What's a good dremel-type tool for general electronics mods?

[OCNewbie]

I want a nice dremel-style tool that can grind, cut through heatsinks, drill, etc. I have no clue which ones are a good value, if I even need to buy the dremel brand as I know there are other manufacturers that make similar products, or what model to get if I do get a dremel, etc.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks =)

 

[jackschmittusa]

Many of the Dremel knockoffs have little torque, and are not very durable. Many of the accessories put side pressure on the shaft, and cheap bearings fail fairly fast. The rechargable models are pretty worthless IMHO; the variable speed ac powered models are the way to go.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

N/M.... I have only been a mechanic for over 30 years.


...Galvanized

 

[OCNewbie]

bump, any other recommendations/suggestions?

 

[imported_fallen]

I bought a Sears craftsman Electric variable speed model that I love, but I would say any of the well known brand names should be fine. Get an actual corded model with variable speed.

 

[Nocturnal]

I say just go with a Dremel.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: jackschmittusa
The rechargable models are pretty worthless IMHO;

I bought one of these (cordless dremel) and it's crap. I mean it cuts, sure, but the battery lasts about 5 minutes. Literally. You could get about 2/3" into a bit of 3mm steel before needing to recharge for 12 hours...

I should have learnt this lesson from working construction, but noooo, I wanted the 'convenient' option... never buy cheap tools, never buy cordless tools.

 

[wwswimming]

Go through Heat Sinks ? how big heat sinks ?

i'd say the dremel is a good start. and a good hack saw.

my personal preference -
good hand tools + elbow grease > power tools

i'd suggest a mini hacksaw and a regular size hacksaw, if you're planning to cut heatsinks.

you can go through a lot of the Dremel disks cutting a hacksaw in half.

1 or 2 vises would be good too. plus a good light source. also wearing safety glasses if you'r cutting using a ceramic disk because they can kind of explode.

 

[OCNewbie]

bump

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: OCNewbie
bump, any other recommendations/suggestions?

I gave you what you needed, instead of talking to me, you ask for more opinions.
So I deleted my post, stating I have only been a mechanic for over 30 years
I will not offer again what you chose to ignore in the first place. Good luck youngster.


...Galvanized

 

[beemercer]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I say just go with a Dremel.

Definately; I have had an 400XPR (corded) since October, cost me $80 for the big kit; probaly the best $80 I have ever spent on tools.

 

[Mogadon]

There was a thread a while back where Galvanized recommended a black & decker rotary tool, i'd take his advice if I were you, I did, it's awesome! and less than $80 for the kit!

Cheers for the advice Galvanized ... .

 

[OCNewbie]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Originally posted by: OCNewbie
bump, any other recommendations/suggestions?

I gave you what you needed, instead of talking to me, you ask for more opinions.
So I deleted my post, stating I have only been a mechanic for over 30 years
I will not offer again what you chose to ignore in the first place. Good luck youngster.


...Galvanized

I did not ignore it. I read it, and it seemed helpful, but I was hoping other people would chime in to either back up what you said or offer other opinions. You were only the 2nd person to respond, so I didn't think that was a pretty good base to make my decision on. And c'mon, this is the internet, how many people claim they have XX number of years experience in Y profession so their opinion is all you need? And I honestly can't remember if you stated that or not in your OP, not that I haven't read that kind of personal credence many times before on the net.

Anyway, I don't really see how you helped by removing your information or what lesson you were trying to teach me by doing so. Would have been nice had you left it so I could have gone back to use it again as reference. I remember you mentioning something about the B&D Rotary tool (don't remember the name) because it had more torque.

More opinions are welcome, thanks =)