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Which Dremel?
- Thread starter devnull
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 24, 1999
- Messages
- 4,981
DO NOT BUY THE CORDLESS! I know it sounds more convenient, but in the end it is far from it. Its very lacking in power compared to the corded model, and relying on the battery being charged when your ready for it, and staying charged long enough for you to do the job is just a pain in the ass. Theres only 3 good things I can think of about the cordless dremel. Its smaller, but that doesn't matter unless your hands are really small. It can be run at lower speeds than the corded models for easier control. But once you get the hang of it, the higher rpms are more useful than the low rpms on the cordless. And its cordless, but how often are you going to be using it where there is no outlet and no way to run an extension cord? The corded models really are alot better. And you have the option of using a flex shaft on them for even more precise work.
If your going to be using it alot,or using it for heavy duty stuff, and not moving it around. You should look into a foredom tool.Its got about a 1/4 hp motor that hangs on the wall, and you use a flex shaft and very good hand peice. Its much nicer than the dremel rigged up with a flex cable on it. Most of them work off of a foot pedal and you can get them variable speed reversible. I know they have them in the catalog, I don't remember if they're on the website or not. But woodcraft ( www.woodcraft.com ) sells them. They're more expensive than the dremel, but I'm wishing I had bought one of them instead of the dremel I got 4 years ago.
The dremel is a good tool and will last a long time though. The foredom would just be more convenient, and better for heavy work.
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
[This message has been edited by Matt Shade (edited 03-25-2000).]
If your going to be using it alot,or using it for heavy duty stuff, and not moving it around. You should look into a foredom tool.Its got about a 1/4 hp motor that hangs on the wall, and you use a flex shaft and very good hand peice. Its much nicer than the dremel rigged up with a flex cable on it. Most of them work off of a foot pedal and you can get them variable speed reversible. I know they have them in the catalog, I don't remember if they're on the website or not. But woodcraft ( www.woodcraft.com ) sells them. They're more expensive than the dremel, but I'm wishing I had bought one of them instead of the dremel I got 4 years ago.
The dremel is a good tool and will last a long time though. The foredom would just be more convenient, and better for heavy work.
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
[This message has been edited by Matt Shade (edited 03-25-2000).]
Gollnick
Musical Director
- Joined
- Mar 22, 1999
- Messages
- 29,258
If you're gonna use the thing all day, every day, then maybe a cordless is ok. If you're gonna regularily use it a long ways from outlets or "on the go", then maybe a cordless is a good idea. But, cordless tool in general suffer from a serious problem: batteries.
If you charge it and put it away, the batteries will self discharge in a week or two and be weakened in the process. Then, when you want to use it, you'll have to wait at least a few hours for them to charge.
If you keep it constantly on the charger, aside from taking up a plug, and bench space and collecting dust, that's bad for the batteries (I don't care what the manufacturer tells you, constant charging of most rechargeable batteries weakens them).
If you use it a bit, but don't run the batteries down completely, and then recharge it, that'll weaken the batteries.
Unless you use the thing constantly such that you do cycle the batteries frequently, or unless you absolutely need cordless, always go with corded power tools.
Then, buy a 100' heavy-duty, 3-wire extension cord and one of those reel things to keep it neatly stored on.
You'll be happy with this combination.
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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
If you charge it and put it away, the batteries will self discharge in a week or two and be weakened in the process. Then, when you want to use it, you'll have to wait at least a few hours for them to charge.
If you keep it constantly on the charger, aside from taking up a plug, and bench space and collecting dust, that's bad for the batteries (I don't care what the manufacturer tells you, constant charging of most rechargeable batteries weakens them).
If you use it a bit, but don't run the batteries down completely, and then recharge it, that'll weaken the batteries.
Unless you use the thing constantly such that you do cycle the batteries frequently, or unless you absolutely need cordless, always go with corded power tools.
Then, buy a 100' heavy-duty, 3-wire extension cord and one of those reel things to keep it neatly stored on.
You'll be happy with this combination.
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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
I have both and find them both very useful. For heavy duty work, the highspeed dremel is the way to go. But for quick and dirty jobs, the cordless does a great job. And I'm always amazed at how long the batteries last. I use the cordless in my lab. I have a small wire brush attached to it and use it to clean tiny metal crucibles that are corroded from use in bomb calorimetry work.
If you are only gong to buy one, get the high speed dremel. It will do more. But the cordless is a fine little tool.
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Hoodoo
The low, hoarse purr of the whirling stonethe light-pressd blade,
Diffusing, dropping, sideways-darting, in tiny showers of gold,
Sparkles from the wheel.
Walt Whitman
If you are only gong to buy one, get the high speed dremel. It will do more. But the cordless is a fine little tool.
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Hoodoo
The low, hoarse purr of the whirling stonethe light-pressd blade,
Diffusing, dropping, sideways-darting, in tiny showers of gold,
Sparkles from the wheel.
Walt Whitman
Bronco
Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2000
- Messages
- 7,606
Wow, that Foredom unit sure does look nice. Without ever having actually used one, I'd have to say that looks like a good candidate for what would be the ultimate solution. But another in-between solution that has worked well for me is to use my laminate trimmer as a dremel type tool. I could very well be the exception to the rule as I know the country is filled with very happy Dremel users, but I had two units in a row die after less than a year of moderate use. I then tried a Spiracut and have been very pleased with the results. Many other companies such as Bosch, Porter Cable and Dewalt now make similar units. Any of these should be readily available at your local home improvement center.
Pluses of the laminate trimmer include a more powerful high rpm motor, a significantly longer motor life (in my experience), and a chuck that is compatible with most all Dremel bits. The downsides include slightly poorer ergonomics (less of a pencil like tip compared to the Dremel), the rpms can't be regulated without an aftermarket accessory, and as far as I know you can't put a flexible shaft on the end of it.
If versatilty is your prime concern I would probably give the nod to Dremel. If long run times at high rpm are a more likely scenario then it might be worth a look at the laminate trimmers; at least until you win the lottery and can go out and buy yourself a Foredom.
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Semper Fi
Pluses of the laminate trimmer include a more powerful high rpm motor, a significantly longer motor life (in my experience), and a chuck that is compatible with most all Dremel bits. The downsides include slightly poorer ergonomics (less of a pencil like tip compared to the Dremel), the rpms can't be regulated without an aftermarket accessory, and as far as I know you can't put a flexible shaft on the end of it.
If versatilty is your prime concern I would probably give the nod to Dremel. If long run times at high rpm are a more likely scenario then it might be worth a look at the laminate trimmers; at least until you win the lottery and can go out and buy yourself a Foredom.
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Semper Fi
- Joined
- Nov 24, 1999
- Messages
- 4,981
Another alternative is a a mini die grinder that works off of your air compressor (if you have an air compressor)They have them at the woodcraft site too under power carving, then go to rotary carvers.They have one for a little less than $75 that gives you variable speed up to 56,000 rpm's. Thats higher than the recommended speed for most dremel bits. But it is variable speed. And the bits you could use at top speed would really get the job done quick. And it gives you full power in a small handpeice that looks pretty comfortable to use.
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !