I am about to purchase a Dremel tool. Is there any certain model to obtain or a best place to obtain it? Are there any certain attachments I should be sure to obtain? Any thing else I am missing?
Jim H
Jim,
I have purchased a lot of dremel items at both WalMart and Sears. I go for the variable speed, and mostly use cut off wheels and the grinder bits. Occasionally, I do use the sharpener for mower blades. I also have the grout removal bit. I am thinking of getting the drill press attachment and the flex shaft.
I would buy one of the multi sets that have the tool and a bunch of varied bits, etc. Then, as your needs develop, just buy what you need. I was given a battery powered Dremel, but mostly use the regular variable speed plug in model. I don’t have the new one with the light, but if you work under good light, it is not needed.
Dennis
Jim: that’s a great investment ! I’ve had Dremels, at least 2 or 3 now, for ove 30 years. I always tell everyone to get the footpedal. Dremal makes 1, but I like my old sewing machine foot pedal the best, & I do have the Dremal one also, but the sewing machine one reches up to the work bench where you can plug the tool into it & can have the pedal on the floor. Seems like the Dremal one is not set up right for me. I also have the 90 degree attachment, for drilling or whatever, but I used it more for building planes than trains. One more thing I wouldn’t be without is the chuck that screws on the tools, this is the bigger one, not the collet type one. Micro Marc has that & maybe some other places. Oh, the foot pedal frees up a hand to hold stuff sometimes & you can adjust RPMs with your foot, plus start it. Use a Dubro 2" reinforced cut-off wheel, they are safer, & don’t forget goggles !!
Thanks,
One of the best tools we ever purchased!
We have the variable speed model. It came with the flex shaft. It also came with a basic array of bits and grinding stones.
I would strongly recommend the diamond cutting wheel! I have used the cutting discs, reinforced cutting discs, and the diamond cutting wheel. The diamond cutting wheel works great, doesn’t fly apart on hard objects, and stays the same size when using it!
I also have a set of Dremel drill bits, a larger sized collet that will accept regular drill bits, and a 90 degree adapter. I have used these in many instances when a regular drill and/or bit were too big or wouldn’t fit.
I’ve used the various grinding wheels for sharpening lawn mower blades, weeding hoes and other garden tools.
A word of caution. Dremel tools do require a firm grip and an awareness of which direction the tool is spinning. There is a lot of torque there and holding it wrong can allow it to spin off the project. Even though some of the bits don’t feel sharp, they are moving fast enough to cut through steel. I “dremeled” a finger once and learned my lesson.
Birds
I just bought a RotoZip Rz20:
http://www.rotozip.com/Shop/ProductDetail.htm?IID=69282
It comes with a ZipMate right-angle attachment and several other accessories
http://www.rotozip.com/Shop/CategoryBrowse.htm?HID=188052&BID=19
The right-angle attachment should be good for cutting track.
Daniel Lang
Always go for the variable-speed model.I conside it an essential too for both scale and railroad modeling and recommend that you buy a cutting and sanding assortment which really expands the usefulness of this great tool.
To use for cutting Lionel tubular track get the 2 inch diameter cutting discs with the mandrel so you can change them when they wear out. I got mine at a Train show mandrel and two discs for $7. I cut lots of track and still have the original.
laz57
Do yourself a favor and don’t make the mistake I once made. [:(] I tried to save some $$ and bought an “off brand”. Big mistake, it just didn’t work well, too slow, not enough torque and lacked variable speed control. Spend the extra $$ and get a good one.
Interesting note about the RotoZip. Does anyone have experience cutting tubular track with a RotoZip??
Mitch[:)]
All the previous posts have been great information. I too have owned both variable speed and non-variable speed. The variable speed is much better.
I also find the flex-shaft invaluable. I do not remember the last time that I used the Dremel w / o the shaft attached. I also found the small carbon / stainless steel wire brush attachments useful for cleaning the ends of track prior to soldering, etc.
A must have tool.
Many years ago, a contractor from about 1000 miles away brought one out to work on his robotic pipeline inspection device. He referred to it as his “traveling machine shop”.
--------------------------------- Bill
Jim,
You probably have gotten more info already than you need, but I thought I would add my 2 cents.
Definitely go for the variable speed. The models change pretty often but the last one I bought was a Multipro Model 395 and it is the best one I have ever had.
The offer an attachment for it that lets you use it like a Roto-zip, good for occasional use.
I have three, one with a fexible shaft that hangs from a pole. The 10.8v battery one that I love for working on the layout, and an old one from years ago that still works great.
Enjoy
Paul
Be sure and check out your local Costco for great deals on Dremels and accessories. I think I got mine at a pretty decent price.
I just bought a Dremel 300 at Home Depot for $59.00. This one came with an assortmant of bits but not the flexible shaft. Oh Well. It is very useful for working on GarGrave or Atlas flexible track.
George
Thanks all for the assistance. I am off to purchase one of the variable speed models, a diamond cutting wheel, sanding and brush assortments, and mayby 90 degree attachment and flex shaft. I feel like I know a lot more know!
Thanks again.
Jim H