What model dremel?

[SinCrisis]

Hi,

I'm new to modding and i need to buy a dremel rotary tool. I'm looking at Lowes and there are many different options and i was wondering fi anyone could give me some tips on what I need?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=35904-353-6300-02L&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=129663-353-400-3/55&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=99492-353-8000-03&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=94681-353-200-N/40&lpage=none

And those are just the first couple of options. For the case im looking to mod, Its an old compaq case, pretty sure its aluminum, and I need to cut a window so... Could i get some shopping tips please?

[FuzzyPlushroom]

The last one is very similar to my Craftsman. That's probably a good bet - multiple speeds (which are crucial), it's corded (trust me, you want a corded one unless you want to buy a couple of spare batteries), and it's fairly inexpensive. If all you want is a solid, inexpensive rotary tool, that's hard to beat.

One thing I can't overemphasize: buy reinforced cutting wheels. The basic ones wear down very quickly and have an unfortunate tendency to shatter. The reinforced ones don't shatter, so you don't have to worry about anything embedding itself in your glasses (you're gonna want safety glasses if you don't wear prescription ones) or the mask you'll want if you're going to be cutting for any length of time (though putting your shirt over your nose/mouth works, too, at the expense of comfort and dignity). Paper is fine for that - you're just trying not to breathe in fine particulates.

My only concern about the last link there is that it seems to only have two speeds - this is passable, but three or four is nice. 15,000's all you'll probably need for cutting (if you run the cutting wheels too fast, they get rather unhappy, and you don't want to run the unreinforced ones over 15, for sure); a higher speed would probably be useful for grinding and such if you're careful with it.

Hopefully someone can step in and comment as to whether the higher-end models are worth it - but in my mind, for light to moderate duty (occasional modding and such) a corded model similar to the last link is fine.

[blueonblack]

The second link is the set I have and I love it. I can't comment on how it compares to others, as it's all I've used, but it's easily done everything I've ever asked it to do.

[SinCrisis]

well i looked up dremel because it seems to be the rotary tool most people ive asked tell me to buy. I dont mind shelling out 100 dollars but anything more is a bit out of my budget, for now at least. For things such as wired and wirelss, does it matter that much? Also the second one was the one i was most interested in. what kind of additions will i need to buy? thanks.

[blueonblack]

I've never tried a cordless version but I'd say they would only be worthwhile for very specific hard-to-reach areas. As to what additions to buy, I'd say the quick-lock system is a good buy and as mentioned above, reinforced cutoff wheels. That kit comes with a lot of stuff. :D

[goofazoid]

Your 1st link is an oscillating saw kit. This saw cuts in a single plane and is for cutting in smaller spaces. This is not really what you want for modding.
The second link is very similar to the kit I have and is probably what you want. You might also want to look at one of these http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=94685-353-225-01&lpage=none

Also try looking at other stores, sometimes you can find kits with different stuff in them for around the same price. (my set came with the flex shaft too and was $90ish)

good luck

[FuzzyPlushroom]

The reason that having a corded Dremel (or other-brand rotary tool; mine's very similar but has more speeds and is Craftsman-branded) is important is that, as with most cordless power tools, battery life is never adequate to finish any serious job, so you have to buy at least one spare, and remember to keep them both charged, and...

It's just easier, if you'll be working anywhere near an outlet, to have a corded one.

[msmrx57]

I've got an older (10 years at least) Dremel brand model 395 (corded variable speed) with a flex shaft attachment. The whole time I've had it the only problem with it was replacing the brushes twice. I bought this one after my cordless one died one time too many and was intoduced to the wall. Seriously though for anything more intensive the working with jewelry the cordless models just don't cut it. As far as brand names as long as it's a major brand name not a no-name. Just my two cents.

[SinCrisis]

so it seems like the second one is the best option along with buying a flex shaft and reinforced cut off wheels. Is this what you meant with quick lock? http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=241286-353-EZ402&lpage=none

[pcclan]

this a good one http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-840168-150-Piece-Rotary-Accessory/dp/B000Q7HGWM

[SinCrisis]

is this brand reliable? Ive never heard of them so... the kit seems to have a lot of what i think ill be needing and its way cheaper than the dremel kit

[pcclan]

yes it is my friend has it

[blueonblack]

I have to say after reading some of the reviews on that second link you provided that I can't recommend it. They must have changed motor manufacturers since I bought mine 2 years ago because it hasn't given me a bit of trouble.

[SinCrisis]

Ok, so im still a bit confused on which one would fit my needs the best? The kawasaki looks very attractive because of the price and all the additions it comes with but a dremel seems to have way more options in add-ons?

this one: seems to be a very interesting kit and its cheaper than the ones offered by lowes: http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-3956-02-MultiPro-Variable-Accessories/dp/B00006JSPB/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1246473225&sr=1-6 <-- the reviews do seem to point towards having not reliable attachments however...

