Dremel tools

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Would like opinions on the Dremel MS20-01 Scroll Saw Kit. Thank you in advance.

2

Hi Willy6,

That looks like a pretty good saw…but it is limited in it’s use. With only a 9.84’’ throat, it is more orientated for use mainly for small size hobby projects.

I have one with a 18’’ throat that is more versatile in it’s uses, not only for hobby’s.

Take a look at the review on this one from Craftsman. A 16’’ throat variable speed saw, that will cut up to 2’’ thick material, so it’s use is not limited to hobby size. On sale now at 10.00 cheaper than the Dremel and more robust:

http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/2758

Take Care! [:D]

Frank

3

If you have the space and ever become involved in home maintenance or projects outside MR, take Franks advice, get a decent scroll saw that can handle any job you might see in future. Dremel makes great tools and the best is their original dremel moto-tool. Without a moto-tool a lot of MRs would be very frustrated.

I did buy their moto-tool drill press that takes the moto-tool as I do a lot of electronic PC board hole drilling. I found it a bit shakey but, after a bit of rework, stabilized it enough to not break the tiny carbide bits from inherent slop, side to side.

4

Dremel has been making them for a long time. Like 60 years or maybe more. I had one back in my childhood. Christmas gift. It worked. It would cut anything used in model railroading. Sheet metal, wood, styrene, printed circuit board material. It vibrated a lot. Hard to keep it going straight or following the line due to the vibration. Throat depth was like 12 inches, which was enough. It’s small, sits on a bench top, you can put it up on a shelf when not using it.

Was it me, I’d check Craiglist for a full sized scroll saw. They will cut heavier stock, do carpentry things, and not shake so badly. I’d expect to find one, with stand and motor, for like $50. Might need a little cleaning up and perhaps a coat of paint. A full sized one will take up a little more shop space, but not much really. You save money and you get a more verstile machine.