 
I've seen a similar tool here in town at Big Lots for $19.99.
Have no idea as to quality.
(and yes- corded model is the ONLY option)
 
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