Dremel Tools

Well I just got back in from my son's pinewood derby races.

Boy was I taken to school!

Looks like you are out in the cold if you do not have a dremel tool. Been looking at them and there are lots of options.

What is important to have and what is useless bling?

 

I've owned one for years. Seems its the only thing to use in so many cases. One thing I would suggest is get one of the cordless models. I just got one of those after many years of dragging out the extension cord and really love it. I wouldn't worry about buying the real pricey one with 5 or 6 speed settings, you really only need slow and fast. The two speed cordless model comes with a carry pouch, a few bits and a charger. An extra battery is a good buy, too. They sale bit kits for different projects as well as big multibit packs. Your on your own there.:v6:

 

The diamond wheels are a must have , I loved mine but it gave up the ghost on a tractor about 3 years ago . I really like my flex drive to , nice for workbench work and really hard to get to stuff.

 

I use one several times a day at work for all kinds of stuff, and I can honestly say that I'd never make it day to day without it. However, Dremels are woefully underpowered for heavy work. At some point you realize that a router, drill, or grinder would be faster. Also, it's higher RPMs makes it not quite as useful as a drill. That being said, I'd still highly recommend that you buy the better kit with the variable speed Dremel, router base, flex-shaft, and a variety of bits and cutters. It is a very useful tool and you will get a ton of use out of it.

 

For those looking for a little more power out of the dremel, there is a tool that used to be right beside them at lowe's called a fordham tool. It's a heavier motor attached to a flex drive shaft. Not really that portable, but great if you're at a bench, but they can be pricey. I used one over at vintage jeep supply when the owner helped me rebuild my transmission and transfer case last year.

Luke

 

Luke, did you mean Foredom? Those look nice, I may put that on my wish list....

EDIT...Just been looking over the link above, and oh boy! I've got to get me one of these! Some models have 1/3 hp, and a ton of different hand piecesare available, including ones that will let you use chisel bits for carving. They even have angle head hand pieces if you want to play dentist!

 

I've had mine for over 25 years. Origonally got it for gunsmithing work. Polishing feed ramps on auto's and the many parts of revolvers and lever actions and bolt actions.

Very useful on autos also.

 

I have a foredom tool. I actually have the 1/3 hp model, it came from my dads shop when we closed it down. They are 100x stronger than a Dremel and completely rebuildable. They are high priced compared to a Dremel but 1 of them would last a person a lifetime. I have 2 different hand pieces and a foot control. Its what I used to port and polish my heads with.

 

I use mine with the cut-off wheels pretty regularly. I also tried the wire brushes; a wheel and a cup. Neither one lasted long enough to convince me to do it again, but, I was probably horsing it a bit. I buy cut-off wheels by the pack; twenty, I think. Don't horse those, either; they're very brittle.

 

That's the one that I have. Been through 4 pinewood derby cars...and it is a blessing. The flex-shaft really is cool to use in tight spaces or for a steadier hand.

 

I still have the dremel my dad bought me like 20 years ago. Used it for building models back then and for a thousand other things since. Like Sparky, I surely don't use it enough. Often forget I have it. The bearings are getting a bit noisy but I'd recommend one to anyone. Good tool.

 

My thought is to get one that has a huge accessory kit with it. Individual bits are very expensive. Took me a long time to find a large variety pack for a good price. The kits are a much better value.

Paul