Rotary Tool of Choice

The brand you have in mind is probably the right choice for the machine itself. However, that company plays the "give away the razor and sell the blades" game, so buying the consumables and accessories from them can get very expensive very quickly. Lots of stuff you can get from Harbor Freight or eBay is often "good enough" and vastly cheaper.

For me it's the Dremel 8220, a battery powered tool with the grunt to do almost any rotary tool job.  I also have a Dremel 4000, but being a corded tool, it gets much less use.  The convenience of cordless power can't be overstated. 

I had a Sears "LIL Crafty" years ago.    It worked fine but eventually the bearings wore out and it was useless.     I replaced it with a corded dreme4l and then was given a battery dremel.     I had a friend who passed away a a few years ago.   He had a very old corded dreml he kept on his work bench that still ran fine.    It was probably  40 years old or more.     I find the battery one more convenient for quick little jobs.  

You can use any blades or accessories either in a variable chuck, or buy getting the proper small fixed chuck.

I've been using a Dremel 280 with a 219 speed controller since the mid-1970's.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

I've been using a Dremel 280 with a 219 speed controller since the mid-1970's.

Rusty

I had a 280 but burned it up working on my car. Dremel replaced it with the second generation Dremel (model??) which uses different collets and no longer fits the drill press attachment. I was not happy.

Anyway I have two corded Dremels plus a Foredom tool with a flexible shaft and small hand piece. Foredom tools will last a lifetime, if pricey these days.

If I had nothing I would be looking at a large Dremel with a cord along with the cable driven hand piece. For fine work a small hand piece gives much better control.

Pete

@Norton posted:

If I had nothing I would be looking at a large Dremel with a cord along with the cable driven hand piece. For fine work a small hand piece gives much better control.

I have the Dremel wand that I use when I need it, but for many jobs, I just grab the tool. I used a friend's Foredom rotary and I'll certainly agree for bench work it would be nice.  However, I just don't need yet another rotary tool, so I haven't spent the money.

However, I part ways when you talk about the Dremel plug-in model.  Although I have several of them, and I do use them now and then, the 8220 has plenty of power for almost any job you'd tackle with a Dremel tool, and it's soooo much nicer to work without a cord.

You guys hit the areas I was concerned about:

Are Dremel bits proprietary to Dremel tools? Or do I ust need to make sure the shanks match like in a die grinder? I don't mind spending more on better bits but I expect them to last accordingly.

I'm really torn on the battery vs cord thing. I have a lot of cords already. But I worry that not using the tool daily will wreck the battery. Any thoughts on that?

I love my corded Dremel........never have to worry about battery drain, but sometimes a portable one would be nice.....just picked up this Ryobi "cordless" and have not had cause to use it yet........however, it is a little more portable than the corded one.

If you envision that your Dremel use will be in one area (like a basement or a workshop), I'd go with a corded on and forget about battery drain......you can always get a more portable one later.

As far as durability, I've had my corded Dremel 20+ years and never an issue.

Peter

@BillYo414 posted:

You guys hit the areas I was concerned about:

Are Dremel bits proprietary to Dremel tools? Or do I ust need to make sure the shanks match like in a die grinder? I don't mind spending more on better bits but I expect them to last accordingly.

I'm really torn on the battery vs cord thing. I have a lot of cords already. But I worry that not using the tool daily will wreck the battery. Any thoughts on that?

I buy most of my attachments of of Amazon or Ebay except Carbide cutting wheels those I buy Dremal brand as they are a little thicker and last longer. Everything else if generic stuff.

Cordless dremel……buy an extra battery so one is always charged…..the price of battery is a little shocking, but in my opinion worth it

@BillYo414 posted:

Are Dremel bits proprietary to Dremel tools? Or do I ust need to make sure the shanks match like in a die grinder? I don't mind spending more on better bits but I expect them to last accordingly.

You can get Dremel compatible bits all over the place.  One of my favorite shopping sites is Widget Supply, they have a wide assortment of Dremel.  Dremel At Widget Supply.  I use a ton of the fiber reinforced cutoff wheels and I can get them loads cheaper there than buying the Dremel brand.

@BillYo414 posted:

I'm really torn on the battery vs cord thing. I have a lot of cords already. But I worry that not using the tool daily will wreck the battery. Any thoughts on that?

I've had my Dremel 8220 for about three years, I'm still using the same two batteries, and they show no signs of deteriorating.  When one runs down, I pop it into the charger, long before I could possibly run the other one down, the first one is fully charged again.  The Lithium batteries are a whole different ballgame from the old NiCad days.

There are 22 outlets around the fascia of the layout permitting plug in almost anywhere.  I like the larger Dremel and Roto zip tools because they make quick work in cutting rail.

I place a small towel folder up in a small miter box to hold the larger motors and just locate it where ever the job may be.  When working in one particular area for a while I hang one of the big motors with the long extension flex shaft

I have an assortment of smaller Dremels with different tool bits premounted for different purposes much like my routers.

For particular work I like the smaller motors with a 90 degree head adaptors.

