Dremel motor tool - which one?

I have the rechargeable one, it's very good to use.

After checking out all the various Dremels, I purchased a new #8220 cordless, variable speed, with the latest 12V Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. My VERY old corded Dremel was probably over  40 years old, and I really like this new cordless model, and it still has all the speed & torque to do everything I need it to do.

My brush with the rechargeable was years ago, and I was not impressed, maybe they've improved them over the years.  I'd rather have the corded version, much more trouble-free.

 

I have a couple, one about 35 years old, and a newer 4000 model with speed control.  I also have a cheap $20 GBC knock-off that's worked for years, I use it a lot.

Hello John. I just got the model 4000 but I have not used it yet. I was wondering how you like it. I also got the Workstation with it. Could you give your opinion  on this model ?   Thanks John.      Scot

I have two of the Dremel series (395; 400XPR): useful when you are laying track or doing repetitive work (when 2 different bits is 2 units becomes just plain 'handy'). Both are multi-variable speed. While I have a supply of Eneloops for AA & AAA needs. neither of my Dremels are cordless. I consider the add on Dremel gagets as just that. For more serious hand tool work I go to Makita.

 

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Pre black Friday (B&M) Lowe's was selling Kobalt Moto tool bit kits (together w/other hobby size Kobalt tool gift packs at almost throw away prices). You might want to check if there is any supply left in your area (before the last weekend's quick grab). Lowes was also selling  both older & the newer version pocket LED flashlights for around $3!

  

Big and powerful is my analysis.  I like the speed control, the only downside is it's a larger tool then some of the others.  I had the XPR-400, and it went up in smoke soon after I got it, it's first real workout.  They sent me the 4000 as the replacement, and I think I got the better end of the deal.

 

Last year I bought a GYRO from Amazon. It's a complete kit with bits and a flex head, no problem with it. It is a corded model and not cordless but you can't beat the price.

 

Gyros 40-10470 PowerPro Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit, 85 Accessories Included with Flex shaft

 

Chet

Harbor Freight sells a Dremel knockoff for $20 with tools (AC version, variable speed). It works good.

I have a non-variable speed model and an old speed Dremel speed controller because the variable speed models won't go slow enough when used working with plastic. Variable speed models will not work with my speed controller to slow them down.

I vote with Dave Allen for the rechargeable.  I have a plug in one also. The rechargeable is the one I use 99% of the time.

 

Hoppy, I do agree with your idea that a Dremmel of any type is very handy for model railroading.  Once you have one you will find you use it for the strangest things, great tool.

 

I have the plug in Dremel too and leave the flex shaft on it. I use the rechargeable Dremel 90% of the time

I have the variable speed plug-in version. I don't know the model number. Since I hardly ever have occasion to use it away from the bench I have no reason to want a rechargeable. Certainly the plug-in is much more powerful for bigger jobs. I have the flex shaft, the right angle head, and the saw attachment and have found them to be useful, especially the right angle head. The drill press isn't super precise, but I have used it a couple of times and it's handy when you need a smaller bit than will fit in a regular drill press chuck.

I have, and personally recommend the Milwaukee Tools 2460 Rotary Tool.  It is a solid tool and has a longer runtime then any of the currently available Dremel tools.  They also have High-Capacity 4.0 batteries that will last for hours of continuous use not to mention a huge line of tools you can get to use with the line of 12v batteries.

It will accept any Dremel accessory including hand-wand.   I use mine for hobby use as well as a dry-wall speed-saw at work.  My corded version is the Dremel Multi-Pro, it doesn't see much use though.  

I forgot to add;  The Milwaukee cordless is just as powerful as the Model 395 Plug-in Dremel using the 4.0 battery.  

 

 

I had the 400XPR and after much use repairing transformers it over heated and quit working. I've replaced it with the bigger 4000 and so far after much use a year later it's still working. I have always hung it from the ceiling over my work bench and used the flexible extension. Works great

Relatively small tool.  I added the right angle tool.  Personal preference.  Used primarily for cutting track with a 426 cut off wheel.

 

Links from the Dremel website.  

