DaveyP Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Hi all,my daughter has just asked me what I would like as a Xmas present, yes I know it's early, but I was thinking about a Dremel. Now then I didn't realise there was such a choice so what in the collective wisdom of the forum is the best model for general modelling use. I'm a traditional balsa basher from kits and plans. Tia, Davey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveyP Posted October 21, 2017 Author Share Posted October 21, 2017 That's a good question Percy, I'm not totally sure, but I have had need of a small cutting disc ( at 90deg. to the shaft) and smallish tubular section grinding bits recently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I have an old Dremel which gets used all the time. It is mains powered, Mine is two speed only but that is fine. I have a chuck fitted as the collets are a waste of time. I use sanding drums, cutting discs, several of the various cutting tools.and drills of course. One accessory that you may only use once a year but which is great is the right angle drive. You forget a hole in a former and it is the only way to drill it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I have a mains powered Dremel with variable speed. Like Peter, I have a chuck fitted because the originally supplied collets were a real pain to use - they work perfectly but it's necessary to swap them a lot because they only accommodate a small range of drill size. I find the sanding drum to be the most used accessory but things like drill bits, and cutting disks are useful. I haven't got a right-angled drive but it looks like it should be on the 'need' list. I have no experience with Proxxon but they seem to be excellent quality, too. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Definitely get the chuck, as Peter said the collets are a waste of time. I've got a couple of older 240v Dremels with the variable speed switch, probably the best add-ons I have (most used) for it are the Twist-Loc spindle with a selection of cutting blades and the sanding drums. I buy the cheap accessory kits from Aldi or Lidl when they are in stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I have had the 10.8V Lithium-ion Dremel 800 set for nine years now, and love it. Lithium ion means that even if you haven't used it for months there is still enough oomph in the batteries for small jobs, and as I got a spare battery with it, that one can be charging whilst the other is in use (assuming I'm near mains power). Even when using it for hours at a time, with two batteries, you only have to stop for seconds to swap them over, as the charger is pretty rapid. Here is one like mine: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dremel-Multi-Tool-Model-800-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Model-Making-Arts-Crafts-/263270605701?hash=item3d4c26a385:g:xY8AAOSw~vpZ6Ldo Because its cordless I've used used it all over the place; over the side of a yacht during the round the Isle of Wight race, on an airfield for cutting glider winch cable, numerous jobs around the house and on the car, you name it. If you are working near a delicate structure, you don't have to worry about a cable dragging across and breaking it. Most of the people to whom I have lent it have ended up getting their own, or the Lidl/Aldi equivalent. The current equivalent is the Dremel 8200, which comes in a soft bag as opposed to a hard case, and can't be stood up on the back of the battery, although this does mean the back end is a bit more compact. Get some diamond cutting discs, as they last for ages and the thin conventional grinding discs have a habit of shattering. Edited By Robin Colbourne on 21/10/2017 12:04:50 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I recently got a genuine Dremel after years of going through the cheapy copies which are generally vastly inferior (an Aldi tool that I bought lasted under a minute and blew up) I remember looking at Dremels thirty years ago when you were paying around a hundred quid, but you can pick one up now for much less depending on what model you choose. Building a nice selection of accessories as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I buy the heavy duty cutting discs. Yes,they will still shatter but not nearly as easily as the thin ones, My Dremel must be nearly 20 years old Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Another vote for the genuine Dremel original, you should only have to buy it once. My mains one is 40+ years old (as is my Dremel saw) & like Robin I have the 800 series LiOn cordless bought in 2008. I use the collets but having read the other comments will check out a chuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 As an alternative to Dremel have a look at the Black and Decker rotary multinational.