Could put this in the “What did you get under the tree” thread, but since I have a question, I think it will be better served here.
Was given a Dremel 3000 variable speed rotary tool kit. Happens I have a Ryobi HT20VS variable speed rotary tool already. I have seen some folks here indicating that they have more than one rotary tool and use them for different purposes. I have only used mine a limited amount on the layout. (The best thing I used it for was cutting some #4 aluminum entrance cable out of my Brush Hog. Made quick work of a real mess.)
Since MOH wasn’t sure if I had such a thing, she saved the slip and is willing I trade it in for something else. So, my question is:
Keep it?
Trade it for some Dremel accessories? If so, which ones are handy for modeling?
Trade it toward materials for a drop ceiling for the basement train room?
I’m leaning toward 3, but will be interested to hear if there are some accessories that would make the one I have significantly more useful.
My answer is an unhelpful “it depends.” If you are still in the track laying stage yet also have projects on the workbench, having a motor tool more or less dedicated to track work can be very convenient.
I have no view as to the effect on your relationship if you trade or sell a nice gift like this. I do not pretend to be able to resolve conjugal issues. How long have you been married? I have two decades +. If it was me I’d keep it even if I had no use for it.
Keep it and get a right angle attachment for it and purchase some dry-wall cutting bits. Excellent for cutting out wall outlets, ceiling outlets, even tile grout removal bits and many more uses. Also purchase a flex shaft attachment, also very useful around the home. A lot of people look at those type of tools and think they are only for Hobby use and how wrong they are. I have one Dremel and a B&D Wizard that I keep on my work bench all the time with the flex-shaft on it. B&D Wizard is similar to a Dremel, but slimer. That right angle attachment has a depth gauge on it and can be used like a mini router.
Right angle attachment and also look at the Mutipurpose cutting kit, that goes on the end of the right angle
I have an original Dremal from the late 60’s(single speed). I had to go ‘home’ to Racine to be rebuilt(was free back then). I still have it and it resides out in the garage shop. It went bacl to Dremel
I also ‘won’ a variable speed HD model in the mid-70’s - Still use it, and it is in the train room. I did buy a Micro-Mark 3 jaw chuck for it.
And I bought ‘on sale’ a Durabuilt set with a variable speed unit, a flex extension and a nice stand/hook to mount on my workshop. This was one of those $29.99 Christmas deals. It is very well built, and I really like to use it.
I have found that I tend to accumulate tools, and having multiple copies really is not a problem. My son tends to ‘borrow’ stuff, and it is a 64 mile drive to retrieve it!
Keep it. Not only does this give you an extra tool that (if you’re like most of the rest of us) you’ll eventually need, but it was FREE. Also, it gives you a backup in case the other one blows up (see above). Finally, you’ll spare you better half’s feelings, and she’ll be happy knowing she got you something you’ll use, even if it’s not right away.
Anytime you might use more than one bit or tool at a time on a project will make the seeming luxury of having two be more like a necessity.
As others have mentioned, it’s often convenient to have two for use in different locations.
Finally, no one else mentioned it, but I’ve heard the battery-powered Dremels are pretty good and I’ve often wished I had one to supplement the corded one I use all the time. That would be very handy to use on the layout, where I often have to drag the cord around to use mine. Can you exchange/use it for credit against a battery-powered version?
I have 3. An ancient multi speed one from the 70’s that I use occaisionally in the basement. A newer 395 that has a flexible shaft mounted and hangs from a hook at the model work bench. And finally, a 10.8 volt battery model that I use around the layout and house.
If you Ryobi doesn’t have a flexible shaft, keep your Dremel and buy a flexible shaft for it.
Simply put I would be lost without my Dremel since it has a 1001 hobby uses from drilling coupler box holes on BB cars to cutting track from drilling security fence holes to sanding.I even cut ABS plastic shapes with my cordless Dremel.
I’ve got four, all made by Dremel although one has a Sears sticker on it. I won’t part with any of them.
The Sears variable speed one I keep a 3/16" stone and chain saw sharpening guide in it. It gets used quite frequently come firewood harvest time.
Another one, my “go-to” Dremel is a cordless model 800 rechargable. It is nine years old and will hold a charge—for a year! (It has a LION battery, that’s why [:D] Yes, they can still make some good stuff.
One of the guys I work with gave me his 1970’s model. I just bought a flex-shaft for it. Super for getting in close or making a 90° gap cut in rail.
Lastly I have one my late wife bought me in 1984. Just a regular 115v variable speed but still gets its use.
Sometimes, these tools will sit for months without being needed but when you have that one sticky job that nothing else will do…
I’m not too fond of Ryobi tools anyway. Never owned any but some folks I know have had poor luck with that brand. YMMV
I used to look at every project as an excuse for new tools. My son too has started a tool collection, and guess where he’s “picking”.
and to the OP’s original question, having 2 moto tools on hand when doing track work is great. I keep a wire wheel in one and a cut-off disk in the other. The wire wheel cleans track before soldering rail joints and feeders as well as trims the styrene pieces I glue into my rail gaps.
likewise, one drill for making holes and a second for driving screws is really handy.
I have one Dremel tool & would like to have a second one. I recently resumed work on an old project: Installing correctly-spaced couplers on seven HO Bachmann Baldwin RF16 Sharks. This involves cutting & grinding away a portion of the frame, then drilling and tapping for the new coupler pockets. If I had two tools, I could avoid a lot of back-and-forth changing from grinding tools to drill bits and back again. I say keep it.
Bulky, yes, but the control you get is amazing for those that do percise work like grinding out extra ties in an already sceniced areas because you want to make a change for some unforscene reason (like when my carfloat lead had to change to accomodate a diferent product).
With all the suggestions, looks like I will be keeping it. There are several attachments that look very interesting (something she can get me next event). Also some uses I hadn’t thought of, expecially the chainsaw sharpening. (Just used my saw today cleaning up some of the mess left by the pre-Christmas snow and ice storm.)
Sharpening chain saws with a Dremel tool can waste chains very quickly if you are not extremely gentle. Look at it this way: would you use a Dremel grinder to sharpen your best kitchen knives or your fish filleting knife? I hope not!
Also, just to be contrary, is dust an issue on your layout? If so, the ceiling tiles might be a better investment, although you won’t likely get a lot of ceiling for the price of the Dremel.