402 tool for cut off wheels

Cut off wheels 

There have been discussion on the forum about the 1.5" cut off wheels, I thought they tended to overheat the tool and only use the 1.25" wheels. Keep in mind that it is a small tool.

575 Right Angle attachment

225-01 flex shaft attachment

I purchased one that had the flexible shaft included. I have found that I use the flexible attachment the most.

I have the Dremel 300 series wire cord for 120 volts. Have some accessories for it, and works very good for me.

 

Have used a B & D portable battery powered drill motor and liked it but the battery replacement cost ate me up! $40.00 for a new battery! I know how to recharge the batteries, sometime up to two days on the charger, it is just the batteries won't hold a charge after a few minutes use if I got that much from them. Also used a volt meter to confirm the battery condition.

So I would much rather use a 120 volt corded model of drill or Dremel tool.

 

So consider all costs before investing in a Dremel tool set. Myself I would buy the one with an electric cord on it and use extension cords as it won't quit halfway through a job.

 

Lee Fritz

I tend to buy the cutoff wheels from Widget Supply, they have a good assortment of Dremel stuff, and their fiber reenforced cutoff wheels have worked well for me and saved me a ton of money.

 

I have not heard of widget supply. Anyway I use an angled sanding stone attachment for ruff spurs that stick up or other little problems.

Use a hacksaw to cut track sections to fit, call me old fashioned but I not that impressed with the cut off disks.

 

Lee Fritz

OK Lee, you're old fashioned!

 

Ok John, for today you make me laugh!

 

Lee Fritz

I have two. Both corded. Variable speed is an absolute must have. Delicate jobs require slower speeds and you'll appreciate the ability to lower the speed. One if mine is a standard model, the other is a deluxe with a flexible mandrel. Makes it real easy to get into tight spaces. Never had any need to have a cordless, and I would not want to have to replace an expensive battery after so many years, or have to recharge it all the time.

 

Gandy

 

 

 

 

The only advantage to having a cordless Dremel tool or cordless drill is when you don't have electricity around like on a new construction job. Otherwise I see no long term benefit for use of a cordless drill or Dremel tool.

 

Lee Fritz

Though the voltage of hand-held battery powered portable tools has increased, I have an older drill/driver from the 1980's (9.6 volts) and a couple of Milwaukee drills at 12 volts.  They are still relatively safe from shock hazard v.s. 110 volt cord operated power tools, even the double insulated tools, IMO.  Most, in the truck tools, are now 18 volt, I have seen some 20+ volt tools.  Every DeWalt portable battery powered tool, that I have, has an additional battery, charging, while using the other battery.  The additional battery fits in the carrying case provided with the tool.  Note that old batteries should be disposed of properly. 

I've seen construction site power supplies where there was not enough 110 volt outlets to plug-in all the battery chargers.  Another problems was identifying your batteries and charger. 

 

Another point on those construction sites, the lift machines are 24 volt DC requiring usually (4) 6 volt deep cycle batteries.  An overnight charge will usually work for all of the next day, if you can get your employees to plug-it-in at the end of the day. There is not a lot of step ladders on commercial jobs, IMO. I've seen as may as five hoist, usually one for each trade involved. Scissors/Lift battery chargers are contained in the unit and can draw a fair amount of current @ 110 volts.  We have had issues on construction sites where there was not enough 110 volt 20 amp circuits at the end of the day to plug-in all the hoist at one time.

I happen to have two of the Dremel Li-Ion Cordless10.8V tools, and keep one in the railroad room and the other on my work bench. I have done this for 4 years now with out issue. They perform excellent for all sorts of model railroad category uses. Totally replaced my older cord based Dremel. Plus having two chargers and two batteries means I always have one ready to use too.

 

Bob

Before buying a new Dremel, check their parts diagrams. At some point in the last ten years the solid one piece metal shafts used for both the armature and collet holder were cut and a nylon coupling was installed. These fail unexpectedly.

If you have an old Dremel, hang on to it.

 

Pete

Uhh... I have a 35 or so year old Dremel, and it has the nylon coupler inside, I had to buy one to replace it several years back.

I purchased a proxxon a few years ago to replace a 285 dremel which failed. A superior tool to its predecessor in every way.