£43.95 from Tesco Direct. You my find it cheaper on the net. On my second one now. The first lasted about ten years of heavy use and abuse. The current one is about four years old and going strong. It's a main powered variable speed tool and comes as standard with a collet chuck so a three jaw chuck conversion is a must. Agree about the cheap copies some last a couple of years many dont last very long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Grant 1 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I got one last year for Christmas and now I wonder how I ever did without one. Cutting disks for piano wire and small stone to clean up cut edge. Couple of dentist type burrs and the most used item like the others is the sanding drum. Thanks Peter Miller for more good advice, I must put a right angle drive on this Christmas present wish list! Also worth it is suggesting to your "Daughter Christmas" would she throw in one of Dremels wee butane soldering irons as a package deal. Great for soldering up leads and then using the hot air tip to do the heat shrink tubing. Ready in a minute, though not enough guts for 8swg wire. Happy dust making and spark shedding - Nigel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnP25 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I would suggest that a dremel workstation be added to the wish list. After a bit of fettling (it’s not perfect out of the box), I have found it to be a great help to hold the tool firmly when needing both hands to hold the work piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveyP Posted October 22, 2017 Author Share Posted October 22, 2017 Thanks for the replies, I have now looked at the Dremel 3000, very reasonable price, and can come with a flexi shaft. Anyone think the flexi shaft is a good idea or no...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Collets - where some are describing them as a waste of time, I think this gives the wrong impression. While they certainly increase the fiddle factor taking extra time to change them, they are, in my opinion, superior to the chuck in both holding power and accuracy plus they can help in accessing tight areas. My main reservation with my Dremel is the chuck capacity. Even the slightest amount of dust getting into the body of the chuck can cause it to be extremely difficult to insert most of my standard shaft sized tools - does anyone else have this problem...it's been the same on both Dremels I've had...or am I just unlucky? I very rarely use my flexi-drive but on those occasions it can be invaluable but I'd second (or third, fourth?) the recommendation to get the right angled drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Never had any issues with the genuine Dremel chuck. IIRC it was £10 well worth spending. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Elen Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Here's mine that I was given as a Christmas present about 5 years ago One of the first things I bought was the chuck to replace the collets. I've since added the work stand. It has been used for loads of non modelling tasks as well. I use the speed click cutting discs. They are not cheap, but they last pretty well and I've not had one shatter yet. Cheers Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Re the Dremel chuck, is it a Jacobs type, or one where the jaws are mounted on springs and a kind of swashplate? If the latter, then I have one of these and it takes two sets of pliers to tighten it - and it still slips. More annoying than a collet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Hold the button in n tighten with a spanner, tap the chuck n the dust falls out, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 My Dremel's have always included a spanner (which slips into a rubber holder at the "blunt" end) - which also fits the collet holder. There are flats provided at the rear of the chuck. ...when I finally get the tool shaft inserted! No tittering at the back please...this was a serious observation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Posted by DaveyP on 22/10/2017 10:31:30: Thanks for the replies, I have now looked at the Dremel 3000, very reasonable price, and can come with a flexi shaft. Anyone think the flexi shaft is a good idea or no...... Yes without a doubt I have used mine countless times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger graves Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I have several Dremel tools including a mains powered multi tool BUT far and away the most usefuk is a 7.2 volt cordless fitted with a chuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onetenor Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Yes to a chuck,, yes to a flexi drive and yes to a right angled drive.But please have a look on Bang Good and Gear Best I've had two of their mini drills and so far 4yrs , they have been great. Real power and speed control. Prices are excellent as also is quality. Good range of types too. I like the quality of stuff and variety of choice from Both sites .Loads of R/C and modelling stuff too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McG 6969 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I bought a 3000 Combo w/ pillar drill, chuck & flexi drive. So far I didn't miss the right angle drive but that might change. Suberb X-mas gift, Davey. Go for it... I'll second Onetenor regarding Banggood. Enormous choice of quality items for a mega price and at free shipping. They also do an 'accessories' range of stuff for the Dremel. What I can't find at Banggood, I'll source from Aliexpress. Super as well. BTW, even Peter Miller uses small Banggood glue bottles for his builds now... Cheers Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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