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I was thinking of getting a dremel tool. Anybody have any experience with these tools? What model would you buy? What accessories would you recommend?
Haka

It all depends on your use.

I prefer a smaller hand piece, and use a air drive capable of 54k rpm most of the time, this gives you finer control. My next choice is cable driven units. But these are 4-5x more expensive than Dremel. Now the Dremel I use, has the full speed control, sorry don't recall the model number. Now far as useful heads. I think the sanding drum, wheel cutter are most used. Followed with an assortment of small cutting tools. I also have several sets of diamond tools. These I get at Harbor Freight. The have an assortment set (20 piece) that normally sells for around $7. These can be burned up if you run the speed to fast.

Your best prices is when you buy the larger sets, because those cutting heads add up quickly.

I do not use a dremel when it comes to polishing, has a tendency to round edges and a flat surface will be wavie.

I'd also have to say the flexible shaft attachment comes in handy for working in tight areas.

R,
Bullseye

I can't speak for the flex shaft models, having never used one. However I have used and used up several Dremel tools in the last 25 years of hobby butchery. It's one of my little girls favorite tools. (she's 27).

Stork

I'm on my second one.. Wore the first one out!!!
The second one is a variable speed and that is useful.... Don't use if often but, there are times it becomes invaluable!

I bought a recondition variable speed Craftsman version about 25 years ago. Still going fine. Disremembered to carry it to Michigan last summer and needed one for some projects at my daughter's house and bought a new 395 model (variable speed). I recently bought the drill press kit. The head rotates so you can pretty much hold the dremel motor at any angle you want.

Mine have been used mostly as mini-cutoff saws and grinders.

I have a die grinder that I used when I was a serviced tech . It is very small and works great, has 1/8 and 1/4 inch col lets, but it is air powered. I can use it at home if I work fast as they require a large volume of compressed air to operate constantly. Even a 5HP compressor at my old shop with 2 60 gallon reservoir tanks would have to run almost constantly if you kept it ruining, not enough CFM for the compressor to catch up.

bearandoldman wrote:I have a die grinder that I used when I was a serviced tech . It is very small and works great, has 1/8 and 1/4 inch col lets, but it is air powered. I can use it at home if I work fast as they require a large volume of compressed air to operate constantly. Even a 5HP compressor at my old shop with 2 60 gallon reservoir tanks would have to run almost constantly if you kept it ruining, not enough CFM for the compressor to catch up.

I have had several like you are talking about. They do use a lot of air. I believe they will drain the tank quicker than cutting the air hose. I mostly just use an electric dremel these days. When you need one they are invaluable.

Very good description Smokey, the 5 HP compressor we had would not keep up, maybe a 10 HP rotary compressor would, but they sure do work nice. With the reinforced disc they are great for cutting off screw without leaving a burr so they will start easily as if new.

That disc works great in the 1/4" collet. I have even seen a car frame cut into with one. It left a real nice edge.

I've used the Dremel heavy cut-off wheels to make SLED's and two round clips for M1 Garands.

R,
Bullseye

A Dremel is a must have, I use mine all the time. The cut off wheel, and the router bits have solved some problems. Another excellent use is with the small sanding drum in place it will smooth away the callus from the bottom/sides of my feet

Bullseye wrote:I've used the Dremel heavy cut-off wheels to make SLED's and two round clips for M1 Garands.

R,
Bullseye

I haven't heard anyone mention a SLED in a long time, I have two of them for my M1 they are really a must have for NRA high power slow fire.

The Dremel type tools are great for all kinds of small projects. I have too of them, one that is powered by 110ac and one that is rechargeable that I use primarily to trim my bulldogs claws (works great for that). I strongly recommend you do not go with the cordless Dremel. There is simply not enough battery capacity there for extended use. I barely get Matlida's claws trimmed before the battery is running out of steam.

Y

recumbent wrote: I haven't heard anyone mention a SLED in a long time, I have two of them for my M1 they are really a must have for NRA high power slow fire.

You got that right! But it can be a pain if you're all slung up and you've forgotten to take the SLED out at the 200 Rapid, when they call "Shooter's stand, with a clip or magazine and two rounds, load." Because that SLED clip will not come out without inserting a tool to release it and at that point your hands are full.

You have two SLED's for one M1? Any particular reason for this?

R,
Bullseye