Dremel Tool Recomendations

[VooDooAddict]

It about time I semi-retire the Dremel from the mid to late 80s. It's an old single speed with external speed controller unit and I'd like to start doing some case minor mods in the near future. I'm worried that using this old dog to cut steel and aluminum will really kill it ... but it's still nice for some tasks.


I'm trying to select between these kits/models. My top two are listed at the top .. though I'm considering the others as well.

Dremel 1100 Stylus 5,000 to 25,000 RPM 7.2-Volt Lithium Cordless @ $65:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-1100-01-Variable-7-2-Volt-Cordless/dp/B000E64WKO/
+ This one looks really cool. and I like the thought of a pistol like grip.
- I'm concerned wireless won't have the power to really handle cutting some steel case frames.


Dremel 398 "Professional" 1.15 Amp 5k to 35k RPM Digital Variable Speed @ $75:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3981-01-Pr...al-Variable-Accessories/dp/B0000302Y0/
+ This would handle anything I can throw at it. (Anything that one would expect a rotary tool to handle).
+ The digital speed control keeps it running at the selected speed even under heavy load (Won't slow down as you cut).
+ I'd expect this to last 10-20 years like the last one with my sporadic use.
- Not cordless... Most other new tools I buy (if not a bench) are 14v or 18v cordless.


Dremel - 5,000 to 35,000 RPM 10.8V Lithium-Ion Cordless @ $65:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-Variable-L...on-Cordless-Accessories/dp/B0000DEZL9/
+ Most powerful Coredless Dremel model.
- Again concerned if it's enough power for cutting various case metals.


Dremel 395 MultiPro Super 1.15 Amp 15,000 to 35,000 RPM with Flexi Wand @ $75:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3956-02-Mu...ro-Variable-Accessories/dp/B00006JSPB/
+ Corded I expect it to have no issues with power and always be ready for use
+ I'd expect this to last 10-20 years like the last one with my sporadic use.
+ Nice accessory bundle.
- Not cordless... Most other new tools I buy (if not a bench) are 14v or 18v cordless.



Someone also suggested I look at the RotoZips ... though I'm thinking it's not really what I'm looking for:

RotoZip RZ10 Pro 5.5 Amp 15,000 to 30,000 RPM Variable Speed Spiral Saw with, Zipmate (Attachment for Metal/Ceramic Cutting) @ $80:
http://www.amazon.com/RotoZip-RZ10-2100...able-Zipmate-Guidepoint/dp/B0000DEZO4/
- This looks like it might even be better for many larger household tasks then the Dremel.
- Many of the cuts I would be making for case modding would be straight anyway. And I've still got the Dremel from the 80's if I need it.
- Not cordless... Most other new tools I buy (if not a bench) are 14v or 18v cordless. (There's an 18v cordless version of this .. $$ though)




There's also the no name cheep option @ $25 ...
http://www.amazon.com/GMC-ART372-Variable-Flexible-Accessories/dp/B000EY5DYU/

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Whatever you do, don't get that POS Dremel branded Lithium wireless. Thing was absolutely horrible, especially for case modding. I have a corded model now, and it's so much better. IIRC, the Black & Decker rotary tool is quite superior to the Dremel branded models...

 

[VooDooAddict]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Whatever you do, don't get that POS Dremel branded Lithium wireless. Thing was absolutely horrible, especially for case modding. I have a corded model now, and it's so much better. IIRC, the Black & Decker rotary tool is quite superior to the Dremel branded models...

Thanks for the tip. I'd heard the B&D models felt cheep compared to the Dremels. But I'll at least research some of thier models too.

I've also had a Dremel branded unit last for nearly 20 years... So I just figured I'd still give them a look first.

Waiting till after I checkout the options for B&D unit ... but right now after checking things out else where and hearing that wireless isn't quite there yet I'm leaning toward the one that has digital speed control.

 

[VooDooAddict]

After looking at the Black and Decker ... I'm not super impressed. B&D have been hit or miss with me in the past. Price wise though, they are $10 to $15 cheeper then the Dremel.

 

[iscsidude]

That's funny.
When I click this link it says $107. Could it have gone up $30 since you posted this ???

Dremel 398 "Professional" 1.15 Amp 5k to 35k RPM Digital Variable Speed @ $75:
http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3981-01-Pr...al-Variable-Accessories/dp/B0000302Y0/

 

[VinDSL]

The Dremel is dead! Long live RotoZip...

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Whatever you do, don't get that POS Dremel branded Lithium wireless. Thing was absolutely horrible, especially for case modding. I have a corded model now, and it's so much better. IIRC, the Black & Decker rotary tool is quite superior to the Dremel branded models...

ROFLROFL i second this post. The battery power ones are straight up CRAP.

I dont see why your replacing it if its not broken. Cutting steal with it should have no impact as long as you follow the basic rules for dremel. Use the speed, not the force.

I use reinforced fiberglass cutoff's to cut steel. It requires a mandril bit to secure it, but i dont see any problems with the motor dying as long as i use the speed of the dremel, and not push hard on force to cut.

Just get nicer cutoff wheels, or be prepared to use more then 1 to cut a side out. I dont see why your going to replace something when its not broken yet. Its not like the newer ones are any better then the older ones. Unless yours doesnt go up to say 8k rpms.

Its all in the BIT you use. And remember soap water and painters masking tape is your best friend when dremeling a side out.

 

[dampeal]

Honestly the 'cheapie' ones are not that bad sometimes..

I have a Dremel XPR400 that I got in Feb of 2005 for $100 at Lowes, with plastic case, and a few accessories, I have rma'd it three times now, actually just got back from last rma 3 weeks ago.. and one rma for broken flexshaft..


I picked up a Benchtop brand with steel case, 100+ accessories for $30 on clearance in July of 2004, have not had one problem with it except for broken flexshaft...

 

[VooDooAddict]

Honestly I was first thinking about getting another one because I was hoping the wireless ones were good enough. Agreed on the comments about the cutting wheels ... this is why i was hoping the wireless would be good enough.

Plus the nice Dremel from the 80s isn't really mine ... just something my father for bought for a project then I barrows it for well over a decade now. Figured if one of the wireless ones worked out, I'd get him one as a gift.

When I click this link it says $107. Could it have gone up $30 since you posted this ???

Hmm maybe it's because I'm a Prime member? ... still shows $75 for me.

 

[VooDooAddict]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
The Dremel is dead! Long live RotoZip...

Can RotoZip really handle Case mod like stuff?

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: VooDooAddict

Originally posted by: VinDSL
The Dremel is dead! Long live RotoZip...

Can RotoZip really handle Case mod like stuff?

Rotozip > Dremel

Reason i say this is beacuse the cut off wheels are a bit larger. lol..

I have both for aparent reasons. The rotozip isnt as nimble as my dremel. I can get in tighter spots and i can make tighter cuts. The rotozip i like to make big cut holes. Its almost as good as an angeler.


If your going to do small cut projects, like take off a little piece of steel on the frame, or make some funky picture on the side, dremel is the best in my perspective.

If your gonna cut large holes and drop radgrills over, or cut large wind duct holes for customs, id get the rotozip.

If all you want is to add fan holes, get a 5inch hole saw, it costs 30 dollars , but will do a much cleaner job then both combined..