Can anyone recommend a Dremel alternative?

[RunningOnMT]

I'm looking for a good quality rotary tool like a Dremel. What I'm reading in customer reviews at various retail sites is that Dremel is not what it used to be and leaves a lot to be desired for precision work. Wondering if anyone can recommend an alternative?

[Jay]

Being a tool and die/mold maker for over 18 years, I made use of these products and was very pleased with them. They are commercial tools, and will exceed the price points of Dremel tools. If you have a decent air compressor available, I'll send you a rotary tool to try. It develops no-load of 60,000 rpm. You gotta send it back, though....


http://www.foredom.net/

http://www.coopertools.com/catalog/p.../SP-170_EN.pdf

Page 42 of this pdf file... http://www.dme.net/wwwdme/DME_D_cata...ES%2019-56.pdf

[Helix_FR]

I can't think of any. I had a Ryobi and a Black and Decker and both of them sucked. The Ryobi was under powered and the BD variable speed was so flaky I didn't trust it. Also Dremel tools are way easier to get. Some of the other makers only take certain bits made specifically for them. Everyone make bits for dremel. Don't go cordless if thats what your thinking. No one makes one worth a darn.
Jay's idea is great. Foredom's rock.

[johnlives4christ]

i have a dremel that is about 5 or 8 years old and it's been aight. it dont see much use though.

[deadin]

I gave up on Dremel years ago after I blew the "bearings" in my third one.
The main problem is they just aren't sturdy enough for much more than aluminum. (If even that.)
Air tool or Fordom are the way to go. (Be prepared for sticker shock with Fordom, but you get what you pay for.)

[RunningOnMT]

Thanks Jay. That Foredom jewelers kit looks like it might suit my purposes, although a bit more money than I wanted to pay. I saved the link and just may spring for one after the first of the year.

Unfortunately I don't have a compressor...no room in rental unit. Have you ever heard of Proxxon? It's a German made tool someone was raving about in a negative review he made about Dremel.

[Rneck]

craftsman, when it wears out take it back and get a new one, however I've been using the same one for 10 years and it is still going after heavy use

[johnlives4christ]

craftsmans warranty does not cover electric tools or air tools. only tools like screw drivers ratchets hand saws sockets and wrenches

[TheGunClinger]

I have a Dremel but I am considered dangerous if around guns with it.

[Rocketman1]

Wood carving is one of my many hobbies, and I like the Foredom rotary tools. I have several that I have had for years. The only draw back is that they are expensive.

Here is a link to a Foredom similar to one of mine:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/200...eluxe-Kit.aspx

[Jay]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

Unfortunately I don't have a compressor...no room in rental unit. Have you ever heard of Proxxon?

No sir, I've not heard of Proxxon. If you're gonna do serious work with pencil-type handpieces, Foredom is among the toughest out there. The price reflects that, but I'd bet against you wearing it out.

Regards, Jay

[Bill DeShivs]

Chinese made flexible shaft machines very similar to Foredoms are available from Harbor Freight for $45.00. I use them in my shop.
Dremels are still good tools. People simply don't know how to use them. They force the tool into the work. You should let the tool DO the work. Some people can't seem to grasp this fact, and they ruin delicate tools.

[Gun Geezer]

Roto-Zip is larger than a Dremel but it has many accessories and will last. I've had mine for 20+ yrs. and it's still going strong.

[308 at my gate]

I use a foredom flex shaft and at the end of the shaft is a small drill chuck. They are not cheap but last forever.

[RunningOnMT]

Thank you all. It sounds like Foredom is the way to go. I just don't know that I want to spend that much money. Definately something to think about.

[Big ugly]

Proxxen's are excellent tools. They take the same type of bit as a Dremel so you can use Dremel Attachments with it, I like the Proxxens cuz they dont seem to bog down unless you really get it in a bind. I dont think the Price on em is too god aweful. Here is a link for their website

http://www.proxxontools.com/store/pc/home.asp

[jack404]

i got me one of these , not as fast as the dremel but nothing stops it

sorry for the catalogue pic but its in a box until the sheds up

its a 3" grinder with die grinder attachment

i still use the dremmel though too

[Bill DeShivs]

The Chinese flex-shafts are nearly as good as a Foredom, at 1/4 the price.

[Gamemaster 760]

My opinion, and this is just my opinion.
Most peoples purchases are driven by price rather then quality.
You are not going to go out and spend $1000 on the right tool and set up.
You will spend $45 on a piece of junk because it is cheap and you are only going to use it once or twice.

I have a dremel tool and I do not know what happened to it, but it has slowed down since it was new and the extra's - you pay through the nose for the 1/8 inch shank tools and they are crap.

My Dremel sits in the drawer 364 days a year.
The only time you need it - you end up spending $20 on tools to do a $10 job.

There is only two ways to do it in a machine shop type atmosphere.
Either you upgrade to air tools or you buy electric tools of a known quality and size.

I had friends that worked at Niagra Cutter and I can tell you that some of the rotary rasps that are in my Kennedy Machinists Chest - is over 20 years old and still performs better then the best Dremel tools.
But you are not going to spend $40 - $80 for one carbide tool to do one job - so I don't know what to say to you.

[jack404]

plus one on Niagara stuff

it's excellent gear , i buy mine via Travers tools online as they ship international

[Zane71464]

Ive had my Dremel now for maybe 10 or so years, and have used it alot on small projects, like it was made for. The only thing I have noticed is the speed on it. It has slowed down a bit on the different speeds, but it still does what I need it to do.

[Bill DeShivs]

Dremels have (or, used to have) replaceable motor brushes. Worn out brushes will cause the tool to lose speed/torque.

[Esteban]

My Craftsman [ Dremel copy ] tool lasted less than 2 years of limited use . I saw a cheap older model Dremel at a Pawn shop & bought it to replace the Craftsman. It will need bearings, soon, but still works.

[JLA]

I can think of no substitute for a good dremel in the hands of an experienced craftsman except careful hand fitting with needle files and sandpaper, one gets you done quick and one takes for ever but yields better results. I use both, I dremel to a near perfect fit and fit perfectly with files and sandpaper

[Bill DeShivs]

The flexible shaft Foredoms and copies use a jacobs chuck, so you are not limited to 1/8" shaft bits or changing collets. They are more precise and have more power than Dremel-type tools.