Dremel vs. Substitute ?

[Benkenove]

Hi guys,

Got a stupid question, but important at the same time...

I had a sustitute-copy-similar dremel-like rotatory machine-tool... (same like dremel, but not the same brand). It worked good... (have never tried a real dremel).. and the good point about this one is its price... around 15€.

Now this machine has gone to the other world... the motor said bye bye, and need a replacement...

My question... what would be the best way to go, get a real dremel, or get another substitute ??? The price difference is huge, dremel can be around 90€)

What do you think... it would worth to get a dremel ?? is really better ?? (if so... what's the main differences ? )...

No more, thanks

Ben.

 

[ZeroVisibilite]

The nice thing bout dremel's is you can get spare brushes,collets,pencil attachments and the like so if it does go the way of the dodo you can repair it to some extent. IMO

 

[drokkul]

In my opinion there is no substitute for a Dremel. I have had mine for over 8 years and never had a problem with it. I have cut wood, aluminum, steel, plastic...routed with it, drilled with it, sanded with it...you name it I've probably used it for that.

The great thing about the Dremel is, which I don't see a lot on the cheaper knockoffs, the motor brushes can be easily replaced. Just buy a new set and turn the disk on either side of the tool, slip the old ones out and slip the new ones in. I've only replaced them once in the whole time I've had it and that was just because I felt like doing it, not neccesarily because it needed it.

I think in the long run you'll be happier with a Dremel. You'll get way more life out of this tool than the cheaper knockoffs.

There are some other out there by Name brands, though. I can't vouch for those as I have never worked with them, but Black & Decker makes one and I think Hitachi just started making one.

I'm happy with my Dremel and am sure I will continue to be for a long time.

BUT...
Do not get the cordless, battery operated model. No matter what it says on the box, no matter how "New and Improved" it claims to be. They do not have the power that the corded model has and you will be constantly running out of juice. I'm sure they are fine for light work, but they are not meant for the prop industry as far I'm concerned.

 

[Jluck]

invest in the dremel.. !!! the reason y there so much more is the quality of the motor. other wise you will end up buying 3-4 of the off brand ones and there u have already paid for it almost 2 times! in the long run you will save money and be happy with the results of the dremmel brand! :cheers

 

[Jango72]

I've got one of the cheaper "copies", but it's a Craftsman, so it was made for SEARS by Dremel. Just about any one of the Dremel add ons will work on mine, including the ability to replace worn/damaged brushes. ( I've got one of the older styles though ) And mines still going strong after more than 5 years of service.
Just make sure that you do your homework. Mine was given to me as a gift, but if I had the choice, I would've gotten the Dremel just for the peace of mind.

 

[Benkenove]

Ok, that is what I wanted to know (I have never worked with the real dremel so I didnt know), I thought: hey, if dremels dies the same that another similar, then I dont spend that amount on that ... but hearing that, I think I will go with a dremel .

Now the question is... which is the best model ? ... the PROFRESSIONAL ??? the multipro ? or other ?

Thanks again guys

 

[Jluck]

the one i have now is the 300 series, cost me 60$ and came with 100pc accessorie kit. BUT for 20 more u can get the same w/ the flex shaft attachment, u save 10 bucks that way, and u will need the flex shaft!! makes it so much easier to cut out those odd spots!!:cheers

 

[stormtrooperguy]

i got the flex shaft kit myself. i couldn't imagine working without it.

my dremel hangs on a hook, and i use the light, thin, low vibration flexshaft to to the work

 

[Gypsyboy]

I got a brand that is sold at a large Canadian wide hardware store which shall remain nameless - twice. The first time, I had it for about 2 months and it broke. The next time (replacement with same brand) it broke after about 3 months. I gave up and bought a real Dremel and I have had it for a few years with not a single problem. I wouldn't trade my Dremel for anything, and I recommend spending the extra on the real deal. In the long run you will save a lot because you won't have to keep replacing it.

 

[JIM BEEF]

I've been wondering the same thing myself for a little while now. Jango72, i was actually wondering about the Crafstman model myself, seeing as it's about half the price, most actual Dremel bits fit, and, well, i work at Sears, so hooray for staff discount.

 

[Jluck]

dude, no offense meant at all !!!, but craftsman power tools went to garbage!! as a carpenter i no this! i have craftsman fom the 60's & 70's, still work great! products i have bought in the last 6-7 years i cant even get then to last more than a year! go dremel!!!!!!!!!!! all the way!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jango72]

Jluck, I too would prefer to buy the Dremel version as they have a good solid piece of kit. I also agree that department store brands aren't as good as they used to be.

However, I've yet to have any major issues with my Craftsman rotary tool, and all of the older style Dremel attachments work on it. I've got the original Dremel flexshaft and the router attachment. I also buy Dremel brand for all of bits. I will probably have to replace my brushes soon though.

So basically if you can afford the Dremel, even if it's just the basic version, then get it. If you really don't care and just want any old rotary tool, the the craftsman one is fine. It'll just lack all of the extra bells and whistles that the current model Dremel has.

 

[drokkul]

If your Craftsman rotary tools model number starts in 972 it was made by Dremel.

 

[eighteendelta]

I have been using a Ryobi rotary tool for about a year without any problems and I am happy with it so far. Flex shaft and full kit from home depot if memory serves $50 USD.

-x

 

[drokkul]

I have been using a Ryobi rotary tool for about a year without any problems and I am happy with it so far. Flex shaft and full kit from home depot if memory serves $50 USD.

-x

That sounds like a pretty good deal. I have never heard anything about the Ryobi and have never used one, but I have several Ryobi tools that seem to work pretty well.

I used my Dremel for years without the flex shaft, and then bought one when I found them on clearance at Wally World for 10 bucks. I wish I had bought everyone they had and resold them on eBay. They are usually a $30 accessory.

The flex shaft does make it a lot easier on small tasks.

 

[Benkenove]

Ok guys... you have persuaded me , I'll get the dremel.. .but I have a doubt...

What model should I get... ? which one is the very best one ??? (is there any major difference between the 300, 400, multipro.. professional ??? I really dont know

So any advise on which one is better would be really appreciated

 

[drokkul]

I have the five speed multi-pro. I like it best so far of others that I have used. It's nice to be able to turn the speed up and down as you wish. Not everything requires brute force speed.

I don't know about the XPR ones, though. It looks like some of the accessories specially made for it cost more than the others, but I think it can use the older accessories (bits...not sure about router, drill press, flex shaft, etc. etc.)

 

[CGClone]

I started with a Durabuilt. Broke down in 3 months. The to a Black and Decker, still works, but accessories are vague. Now I have had a dremel for a year and live by the flex shaft. I can imagine working with out it. I never take it off. I have the Dremel XPR 400. Its the best rotary tool I have ever owned. It has a dial wheel for pretty slick speed control instead of speed stops. Invaluable to me.

One thing that I always do is take my shop-vac and run it over the vents on the dremel after I sand/cut anything fiberglass/resin. Thats what burned out the first motor. Just a word to the wise.

Dremel rules.

 

[Jluck]

ya, the 300 also has the variable speed control as well, i think its the rpm's have a broader ranger in the 400 and the multi pro is just sweet!! neway, i have second job at the depot, and idk what it is but the last few months the runs on ryobi stuff is just comming back all the time. and its not juts the power tools, but the yard equiptment also....<< that just an fyi for ppl.. dont tell neone i told ya that! lol