Dremel Tool Recommendations Please

[rckendall]

I am in the market for a good Dremel tool and would like input on what, or what not to buy. I have had a couple in the past and they were almost useless, in my estimation. Many years ago I worked in a shop where we had pneumatic die grinders and I loved them! They were variable speed via the trigger, so speed changes were instantaneous and instinctive.

The Dremels that I owned previously would not hold the cutting bits well either. I think they now offer 1/4" capabilities, but do those quick change chucks really work well?

Thanks for your help,
Richard

 

[JRS]

If you can do without variable speed, Makita makes a great cordless die grinder.

 

[tac284]

I have not purchased one yet but I was looking at the Foredom TX series myself. My father-in-law uses his for silversmithing and likes it quite a lot. It's smooth and quite. I like it for the fact that it is foot operated, and can hang above the work.

http://www.foredom.net/seriestx.aspx

 

[watercam]

I have not purchased one yet but I was looking at the Foredom TX series myself. My father-in-law uses his for silversmithing and likes it quite a lot. It's smooth and quite. I like it for the fact that it is foot operated, and can hang above the work.

http://www.foredom.net/seriestx.aspx

I agree that Dremel is not known for longevity if used often. I was going to suggest Brownells version of the above hanging motor but I believe the Foredom is less expensive.

 

[Shrek]

The best Dremel Tool isn't. Last two I bought were garbage ! I bought a Proxxon this last time and it has held up fine for the last three years. I have not been easy on it either. Grinding out old bedding, cutting off screws , grinding on aluminum bedding blocks to give mechanical purchase for bedding. The first Dremel brand I bought years ago lasted but when it died I bought two in a row that didn't last a year without the switch or motor burning up.

 

[JRS]

The best Dremel Tool isn't. Last two I bought were garbage ! I bought a Proxxon this last time and it has held up fine for the last three years. I have not been easy on it either. Grinding out old bedding, cutting off screws , grinding on aluminum bedding blocks to give mechanical purchase for bedding. The first Dremel brand I bought years ago lasted but when it died I bought two in a row that didn't last a year without the switch or motor burning up.

Dremel tools are great for what they are designed to do. Heavy duty they are not. Your best bet is a die grinder.

 

[missed]

I have a Foredom THX 440 and one of the other models with the quick change hand pieces. I love them. Don't know what I would do without them.

 

[Toolbreaker]

I prefer a pneumatic pencil grinder. They're relatively inexpensive and run forever if maintained.

 

[hpshooter]

Research Buffalo Air Turbine, your friendly dentist may use one. Works well for small work just be sure you have a clean dry air supply.

Foredom tool is very good also. I have one that is 30 years old and still provides good service.

 

[jghoghunter]

go with a foredom and never look back.
They are much nicer to use and do alot better job. I hardly ever turn my dremel on anymore.

 

[rardoin]

A Dremel is a toy...a Foredom is a professional instrument. The Dremel runs on a small low torque screaming motor that will kill your hearing and your patience. The Foredom is driven by a much larger high torque motor and has a small maneuverable handpiece. The Foredom will kill your wallet once...the Dremel is death by a thousand cuts everytime you buy another one.

 

[rckendall]

Thanks to all who replied. The Foredom is certainly not what I was shopping for, and quite a bit more money than I wanted to spend, but I am starting to lean that way. Of course I am looking for a good deal and so far the ones I have found supply the #30 handle. That one only uses up to 5/32" bits. That is probably ok if I get a kit that includes some bits. But, I happen to have some 1/4" bits that I wish I could use.

I saw some videos of other ones and I could tell that they were inferior. I could hear the cheap bearings that they used, which was a dead giveaway. So, just a bit more shopping, I guess.

Thanks again,
Richard

 

[rardoin]

If you can find a used Foredom it would be worth snatching up. They are made to last a lifetime so it is hard to wear one out unless it is in constant daily use in a commercial jewelry operation or a tol and die shop. Even then, if the price is right, it may be worth rebuilding a handpiece or getting a new drive cable.

 

[Rustystud]

I have 4 Dremel tools. One or two are always in some state of Repair or replacement. The others are spares to keep the sparks flying.

 

[matthias]

Foredom. Dremel stopped honoring the warranty after five in one year bit the dust. My foredom with extra handles has been going strong for three years

 

[Gun Smith]

I have several older Dremel tools and they have held up well for light duty. I use one with an older flexible shaft all the time mostly. The flex shaft is the way to go; much easier to control than handling the whole tool. Sounds like the newer Dremel quality has fallen off.

I also have two Foredom TX- 440?, or something like that? Those are nice, but only go to 18,000? rpm. Too slow for
1/8" and smaller cutters in my experience, great for 1/4" stuff. I checked the speed with a tachometer, and it wasn't
even close to 18,000. The Dremel is supposedly 25,000 max, and works better for small cutters in my experience.

I also have several small air die grinders, which really scream for small cutters. Scary fast!