@BillYo414 posted:

You guys hit the areas I was concerned about:

Are Dremel bits proprietary to Dremel tools? Or do I ust need to make sure the shanks match like in a die grinder? I don't mind spending more on better bits but I expect them to last accordingly.

I'm really torn on the battery vs cord thing. I have a lot of cords already. But I worry that not using the tool daily will wreck the battery. Any thoughts on that?

I would not have a battery powered tool as my first rotary tool. The batteries always need charging at the most inconvenient time.   One caviet that Ryobi tool that Peter shows looks as though it has an external battery pack. I have yet to see an external battery pack you could not hack some sort of 120vac power supply to.      Outside of that possibility I would opt for a corded tool as my first rotary tool.          j

No question for me that it is a big powerful corded Dremel.  And, my favorite attachment is the thick, fiberglass net reinforced, heavy duty cutting wheels for metal and nails.  They will cut through a 20 penny nail in about 5 seconds, and last a long long time.  Need to cut a metal truck or coupler arm completely in half?  No problem.

I was amazed to see that WalMart now how a complete display of Dremel tool attachments.  You can add that to Home Depot, Lowe's and just about any place else.

So, why buy any other brand?

Mannyrock

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

The Lithium batteries are a whole different ballgame from the old NiCad days.

Ain't it the truth! A game changer for cordless tools, and cars.

I'm slowly moving all of my hand tools over to lithium battery powered models. The last gas tool to be replaced was my chain saw. There's no memory with lithium batteries and they give pretty much full power until the charge is gone. I keep a flex extension my corded Dremel and use that around the shop benches for specific work. My cordless Dremel goes any where I need it to with no fussing with extension cords, etc.

You guys really sell the new cordless Dremel tools short, I should make a video.   There's nothing wimpy about my battery powered Dremel, and I've done all of the above with the cordless tool.

@JohnActon posted:

I would not have a battery powered tool as my first rotary tool. The batteries always need charging at the most inconvenient time.

That's why the box has room for a spare battery!

I've used the same corded Dremel tool for 25+ years and it does all I need.

I'm sure a corded Dremel would work fine for me, I just don't choose to live tethered to an outlet.

@Ace posted:

I've used the same corded Dremel tool for 25+ years and it does all I need.

Same here.  The flex shaft attachment was handy when laying/cutting track and the 90 degree accessory is handy.

@Norton posted:

Anyway I have two corded Dremels plus a Foredom tool with a flexible shaft and small hand piece. Foredom tools will last a lifetime, if pricey these days.

Pete

That motivates me to dig mine out of the basement.  I used to do jewelry and the Foredom flex shaft with variable pedal rheostat was and is a fantastic tool.

John

If you happen to have Milwaukee M12 tools, you might want to consider their M12 rotary tool - you can purchase just the tool if you already have the batteries from other tools in the system.  While it is a bit heavy for long term use at one sitting - it is usually only used for a few minutes at a time - so the weight is not a factor for me.

All of the current model dremel bits and attachments fit my M12 rotary tool just fine - the black end piece at the chuck end twists off and the threads match the current dremel models.

Good luck with whichever model you choose - it will certainly make certain jobs much easier.

Bruce

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You can get Dremel compatible bits all over the place.  One of my favorite shopping sites is Widget Supply, they have a wide assortment of Dremel.  Dremel At Widget Supply. 

John - great website.  Thanks!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You guys really sell the new cordless Dremel tools short, I should make a video.   There's nothing wimpy about my battery powered Dremel, and I've done all of the above with the cordless tool.

That's why the box has room for a spare battery!

I am with John, I have both, but since getting the cordless Dremel, I never use the corded.  I cut track, Atlas solid rail, and just about anything else, never an issue.

I have a bunch of dewalt cordless tools, and since getting them , I almost never use my corded tools.  Battery technology is pretty amazing today.

Here is my cordless I picked up at a garage sale a couple of years ago for $10. I have used it for cutting track, wire brushing,

grinding rivets, etc. I buy things like steel and brass brushes online, and stuff like cutoff discs from a dremel supplier.  Seems

to run forever on a charge.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear safety glasses.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You guys really sell the new cordless Dremel tools short, I should make a video.   There's nothing wimpy about my battery powered Dremel, and I've done all of the above with the cordless tool.

That's why the box has room for a spare battery!

Wish I had waited ten years before my last hand grinder purchase it would likely use Lithium batteries rather than the Ni-MH which my rechargeable uses.  I have five hand grinders as is and the rechargeable gets the least use as all my work stations have 120ac available except the boat. So I will take your word for how great the lithium powered grinders are.  I do admit to the place a cordless grinder truly shines. In the middle of the layout where the trees once were.  I've likely purchased my last hand grinder.  Though if it makes you happy I'll turn green.   Same shade as when I saw your new scope.        ShowOff !                    j

There is a very low-priced rotary tool at Harbor Freight for around 10 bucks, avoid this one like the plague! It is junk.

Any Dremel will work well for you, and wear safety   goggles when using a cut-off disk, it will help to keep your eyesight!

I went through one corded Dremel and 2 cordless ones. I must be unusually hard on rotary tools. I then switched to a cordless Milwaukee and have had it for quite a few years. It is much more durable than the Dremel. I have had to buy additional batteries. 

