Dremel Quest

[MysteryWho]

Anybody have suggestions for a dremel purchase. Does it need to have different speeds, etc.?
I'm hoping to use it to cut plastic, grind it down in places, and smooth areas where stuff has been removed.
Do I need the glaive from Krull, or can I just buy an inexpensive model?

[dr_cyclops]

Years ago I purchased a "Dremel". I knew just buying a Dremel would be a mistake, since I had no bit-tools to use with it. So I purchase one with a selection of bit-tools and a case to hold everything. First thing I discovered was that I could only use it on the lowest speed setting due to the friction produced. Dremels are really good if you want a tool to use on harder material and stone. Since then, I've used other rotary tools and found them to be closer to what I need for working softer materials. If you are looking to use this tool on plastics, just buy a cheap one.

[thunderbolt]

I've got a Black and Decker knockoff and it works fine for what we are doing.

[comicmike]

I *love* my Dremel. Best purchase I ever made.

[boss]

I've owned a couple of Dremels. They both worked great. The basic one does as good of a job as the fancier one I have. Getting the right bits and controlling the speed makes all the difference.

[PNGwynne]

^This. I like mine, too. Cyclops makes good points about materials--you want to be sanding/grinding or buffing, not melting.

[dr_cyclops]

My wife has a manicure rotary tool. It has one speed, low. I've used it many times.
Harbor Freight has cheap rotary tools with a gazillion bit-tools in a big plastic case. So don't worry about going cheap.
I do recommend buying a face shield, or at the very least, safty-glasses, if you don't mind cleaning debris off your face.
Once you get your rotary-tool, do not go right into any project. Instead, find scrap material of which you will be working in and practice on it first. This will give you a much better idea on how to approach your project.
If you have long hair, tie it back! Trust me.

[stuart]

Isn't there a variable speed power accessory? Sometimes low speed isn't low enough.

[dr_cyclops]

If there is a "variable speed power accessory", Dremel could use it. Dremel and knock-off's low speed is sometimes dangerously too high. Thank you stuart! I luv where this thread is going!

[comicmike]

All agreed, dr_cyclops Health & Safety *first*, all the way. I always wear safety glasses, plug my dremel into a power strip with quick access to the strip's off-button. I have had better control and rsults with the Flex Shaft attachment. 'Less is more' with the Dremel; 'measure twice, cut once', because once I have gone too fast, I can ruin a good plan. My friend once got quite the hand damage from not paying attention with the Dremel; yikes! I often ensure I am alone with room door locked when I use it, so I can keep proper attention.

[megozilla13]

The best control is achieved with a flex shaft and foot pedal. It pricier but the difference is night and day.

mikej

[Confessional]

^^ So true… a Foredom Flex Shaft can cut anything from foam to stone and will last a lifetime. Some of them also have incredibly accurate/sensitive on unit speed control.