Dremmel advice?

[ExMachina]

OK, an UPDATE

My last post about my Dremel problems actually motivated me to get off my fat ass to call Dremel.

Well, let me just say this...crow tastes *really* bad :footinmou

I talked to a superivsor this time, explained my painful history, and she is sending me not only a replacement Dremel, but an upgraded one too boot!

I feel like a fool now with that last post, but I will leave it up to remind myself to actually ask for assistance before I assume that it won't be provided...

Ugh.

 

[Matt Shade]

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

Glad you like it, you'll never sell me on one. The high speed on mine is 28,000 rpms, I've never seen a cordless that went even half that high. Mine also has 5 speed settings and a lot of torque. The cordless might be ok for some stuff but like I said its not nearly as versatile.
5 years doesn't really mean much unless your using it every day either. With batteries its the number of times you charge and discharge it. I'd kill one and charge it every day. It would never have gone the 10 years my corded one has. Batteries are expensive also. I bet you could buy a basic corded model for about the same cost as the battery you want.

 

[Gollnick]

The problem with cordless tools in general is that the batteries will tend to get "soft", loose their ability to hold a strong charge, if they're not cycled regularly. They also tend to self-discharge if not kept constantly on the charger. The conclusion is that if you're only using the tool occationally, you'd be better off buying a corded varient.

For a contractor who is running his drill all day and working on job sites where power may not be readily available, a cordless drill may be a god-send. But for the average home-owner do-it-yourselfer, the cordless drill saves you five minutes three times a year assuming that the batter is even charged when you need it.

 

[Sean Hawkins]

Cordless or corded.....

Please wear safety goggles or glasses when using Dremel!!! Helps if you can wear some gloves too!!!

There's no safety shield on the tool and I've had one too many close calls.

Cuts from my Dremel are so much worse than my knives.

Sean

 

[bishop85gt]

Cordless or corded.....

Please wear safety goggles or glasses when using Dremel!!! Helps if you can wear some gloves too!!!

There's no safety shield on the tool and I've had one too many close calls.

Cuts from my Dremel are so much worse than my knives.

Sean

I am always killing myself with that damn thing. Goggles are a must have item!!

 

[WilliePete]

It's time to turn that frown upside down:

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:

Try replacing the brushes. I've got a dremel that I bought in the early eighties. I've put several sets of new brushes in it, and it just keeps on keepin' on. They should be available on the Dremel accesories rack wherever fine Dremel products are sold.

Bill

 

[mycroftt]

Cordless or corded.....

Please wear safety goggles or glasses when using Dremel!!! Helps if you can wear some gloves too!!!

There's no safety shield on the tool and I've had one too many close calls.

Cuts from my Dremel are so much worse than my knives.

Sean

Dude! Good call. Don't put you eyes in the same plane as the rotating cut-off wheels cuz when they shatter the pieces fly everywhere. Eye protection is a MUST.

 

[jaids]

Glad you like it, you'll never sell me on one. The high speed on mine is 28,000 rpms, I've never seen a cordless that went even half that high.

My cordless li-ion gets up to 35,000 rpm with many(100+) different settings. Model 800. Battery has yet to fail me.

 

[mycroftt]

The problem with cordless tools in general is that the batteries will tend to get "soft", loose their ability to hold a strong charge, if they're not cycled regularly. They also tend to self-discharge if not kept constantly on the charger. The conclusion is that if you're only using the tool occationally, you'd be better off buying a corded varient.

For a contractor who is running his drill all day and working on job sites where power may not be readily available, a cordless drill may be a god-send. But for the average home-owner do-it-yourselfer, the cordless drill saves you five minutes three times a year assuming that the batter is even charged when you need it.

I agree with Gollnick but it is possible for the home DIYer to cycle the batteries. I have a cordless (14.4) Porter-Cable drill. I bought the flashlight to go with it expressly for the purpose of cycling the batteries. Since I use the flashlight nearly every day I cycle my batteries regularly.