Which Dremel to get?

[Super Dave]

Hi,

I bent the two spanner bits that Brownells sells for removing the rear sight nut. If I had a Dremel I could easily make my own.

Sandpaper and files...I'm ready for some power.

Which Dremel kit do you guys suggest for occasional use?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[ken158]

Adjustable speed with a large accessory pack.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Adjustable speed with a large accessory pack.

What Ken said. I've had the same adjustable speed Dremel for 30 + years and it has served me well for every task I put it too. (Even grip making)
Get plenty of bits and don't forget the abrasive cut off wheels.

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks.

Maybe something like this?

[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-710-08-All-Purpose-Accessory-160-Piece/dp/B00BHGJHMI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1526553643&sr=8-3&keywords=dremel+accessories"]Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece - - Amazon.com[/ame]

[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-225-01-Flex-Shaft-Attachment/dp/B01M5AOXAJ/ref=sr_1_12?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1526554051&sr=1-12&keywords=dremel&th=1"]Dremel 225-01 Flex Shaft Attachment with MultiPro Keyless Chuck - - Amazon.com[/ame]

I wasn't sure of which model...I think they have the 100, 2000, 3000, 4000. This one seems to be in the middle.

[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3000-1-25-Attachment-Accessories/dp/B00LUJONH6/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1526554560&sr=1-10&keywords=dremel+kit"]Dremel 3000-1/25 120-volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit with 1 Attachment and 25 Accessories - - Amazon.com[/ame]

Please let me know if I'm going overboard...

Thanks,
Dave

 

[jake1945]

For occasional use, I bought a Workshop tool similar to a Dremel. It was $20 at Menards and came with an assortment of bits. Adjustable speed too.

 

[steelslaver]

Get the most adjustable speed model you can find and get a chuck that will adjust for all the shank sizes. Get lots of cutter disks, get a bunch of craytex both rods and wheels. Don't spend much on any of the various diamond tips. Some of the course grinding wheels, Check out Ebay and find some 1/8" shank carbide burrs, the pear shaped one are best. Another handy dandy is one of the small drill press stand that hold a Dremel.

I have quite a few and a small tackle box that I store the tips etc in. Most of mine came from pawn shops where you can often find them with some tips for $20-25. One of mine stays in the drill press stand. I mostly use it for drilling small holes to do double stitching on knife sheaths, but it also be used to drill small numbered bits under 1/16". I use the carbide tips, the cutter disks and the carbide burrs for about 95% of my Dremel work.

Yes you can Bubba up stuff with a Dremel. You can also do a lot of fine work with them. Know when and how to use it and which ttooling. Just like any other tool.

 

[iwanna]

I suggest a cordless model. Wish I had gone that route.

 

[armorer951]

Make sure the set includes a flex shaft attachment, and is variable speed.

 

[chief38]

The Dremel 4000 (variable speed) kit with Flex Shaft accessory is the way to go. Make sure you get some extra fiber reinforced cut-off wheels too - they are probably my most used accessory.

I'm currently on my 5th one (in 35 years) because I only get 4 - 5 years out of them because I have used them for jobs larger and more heavy duty than they were intended for. Since I now have a "big boy" industrial air compressor and can now actually really use my air tools including my 1/4" Die Grinder with bigger scale tools for those large jobs and leave the Dremel for the delicate stuff.

Don't make the same mistake I have!!! If you find yourself using your Dremel often, when it fails from over use get yourself a Foredom Tool! They are WAY stronger, have much higher quality shafts, tools, and will last a lifetime. They are the professional ones the jeweler's use. Yes, they cost $300 -400 bucks with a few handles but you will not be buying new Dremels every few years and they are so much more powerful you can safely use 1/4" burrs and wheels in them. The next time my Dremel goes, I am getting a Foredom SR!

 

[chief38]

ADDED INFO:

If you do get a Dremel and have need for cutting Burrs - do NOT buy the Dremel version as they are cheesy, soft and never last long! There is a Company called Atlas Cutting Tools (google them - they are in CT) that make (in house - yes, USA made) excellent double cut burrs with 1/8" shafts. You can get a set of 10 different ones in a wooden box for about $50 bucks ($5 each) that actually work terrifically and last a good long time. Unless you are only lightly using the Dremel brand Burrs, they are not good for longevity or speed of cut.

BTW Altas also makes AWESOME (USA made - in house) drill bits. I've got a few sets and they are excellent! I am NOT associated with them at all, just in case anyone is wondering. I just try and promote USA QUALITY built stuff when I find it!

 

[Drm50]

I have several of Dremels. The cordless one is only good for
light hobby work. I buy heaviest duty they have. The main
thing with them is the bearings/ bushings on shaft. If you use
one a lot the side play pressure is hard on them. When buying
various stones and wire wheels don't by Asian products. They
will not withstand hi Rpm and can fly apart. I broke down and
bought a small industrial grade die grinder for serious work.

 

[steelslaver]

I do agree that if your going to do anything besides real small light stuff that you really should get a die grinder. I have a couple and they are like going from a bicycle to say a 750 cc motor cycle. LOL

 

[Cardboard_killer]

I suggest a cordless model. Wish I had gone that route.

I use it more for grinding my toenails than anything else! Still, I bought one for under $10 a couple of years ago, and for a few things, they can make life go faster.

Mostly, though, the toenails!

 

[2152hq]

I admit to having one. I use it to polish the insides of trigger guards mostly. A split rod holding a strip of grit cloth or paper works good. Other than that,,an occasional use with a dental drill in the chuck to undercut a wood repair for gluing or to lay in a steel reinforcement ] rod. That's about it.

I just never found the thing that overly useful for what I do.
They and cheap screwdrivers have provided me with an awful lot of repair jobs over the years though.

 

[Super Dave]

Excellent, thanks for the info everyone. Yes, it would be for small, occasional jobs. I appreciate the help,
Dave

 

[BE Mike]

I have the corded Dremel with the Flex Shaft. I've had it for many years. It is probably the handiest tool I have. I use it more for chores around the house than gun work. Although you are thinking minimal, go maximum with the corded kit. The Flex Shaft will allow you to do things that you can't with the tool by itself.

 

[chief38]

As stated above, the Cordless Dremel Model is all but useless - don't waste your money on one!

 

[arjay]

I've had a couple of the corded variable speed models.Loaned the second one to my son a few years ago,haven't seen it since!
Ever install a toilet with too long mounting bolts?
It'll fit right in there with a reinforced wheel and clip em off easy-peasy

 

[DWalt]

"I use it more for grinding my toenails than anything else!"

I use my Dremels for many things. But I thought I was the only one who used a Dremel for my toenails. My toenails are very thick and the abrasive cutoff discs work very well to trim them. But you need to be careful.

I have three Dremels, two fixed speed, one variable speed. There is hardly a month that goes by in which one of my Dremels gets me out of a jam that no other tool could. I only burned up one and that was because I was using it for a purpose that it was never intended for.

If you buy a Dremel, you will soon accumulate many different bits for it - grinding, cutting , polishing, drilling, etc.

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks guys. I just placed the order for a 4300 and flex shaft.

Since toe nails came up I'm going to give a recommendation for nail clippers that are made in Japan. There is no comparison to these and the made in China / Pakistan **** I find in the drug stores. You can get them here and they are worth every penny.
http://www.sekiedge.com/satin-slim-clipper-ss-109

If you like precision made stuff that works then you will look forward to clipping your nails. They are sharp, blades aligned and the file actually works (really well).

That model works great on my toe nails too but if you need a grinder...maybe the Dremel is best

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IlqH-2n6eE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IlqH-2n6eE[/ame]