The right angle attachment works well.   It is a light duty tool, IMO.  It can overheat easily.

I use the larger cutting disk to cut Gargraves/and Atlas track.  Note:  This tool requires eye protection, and good, reasonable, operating techniques.

@JohnActon posted:

Wish I had waited ten years before my last hand grinder purchase it would likely use Lithium batteries rather than the Ni-MH which my rechargeable uses.  I have five hand grinders as is and the rechargeable gets the least use as all my work stations have 120ac available except the boat. So I will take your word for how great the lithium powered grinders are.  I do admit to the place a cordless grinder truly shines. In the middle of the layout where the trees once were.  I've likely purchased my last hand grinder.  Though if it makes you happy I'll turn green.   Same shade as when I saw your new scope.        ShowOff !                    j

Yep, I think the battery technology has really made a difference in power tools.  I have a number of friends in the construction trades, and they all have a huge assortment of battery powered tools.  I had an older Dremel with the NiMh battery, and it was totally unimpressive.  However, after I bought a Milwaukee 18V Lithium drill and impact driver, I was sold on battery power!  When I need a drill, I can't remember the last time I used a corded model, but I think it was my close quarters drill as the Milwaukee wouldn't fit between the studs.   When I saw the Dremel 8220 at a friend's house and tried it, I was totally sold.  Between the Dremel 8220 and my Dewalt Gyroscopic Driver, those are the power tools that get the most use from me.

One thing with battery powered tools.  Don't even think about the ones that don't have a removable battery!  Having the ability to pop the spare battery in while the other one charges is key to the total convenience of battery power.  All my battery powered tools have at least two batteries, and I have three for the power screwdriver, that one really gets a workout.

Something I learned about power tools;  Ridgid power tools offer a lifetime replacement guarantee on both the tool it's self AND THE BATTERIES!

Over the years my helper and I have gotten four free replacement batteries.

How much does a power tool battery cost?

You must fill out the warranty card and capture the tiny long numbers on the tool and each battery but free is free. 

Plus when someone offers with that secure of a warranty it would seem as thought they would put a bit more effort in making a tool that will not come back to them.

Tom, after pricing the Ridgid tools, I can see why they can have a lifetime warranty!   I think my current crop of power tools will most likely outlast me.

Well I went to the store today for work purposes. But I happened to be in the same aisle as the tools and they only had the 8220 in stock so that's what I got.

I have a stash of DeWalt tools at home. Otherwise I would have checked into the Milwaukee.

I was eyeing the Harbor Freight one for engraving tape measures for the shop at work. Despite not having legs, you wouldn't believe how those tape measures can move around the shop. Engraving a location on them helps prevent that.

We'll see how this thing does. I'm adding a structure (basically a tool box) to a tender to fit the railsounds board under so I don't need to run so many wires between the engine and tender. That means I'll need to cut a slot in the top of the tender to sneak wires through. The alternative to this was to lop off the screw tabs on the coal load to fit the railsounds board under there. Both solutions will work but both require some type of small cut to be made. Now I got the tool to do it. I'm going to post the results here regardless of which direction I decide to go.

When cutting metal with the Dremel heavy duty reinforced cut-off wheel, not only wear eye and ear protection, but be sure to wear a hat too.    Otherwise, SUPRISE!, the shower of sparks can set your hair on fire!

"Hey, . . . what the heck is that smail?"

(Don't ask me how I know.  :-)   

Mannyrock

Footnote:  See Michael Jackson's Pepsi Fireworks Commercial circa 1990s, which ended his career and turned him into a codeine addict.

@Mannyrock posted:

When cutting metal with the Dremel heavy duty reinforced cut-off wheel, not only wear eye and ear protection, but be sure to wear a hat too.    Otherwise, SUPRISE!, the shower of sparks can set your hair on fire!

I have no hair! I should be good to go haha

But honestly, I'm going to pick up a guard from the store on the way home in addition to the safety glasses. I've been saved numerous times by eye protection (I work under my rusty truck) so I know the value.

Thank you to everyone who answered in this thread!!! I appreciate the comments a lot!! I'll provide some feedback in return.

@BillYo414 posted:

Well I went to the store today for work purposes. But I happened to be in the same aisle as the tools and they only had the 8220 in stock so that's what I got.

I predict you'll really like it.   I would, however, make sure you have an extra battery, that makes sure you always have power.

@Pingman posted:

Same here.  The flex shaft attachment was handy when laying/cutting track and the 90 degree accessory is handy.

I agree, anything I would buy would have to have a flexshaft option available. I don't use it all the time but somtimes it's the

best / only way to get the cut done.

The 90 degree adapter is handy for cutting track and is a bit more convenient at times to work with.

Yes, I have a couple of those, but I also have the flexshaft wand for when it's appropriate.

I thought the flexshaft wand thing wasn't compatible with the 8220? @gunrunnerjohn hopefully I misread the description. I could see that being handy for engraving.

I've had the Dremel 3000 corded for several years and am very happy with it.  The Harbor Freight POS lasted less than a month.  Avoid it, you should.