Huggy Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I'm looking for a new cordless rotary tool - actually for my wife, not me believe it or not! (though I might get a chance for a borrow every now and then....gosh I hadn't thought of that...) and came up with what looked ideal - the Dremel Stylus - only to find it has been discontinued. That had LiOn batteries, all the others still rely on old faithful Nicads. I've come down to three choices now, the Dremel 7700 which is only two speed and looks a bit chunky for when my good lady is doing her jewellry polishing, engraving etc, but is probably good quality, the Clarke Tools one that has variable speeds and a whole lot of kit, but no info about size etc, and the RC09 9.6v Cordless Rotary from Rotacraft which seems a good compromise but again, can't tell how big it is.. Anyone own any of these that can clue me in on quality / usefullness? She presently uses the Rotacraft one I got as a subscription gift from RCME a couple of years ago, and likes it OK apart from being corded and only having one speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Ennis Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 What about the Dremel 8200? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huggy Posted July 28, 2013 Author Share Posted July 28, 2013 Yeah looked at that Andy, but it seems a bit bulky and heavier than the "hobby" sized ones, probably it's intended more for general DIY. Mrs H has a llittle trouble with arthritis in her hand, so we're looking at the smaller / lighter models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 9 Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Does it have to be cordless? I have found the plug in type are lighter with constant power output and always ready to use (no dead batteries). the cord does not get in the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanR Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 How about a Dremel with a flexible shaft? Suspend the Dremel and there wouldn't be much weight in the shaft/handpiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan Reynolds LaserCraft Services Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Thats wht I do, I have the Dremel 4000 corded, suspended from a Dremel workstation with a flexi shaft, which is included with the tool. The workstation was only an extra £29 and it acts as a pillar drill and milling station as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I've a Dremel 800 which is the predecesor of the 8200 that's 5 years old & a mains Dremel Mototool & their fretsaw that were both bought in the 70's & arec still going strong. First class products all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
001 Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 How about this one from Maplin.**LINK** I have had a similar one with a 3.7v lithium battery for a couple of years and it has been excellent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
001 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I have just looked closely at the Maplin one again and it is 9.6v which probably means not a Lipo battery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avtur Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 My vote goes to a mains powered unit with a flexi-shaft .... best of both worlds .. IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panther1 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Whatever you get make sure it has a decent bearing in the chuck end. I have tried the ones with bushes and they are total rubbish and make more of a mess than anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
001 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 These are a quality make. This one has a cord but it is 12v.........**LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Avtur is spot on. I bought a flexible shaft for my excellent little Dremel....& It's abfab.......ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyoz Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Look at Minicraft they are also good :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huggy Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 Wow thanks chaps! Lots to ponder there. She does find the power cable on the current cheapo one is a bit of a nuisance, but the flexi-shaft idea is worth considering. How is the main body of the tool retained in that case, do they supply a clamp in the kit? Having the variable speed might be something that would offset the non-cordless thing, in which case I'd probably opt for the Dremel 8200 - it's a significant birthday prez, so hang the expense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toni Reynaud Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Keep an eye on Lidl and Aldi - they both do a good mais-powered onw with flexible drive at intervals (if you can wait a while!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Hargreaves - Moderator Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 + 1 for the flex shaft....the main unit is usually hung up close by... Don't underestimate the value of some of the Dremel tools as well such as routers etc....these can only be mounted on the actual unit rather than the flex shaft & are probably not much use for polishig jewelry but are huge benefit in RC modelling....worth considering if you plan to "borrow" it occasionally... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huggy Posted August 9, 2013 Author Share Posted August 9, 2013 Thanks for all the input everyone; it helped. Eventually settled for the Dremel 3000 kit which includes the flexible shaft, and added the workstation that Dylan mentioned, plus a kit of extra tools - that should keep her busy! And I'm sure I'll be able to "have a borrow" now and then... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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