I need a dremel: what's a good one?

[Maverick2002]

I need a dremel for some basic modding (windows, blowholes, etc) and some more advanced stuff later on. Unfortunately, I don't know the first thing about them. What's a good model for under $40 (must be corded)? Thanks! 😀

 

[LuNoTiCK]

I heard the black & decker one is nice. It's about $50 though.

 

[gregor7777]

Sears has one that is two speed for 39.99. One year warranty. I think that'll do with a good carbide point.

 

[Maverick2002]

Does Home Depot or Wal-Mart have anything? And is a "rotary tool" the same thing as a dremel? And what kind of bits do I need to get to cut sheet metal?

 

[jlee]

Dremel is a company that makes rotary tools - when someone refers to a Dremel, chances are that they're referring to a rotary tool. It's probably going to be tough to find a really good one for under $40, though...good luck 🙂

 

[extro]

Yeah, Home Depot sells them. Maybe they'll be running some day after X-Mas sales tomorrow.

 

[arcas]

I also vote for the Black & Decker RTX. You'll probably be hard-pressed to find it for under $40, though. I bought the RTX-2 kit some
months ago for around $60 and it came with the flexible shaft attachment. You might be able to find the B&D "Wizard" rotary tool
for around $40.

Whatever brand you buy, take a look at the size of the motor. Most Dremel-branded rotary tools have a 1-amp motor or slightly
more though they've recently come out with a larger version to compete with those popular spiral-cut saws. The RTX motor is
2-amps.

Check a place like Harbor Freight for any clearance items. You might get lucky.

You mentioned cutting sheet metal...Is this for some sort of case modification project? If you're cutting long straight sections,
you might consider using a jigsaw with a metal-cutting bit instead of a rotary tool (unless it's a spiral-cut saw). It'll cut much
faster.

 

[Maverick2002]

This is for making windows and blowholes and some other mods later on (like holes and bays for devices). So I take it that pretty much any rotary tool is fine. I'm willing to go as high as $50. So when I go to a store, what should I ask them? I mean, what should I look out for? What specs would I need? And what kind of bits should I get? Sorry, I'm clueless 😱

 

[JohnnyPC]

Hey I just got a B&D model packaged along with one of those nifty "mouse" sanders for about $40 at my local B&D outlet store. The "dremel" tool isn't the top notch deluxe model but it has variable speeds and will do everything I would want it to. To make it even more useful I bought some eighth inch rortary cutting "blades" for it. They are the new thing that you've seen advertised that use a rotary bit to cut hole like you would with a jigsaw. They work great and things like blow holes should be no problem...

 

[Maverick2002]

bump^ anyone else?

 

[Hideous_Hog]

I couldn't get by without one. Many brands. Whatever you choose, check on what accessories come with it. The more, the better. Over the years, you will pay $50 or more for attachments if you go cheap.

 

[medic]

Make sure whatever model you decide on has variable speed....after using them for hundreds of jobs over the last few years, variable speed capability is quite important.

 

[techwanabe]

I agree, get a variable speed motor tool. I bought a Dremel variable speed back in the mid eighties for model railroading and it has been a nice tool. 10 years ago I heard a "pop" and the circuit board fried - I sent it in expecting them to charge for repairs, and then fixed it and sent it back no questions asked. I was impressed. The only thing which wears out is the commutator brushes which are user replacible. So Dremel makes good solid products and only cost a little more.

I used a 2 speed motor tool once but didn't like not having control over the speed. This is something you'll find many uses for over the years, a handy tool, so get a good one and get the kits which come with many attachments too - you'll find uses for most of them at one time or another and it is cheaper than having to buy them separately.

 

[The Sauce]

I vote for the Black & Decker Wizard. It has a huge advantage that it comes with a flexible extension to allow you better maneuverability in tight spaces. It's variable 2,000 to 14,000 RPM (I think). I like it a lot. Goes for $59 retail.