Hello all Dremel Fans,
At
Hello all Dremel Fans,
At
Hello all Dremel Fans,
At
Remember, kids, that address is snipped-for-privacy@google.com. Don't forget to quote the full headers, including the Message-ID. Act now and maybe we can get the idiot's gmail account nuked, too.
Personally, I'm NOT a Dremel fan. I've worn out at least 5 of them in the last 3+ years. The front shaft bearing wears out or the shaft lock breaks. I've had much better results with the comparable Black & Decker tool. At any one time I have four of them in service, two on the shop workbench, and two in the van. I keep one chucked up with a diamond cut-off wheel, and the other one chucked up with an abrasive wheel. I had to do that because the Dremels shaft locks won't hold and its such a PIA to switch from one cutting wheel to another. The one B&D I'm using now has outlasted 3 Dremels.
So "expert" that.
I've solved both problems by using the older flex-shaft attachment. Not the new plasticky one, the one with the all-aluminum handpiece and a hole where you'd expect to find a shaft lock. Instead of pushing a button, you just put a bit into the hole to lock the shaft. Sounds dumb, but if you're changing the bit, you probably have another bit in your hand anyway. And since it's a flex shaft, you're not putting any serious stress on the bearings in the main unit (and I don't believe there ARE any bearings in the handpiece.) And as an added bonus, it's about the size of one of those fat kindergarten pencils so even a southpaw like me can use it like a pen if need be. (That doesn't happen as much as it used to, because I've taken a shine to the "mini die grinder" I got from Harbor Freight. It's great for things like engraving or fine detailed grinding.)
Of course, Dremel realized that the old flex shaft was too good, so they came out with the new curvy plasticky one with the shaft-lock button that just simply can't be held like a writing utensil.
Come to think of it, I think my flex-shaft came with a Craftsman-badged Dremel tool, but I'm pretty sure it's the same one you could buy at the time with the Dremel name for twice the price.
What's you opinion of Ryobi?
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The only Ryobi tool I have ever owned was a cordless 3/8" drill. The shaft bearings wore out on it. Does Ryobi make a small rotary tool like a Dremel?
You know, you just reminded me. I have one of those HF mini die grinders still brand-new in a box around here somewhere. I got it on sale a while back and I never even opened the box after I got it home. Guess I'll see what it might do....
Have you tried the HF flex-shaft tool that is a knockoff of the Foredom? It has a motor that hangs from a hook, and a foot pedal for the speed control? IIRC, they have it for $60-70.
I have an old Dremel that must be close to 50 years old, or more. It has a brown bakelite case, and only one speed. My Dad bought it when he was doing some HO gage railroad modeling. I don't know if it still runs, it was in the garage when we cleaned out the family home a few years ago.
Had one of those, still use it on occasion, waiting for it to die completely, 2 years old and the bearings are rattling, but none of them hold a candle to the Harbor Freight version, but then ONLY when its on sale. They have them for $39.95 normal, but sale them at 19.95 regularly, soon as you get it, call their 800 number and order 12 of the "couplers", (.50 ea) and you will be good for years! I have 6 around the shop and love 'em, and don't feel bad about the cost. I KNOW I am buying cheap chinese junk, but it is better than overpaying for the offshore produced american junk. By the way, I does have some heart too, haven't let me down, as long as you know the shortcomings going in. and that's the rubber couplers.
I'm confused about which HF tool you are talking about? Rubber couplers to what?
We have a HF store about 10-12 miles from here and my experience is that they are VERY LIBERAL on returns and exchanges. No questions asked...exchange, swap to another product, or your $$$ back. I got one of their 18v tool sets with the 5" "skil" saw, a drill, and a recriprocal saw, along with the ever useful flashlight, all in a blow-molded kit, 2 batteries and a charger. They were having a sidewalk sale at the store, and I got the whole setup for $80. I use it every day, and it is now two years old and still going strong.
I use some of their air nailers for re-installing trim work, and I have never had one jam or misfire.
I am talking about this one,
Yep, including a "Carving" type which goes back and forth ( I know some people who'd have liked it bigger :) ) for cutting wood, but felt that this was excessive.
I had a Dremel that looked a lot like that. One day it fell from about 2 feet, and never worked again. :/
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