Dremel or equivalent

[crash]

After 10 years of use my Dremel died last night - something "popped", took it apart but something in the ciruit board has died so I need to replace it.
Has anyone had much luck with the Dremel copies sold by the likes of Rockwell etc.

[Basil135]

I am currently using an Ozito copy.

While it isnt quite as good as a real Dremel, it isnt bad.

If you are only using it occasionally, then a copy would be fine, but for everyday use, then I would be sticking with the original.

My Ozito cops a hiding, especially when I am doing a lot of MDF work, and it is holding up fine.

[Tombie]

I still to this day have a first generation Dremel which has even cut 4mm steel sheet (a 180mm diameter hole) and still going strong.

I also have the Battery version (current) which is great for quick jobs where you don't want to 'set up'

Dremel are Bosch, if you're giving it a hard time - go Dremel..

If its a light duty use, occasionally then the Ozito, Rockwells are fine for the job...

[crash]

I am going to be alot of grinding / cutting 1.5mm steel - so looks like the original then. The 4000 series looks good.

[FeatherWeightDriver]

I too have a very old Dremel that has been used for things it was certainly not intended for - but it still lives!

Shame the newer Dremels do not seem to be as well designed / built :mad:

[Trundle]

I agree with the old Dremel being able to be flogged, I have had mine for about 15 years, and abused it, with only ever needing to replace the plastic tube drive shaft after one slightly abusive exercise.
It's like most things, depends on the intended use and the available funds at the time.

[lmurko]

i got myself a 4000 model just last year in a great package on fleabay, came with plenty of attatchments, a flexshaft, drillpress thingo and one of those mini workbenches. its copped a beating (was cutting some 6mm "bullet resistant" aluminium with it) and it took it beautifully. hasnt skipped a beat and has had plenty of use

[crash]

bought a 3000 series, was too good of a deal to pass up - will see how it holds up.

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I have been meaning to bite the bullet and buy a Dremel set for a while now. Earlier posts in this thread suggested a 3000 or a 4000 Dremel kit. What is there equivalent in 2019?

What kit would people recommend to buy for a starter multi-purpose, all-rounder - flexible uses kit?

The first task will be to grind off the sharp casting edges in a brass enamel vase that I bought in Nepal. The pot is made in India. Other uses are associated with doing little bits & pieces of metal work for Series 3 and 2A Land Rovers.

Kind regards
Lionel

[PhilipA]

Just buy a cheapie , but buy genuine Dremel cutting wheels and grinding burrs, even though they are expensive.
I had an old Dremel but it fused.
I mainly used it for detail work on RV8 ports and it is great for that especially with the flex drive, but I find the cheapie does just as good a job as long as you use good quality tools.

Regards Philip A

[Toxic_Avenger]

I have had a dremel for years.
My old man called it 'the best tool he never bought' as he was the one using it when I got my hands on better gear, like grinders, drill press with flex drive, cordless drills etc.

It has its place in the home workshop of the lay-man, but if you were going to buy it for one purpose with the mind to use it for anything other than light duty use... just get the appropriate tool.
Air die grinders can be had for $50. 240V units by the big brand names can be had for a couple of hundred- cheaper if used.
Angle grinders are <$40 for a cheapie, and thin wheels had for <$1 a round in many cases.
A flex drive for a drill can run a multitude of small wheels and buffers on a mini chuck, and holds up to way more abuse.

[Homestar]

My Dremel is about 15 years old but I don’t give it a huge workout, it’s a ‘now and then’ tool for me, so will probably last another 15. Not much help really am I... 😇

[loanrangie]

I bought a rockwell from supercrap, works well but also doesn't get used a lot.

[Bigbjorn]

I have an Ozito 1/8" die grinder which is years old and has worked its little heart out. Good value for $20. I also have a large 1/4" chuck electric die grinder which is great for all sorts of work now I have a speed control on it. Particularly good for heavy cuts with carbide burrs like fettling iron castings. I have a 1/4" pneumatic die grinder and two 1/8" pneumatic die grinders. One of these has a flex shaft. I prefer the pneumatic grinders but you do need a good compressor to keep air up to them without frequent "catch up" breaks waiting for the air reservoir to refill. I always considered a Dremel grinder to be a hobby tool. Model makers, jewellers, etc.

[Redtail]

Just buy a cheapie , but buy genuine Dremel cutting wheels and grinding burrs, even though they are expensive.
I had an old Dremel but it fused.
I mainly used it for detail work on RV8 ports and it is great for that especially with the flex drive, but I find the cheapie does just as good a job as long as you use good quality tools.

Regards Philip A

What he said. ^^^

I have an Ozito that's probably about 10 years old, and I've used it maybe 20 different times on light jobs. If the motor ever burns out, I'll probably go the Dremel for its replaceable brushes. Or even the battery model for the odd off-grid work. But that's another topic.

Today I was cutting the aluminium strip on my D4 to fit some short roof rails. The Ozito cutting disc wore down to about 5mm radius before I got thru the whole cut.
Next strip, I used the Dremel cutting disc. Barely worn!