Looking for an inexpensive dremel. Anyone recomend one?

[SmurfTacular]

Just like the title says. I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive dremel tool for flashlight modification use. I'm tired of using a hack saw to cut Mag switches and Mag reflectors; it looks like crap.

Anyway, if you could recomend an inexpensive brand, let me know.

 

[waddup]

cheap tools generally dont work well or last long,

buy a decent one and have it working well forever.

.

 

[SmurfTacular]

cheap tools generally dont work well or last long,

buy a decent one and have it working well forever.

.

How much would a "decent" one cost? I was going to buy this one off of eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dremel-100-N-7-...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588790ab6f

 

[Nitroz]

If I was you I would go with the actual "Dremel" name brand. I went the cheap route and it was junk and broke, now I have a real Dremel.

 

[waddup]

id recc variable speed

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dremel-300-1-50...ultDomain_0&hash=item2a0703c8b1#ht_1185wt_913

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G3MV94/?tag=cpf0b6-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IHWHFK/?tag=cpf0b6-20

http://cgi.ebay.com/RotoZip-REB01-5...ultDomain_0&hash=item2a0711072c#ht_1343wt_913

 

[Relojero]

A few years ago my plug-in Dremel ate it's cable for what, to me, was the last time. I bought a cordless Dremel and love it. I find that without the cord to tie you down you can MUCH more easily angle the head. It's variable speed with a handy thumbwheel and the charge is certainly long enough for (just about) any job.

I guess you can tell I'm sold on mine... I use it for clock repair, so find all kinds of uses for it.

Mike

 

[SmurfTacular]

id recc variable speed

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dremel-300-1-50...ultDomain_0&hash=item2a0703c8b1#ht_1185wt_913

I'll be referring to this when I raise enough funds to purchase.

A few years ago my plug-in Dremel ate it's cable for what, to me, was the last time. I bought a cordless Dremel and love it. I find that without the cord to tie you down you can MUCH more easily angle the head. It's variable speed with a handy thumbwheel and the charge is certainly long enough for (just about) any job.

I guess you can tell I'm sold on mine... I use it for clock repair, so find all kinds of uses for it.

Mike

I would actually prefer wireless because I wouldn't be needing it for no longer than a minutes use. And the convenience of no wires sounds very liberating. o you have any links?

 

[DM51]

Moving this to MMM...

 

[precisionworks]

variable speed

+1

For lots of jobs, slower works better. Cratex points are designed to run slow, around 10k rpm, and are one of the most handy Dremel accessories.

http://www.cratex.com/rubindx.htm

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=5180/Product/CRATEX_ABRASIVE_KIT

 

[Relojero]

As I recall, I picked up my cordless Dremel at my local HD or Lowe's

Mike

 

[saltytri]

Buy a Dremel. The only one I've ever had has seen regular use since it came to me from my dad. He died in 1967. At least 43 years and still spinning.

 

[StrikerDown]

You want cheap try Harbor Freight. They even have a cheapo version of the Foredom Tool.

If you want to buy the best and be done with it, try this:

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=3392&gclid=CJi18JCN3KECFRd7gwodYx4rJw

Foredom tools are used extensively by the best jewelers and
gunsmiths in the world!

 

[65535]

I think most people thought you meant you wanted a cheap Dremel copy (all are absolute crap) even the lower end Dremel tools are still huge steps above knockoffs, so if you stick to that name you'll be getting a fairly quality tool.

ANd if you get rich a Foredom tool is about the best you can do in hand held rotary tools, that or a nice air grinder.

 

[mrartillery]

I think most people thought you meant you wanted a cheap Dremel copy (all are absolute crap) even the lower end Dremel tools are still huge steps above knockoffs, so if you stick to that name you'll be getting a fairly quality tool.

ANd if you get rich a Foredom tool is about the best you can do in hand held rotary tools, that or a nice air grinder.

Very true! Dremel is the only way to go, even such rotary tools as craftsman aren't as dependable as a dremel itself. Also Smurf, you said you're using a hacksaw to cut Mag switches, I'm assuming the towers, this is what I use and have never had any problems of them looking bad. Are you using a metal or wood blade? A metal blade is what you need, with small teeth which are close together, this will provide the smoothest cut. You will still have to hit the edges with a file though.

 

[SmurfTacular]

Very true! Dremel is the only way to go, even such rotary tools as craftsman aren't as dependable as a dremel itself. Also Smurf, you said you're using a hacksaw to cut Mag switches, I'm assuming the towers, this is what I use and have never had any problems of them looking bad. Are you using a metal or wood blade? A metal blade is what you need, with small teeth which are close together, this will provide the smoothest cut. You will still have to hit the edges with a file though.

Yeah its a blade designed for metal. I've been getting better at it, but it still looks like hell afterwords. I'm sure dremeling it would make it look better.

Also, the reflector is almost impossible to cut with a hack saw. If you put it in a vice it'd crush it, so I have to hold it in my hand and cut it with a hack saw :thumbsdow. I know, probably dangerous. I'm sure holding it while dremeling it would be easier and it'd look better

plus, I've come across so many situations where I would need a dremel.

 

[mrartillery]

After cutting the tower off I always go over it with a file, a dremel takes off to much material unless your careful, you can control a file much easier. As you stated about the vise jaws crushing the switch, they will indeed, this is why I went to a local Lowes hardware and picked up a set of rubber vise pads, work's great for delicate things such as this, holds the item firm but doesn't crush it. But overall, yes, if you do most any kind of modifications a Dremel is gold to you!

 

[65535]

Personally for the work you are doing I'd recommend a sharp exacto knife, a good quality hacksaw or smaller coping saw, and a couple of good files. I have heard of people even using small shears to put mag reflector stocks off with very clean results. Dremels are good, but not the best for cutting plastic, using a saw is a far better solution. Also spend a few bucks on good quality saw blades and for about $15 after tax you should be able to find a DeWalt high tension hacksaw handle, which is a million steps above a normal handyman's hacksaw.

 

[Nitroz]

I have a Dremel Stylus and the grip is excellent! It runs off of a Li-ion and has a nice cradle also.

Just make sure you look around for a deal on the Stylus if you decide you want one, some places sell it for $99 which is too much.

 

[darkzero]

I have a Dremel Stylus and the grip is excellent! It runs off of a Li-ion and has a nice cradle also.

Just make sure you look around for a deal on the Stylus if you decide you want one, some places sell it for $99 which is too much.

Damn that is expensive, that's what I paid for my 8200.

So I take it you like the Stylus? How powerful is it? I was considering one too before I made my purchase.

 

[Nitroz]

Damn that is expensive, that's what I paid for my 8200.

No doubt. I paid about $39 for mine at a closeout table. I did a quick Google and seen one for $59.

So I take it you like the Stylus? How powerful is it? I was considering one too before I made my purchase.

Yes, the orientation of the grip is very nice and power is better than my old generic plug in model. I used it to do some grinding one night and was amazed that it actually made it through the job without needing a recharge.

The specs show 5,000rpm to 25,000 and uses a 7.2v li-ion, and your model shows 5,000 to 30,000rpm with a 12v pack. I would imagine your has some more grunt and a better runtime. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Dremel. They have a decent warranty too, not that I have had to exercise it.