I honestly know nothing about rotary tools so I am very confused...

[x88x]

The good points about Dremel's are:
Good quality for the money (there are much better available, but they're also very expensive).
LOTS of accessories.
Accessories are very widely available (at least in the US).
AWESOME customer support.

Bad points:
Accessories are a little pricey sometimes.

------------------

I have had both the 300 (http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=300+Series) and the 400 XPR (http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=400+Series+XPR) models. Both are very nice, but if you are able to, I would highly recommend the 400 XPR. This is Dremel's flagship rotary tool, and it shows. It has a more powerful motor than the 300 and 200 models (2.0A vs 1.15A), and has a much more flexible speed control. The 200 (http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=200+Series) is the 2-speed that you linked, and has..well, two set speeds. The 300 has 8 speeds (iirc, it's been a while since I used mine) which is much nicer, but the 400 XPR has an analog dial speed selector, which lets you smoothly transition from the min to max speeds and anywhere in between. Another really nice feature of the 400 XPR is that it actually has an on-off switch. The 200 and 300 series tools just have an 'off' position on the speed selector switch, which means that every time you have to stop the tool for whatever reason, you have to then ramp it up to the speed you had previously. With the 400, you can just turn it off, then on again, without ever touching the speed control. I didn't think much of this feature when I bought it, but after the first time using it...wow...I will never willingly go back to my 300.

The flex-shaft is about the most useful accessory I have every found for it, especially when working on small details. It was also included in the kit I bought my 400 XPR in, so you might not have to get one separately.

The reinforced cut-off discs are the large, fiberglass discs as opposed to the smaller ceramic ones. The quick-lock accessory gives a MUCH nicer attachment for cut-off discs because it makes it soo much easier to replace a used up disc, and also because it gives the tool better, more spread out leverage on the disc, making it much harder to over-torque the disc and rip out the center (something I've done on more than a few occasions). Point being, I would highly recommend the quick-lock attachment/discs if you plan to do much cutting at all.

Also, as has been mentioned, make sure you get safety glasses and a face mask (the thicker paper ones work very nicely, look for ones rated for high dust/etc levels. the cheap thin ones are really not intended for much more than cutting grass/etc). Work gloves are also a very nice addition. I used my 300 for several years without any of these, and I must say, they are all very much worth the small initial cost. They make working much more enjoyable, as I'm not having to constantly worry about stuff getting in my eyes, or breathing stuff, or burning my hands with flying metal shards...it lets me get a much closer look at the work I'm doing, and makes it easier for me to control the tool (since I'm not having to worry about other stuff).

[SinCrisis]

wow super informative post. i looked up the 400 xpr on amazon and got this: http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-400-6-90-Variable-Accessories/dp/B0002QZ1P6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1246494002&sr=8-1 seems like it would have everything i need except for maybe i need the reinforced disks and the quick lock?

[blueonblack]

Yeah, that looks like the step above mine, it comes with the saw and the LED light, nice kit.

[x88x]

Wow, nice kit. Yeah, I think I got the same kit you did, blue. My case has spots for the saw/light/etc, but didn't come with them. Looks like a very good kit for the price.

[SinCrisis]

sweet... This set comes with a few cutting discs already, if i only plan to cut a window will that be enough or should i go for the reinforced disks and e-z lock system? This is a bit above my budget so i would prefer to not spend anymore money besides just this kit for now. Also for sanding paint and paint jobs, do i use a this rotary tool to do it or should it be done by hand?

[x88x]

If I remember correctly, my set came with, like, 3-4 reinforced cut-off discs (normal, not quick-swap). Whether that would be enough to cut a window in your case really depends on the case. When I was cutting out the bottom fan holes in MightyMite, I went through I think about 3-4 discs on the rough initial cuts, but that was ~2.5mm steel. I you're going through aluminum or thinner steel, you'll use less.

For sanding, really it's a personal preference, but I've recently gone over to the flap-wheel camp. I got a couple wheels for free when I sent in my 400 for repair (I blew out the motor...make sure you don't let a lot of metal dust get inside it...), and used them to sand off the paint for, I think it was the HDD mount for MightyMite. Short of a belt/drum sander, I think that was the easiest, most effective method I've used. They're more expensive than the sanding drum attachments, but imo more useful. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=104166-353-503-03

[nevermind1534]

Mine came with some reinforced cutting discs, as well. I have found that the generic diamond cutting discs from the hardware store are about the best (compared to the regular discs).

I love my 400XPR.

[SinCrisis]

yea i think this is the one im gonna get. Thanks guys

Edit: The dremel came in, i tested it briefly and it work well. Thanks again.