Can we discuss Dremels?

[Yanto]

I've had 2 Dremel 4000s, both have gone up in smoke after very little usage and using them properly i.e. short bursts. I now need to buy another one but wanted to know if other models are more robust, or even if other manufacturers offerings are worth considering.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

[Tom Frankland (T3OMF)]

I have the 3000 one, which I used when building my car, it's still going now

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

I, too, have the 3000 and the first one lasted about half an hour before dying, and the second one (replaced by Amazon or their agent) has yet to be used in anger. I have a cheap Chinese 12 volt one bought in Focus DiY years ago (remember them?) and that works well if a little weedily. I was always under the (mistaken) impression that Dremel was the bee's knees of brands, but their reputation in reviews is ill deserved it seems.

[Captain Colonial]

Not sure what model Dremel I have, but like all my tools, it has been treated with care and respect. It died last summer while cutting a thin wall steel coolant pipe, lots of sparks from the motor and a metallic death rattle. It was a few years old, maybe 5-6 years of age, but it's had a pretty easy life, probably only 6-8 hours total lifetime running. I find that totally unacceptable, and I'm reluctant to buy another.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Sadly, it would appear that Dremmel have followed the same path as soooo many other companies; build up a (well deserved) fantastic reputation in the early days, then cut manufacturing costs tighter and tighter and watch the quality slide.

I bought a Dremmel years ago, it's done many, many hours of service, it's not on its last legs, but it does need a new mains lead fitting now. I keep being tempted to replace it, but I don't know what with, the experiance of so many in the past few years with Dremmel seems shocking. Most likely I'll just keep repairing it till I've no choice but to bin it.

Incidentally, as convenient as cordless is, when it comes to cutting thicker grp, steel etc, I'd always go for a mains powered version, with the most power I could in the available budget.

[stephenh]

I haven't had my Dremel very long, but it seems to be fine for doing what it intended for. It isn't going to do "heavy" work, which I don't think it was designed to do. My understanding is that it was first and foremost intended for the model making fraternity, so when I got my new XI kit recently, I invested in a mains angle grinder/cutter. A reasonable diy quality 4.25" grinder isn't very expensive these days, and that is great for the heavier jobs.

[Greenstreak-Andy D]

Bought a Dremmel look-a-like from Aldi, must be 12 years back. Used for building first Westie .... Still going last time I used it over a year ago.... Owes me nothing!

[Andy (Sycho)]

I have one made by pro brought from B&Q when they were selling them off for around £20, I didn't expect it to last but It has.

Brought back in 2003 built 2 Westfields & done many other jobs.

[carbon-nv]

I use a Dremel Fortiflex for cutting with and, sadly, I've had to return it three times now under warrantly to have the driveshaft replaced. Admittedly, it gets regular use, but I've had a couple break after only a couple of weeks' and it's sold as being 'heavy duty'.

 

 Difficult to get hold of spare shafts separately, so it's a pain having to send it back each time 

 

I had a llithium ion battery one a while back, but the motor on that gave up the ghost pretty quick. However, carbon dust isn't too good for them given the conductivity, hence the need to have a motor that's now hung up out of the way

[bigals]

I bought a cheep one from Lidl about five years ago and although its only been used for a few hours i am happy with its performance.
 and it works well, it sounds like dremel are not worth the money any more

[D7PNY]

I had a 3000 that died cutting the ends off bolts.

Replaced it with same and its been fine since.

I have given both a fair bit of abuse to be fair.

Dave

[pistonbroke]

I have a black & decker clone , must be getting on 10 years old now , still going strong , used fairly often on boat & car fiberglass stuff . half the cost of a dremmel plus you can use dremmel tools with it too   

 

have to say , dont think it revs as high as the dremmel but still adaquate 

[jeff oakley]

My Dremel has helped me build four Westfield's and has had a hard life, still going strong. The problem I find with all tools is sometimes they are marginal, if you feel the unit getting hot, let it cool down and always use the tool appropriately.

 

Yes they are shown as capable of many things but in truth they are not meant to be cutting metal and such of any decent size.

for grinding they are fine.

 

If you want to cut things, grinder or my latest favourite tool is a Erber Multi tool. They have an oscillating head with direct tools that will cut anything with the right cutter and sand. Best part no too expensive.

[dombanks]

I have the battery version of the Dremel It's great but I wouldn't buy it again. Unless it came with 2 batteries. The battery does not last long enough and it is very bulky compared to a corded one. It is very handy and I think a good quality tool like a dremel is something I would always have

[Sand Dancer]

I have the copy from Machine Mart, and have given it a lot of use during my build. The quick connect Dremmel attachments fit the chuck and are great for replacing cut off wheels quickly.w

If I recall it cost about £25 with a box of assorted attachments.

I was going to replace it with a Dremmel, but it refuses to die, so I keep using it.