Which Dremel should I buy?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m looking for a Dremel tool to buy and wanted to hear people’s recommendations. I would like to use it for basic tasks like cutting track, modifying kits, etc. I would prefer the convenience of a cordless since my layout room does not have outlets on all four walls. At the margin, I’d be willing to pay slightly more for better functionality. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Brad

2

It depends on your usage, If you don’t use it too much, the cordless might be fine, I would hate to run out of power half way through a project. I use a corded unit because I use it constantly.

3

I have the small cordless Dremel 4,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm and I have the two speed 15,000 to 30,000 rpm corded. I prefer the corded because the cordless battery does not last long at all. While the corded is overkill power wise for plastic parts, it does a great job of cutting and grinding.

4

I have a generic one goes from 4000-8000. Accepts all the 1" screw on Dremel adapter gadgets. Came with a whole set of bits and tips for $20. Works great. I’ve never had luck with battery operated stuff.
If you have any dollar stores like Freds or Big Lots by you, their a great sorce for low priced bits and cutting disks.IMHO, true Dremel stuff is a rip off.

5

I have the varible speed one that also comes with the flexable handle. It is very nice to work with when the attachment is on. I like the ability to change 6 different speeds to from whatever to about 20,000rpm. I would recommend getting this one. Especially since it is only $65 and comes with the plastic carrying case and many attachments.

6

I’ll vote for the “corded” type; I do a large amount of brass cutting/grinding, and I don’t think a battery-powered tool would hold up the way this one does. Extension cords are cheap, and I don’t plan to do any model building outdoors.[;)]

7

I use a cordless. I’ve only run the batterieis down once, after several hours of cleaning the rust off a bike I was restoring for my son. I now have a spare battery and there has not been a problem since.

Also, I have yet to find a project it did not have the ability to do.

So, I’d say get the best cordless you can afford and get an extra battery for around $15.

8

I like the cordless 10.8v for working on the layout, easy to use and don’t have to drag the cord all around. For the workbench I like corded with flexible shaft - I hang the tool on a hook. The flexible shaft is nice because there is less bulk and I can position cutoff wheels at a right angle to what I am cutting. I guess I recommend you get two, make sure you get the 10.8v cordless (there are 3 other less powerful models).
Enjoy
Paul

9

I own the sears craftsman version (with the cord) of the dremel tool…i’ve had it over 15 years and it still runs great…the heavy duty cut off wheel is the only tool i use with it and is my best friend when scratch building with brass or laying track…chuck

10

Amazing. Looks like the name “Dremel” has now come to mean any handheld, high-speed grinder/shaping tool. It will soon join the ranks of other well-known products and actions that are associate to one name, such as Kleenex, Jello, and Xerox. Just an observation.

Tom

11

If you are looking for a Dremel, get the kit that has the corded variable speed with the extension on it.

I had a basic Dremel & it did ok, the Dremel with the extension on it makes it a lot easier to cut track in place.

http://www6.sears.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&categoryId=31481&langId=-1&rrc=1&productId=158485553

The one above is the one I got for Christmas last year.

Gordon

12

I got the complete Dremel Kit at BJ’s Wholesale Club around Christmas a few years ago. It came with the variable speed corded model with the flexible shaft and also included a “free” 4.2 volt cordless model. Total cost was around $69 including the carying/storage case and many many bits and pieces of accessories.
I find I use the cordless at the work bench as its low power allows me to grind off details etc in both brass and plastic without grabbing and tearing off the part or side of the model. I use the flexible shaft also, mainly to drill those #80 handrail holes in the Walthers kits. Set the speed to the lowest speed, then put a 180-270 degree bend in the shaft. Turn the tool on and off with a Micro-Mark foot switch, and the combination of the slow speed and the mechanical load of the flex shaft allows you to drill the holes without melting the plastic, or breaking the drill bit. Just did over 240 holes with the same bit! Note, DO NOT GET THE VARIABLE SPEED FOOT SWITCH, it won’t work with the variable speed control in the Dremel tool.

13

I have the corded variable speed dremel. I have used it for many, many things. I even have a chainsaw sharpener, rotozip attachment, flex shaft, etc. It’s a great tool with many uses. And if you need it, Dremel’s customer service is great! Just recently I stripped the shaft coupler on my motor tool (doing some work that I probably shouldn’t have). Dremel sent me a replacement for a very low price and they didn’t even charge me any postage. The cost to send the parts was almost as much as the parts. But I will never buy anything but a Dremel.

John

14

What ever one you choose get one that has as many accesories as possible. Those little things are *** expensive to buy separate. I have the Dremel with the cord and I like it very much.