Burned my 5th Dremel 4000...

[MrPinski]

I am at a stand still because I am tired of buying these things!!!!

What is the toughest rotary tool that is good for prop work?

What do you use?

What should I get?

 

[ComedicHistory]

Hmmm I've heard similar horror stories and this seems to be the common thread between them: try Proxxon. Now, I haven't used one myself but I've only heard good things: they last longer, have more power (not torque necessarily) and are an all around better tool. Good news? They're compatible with most Dremel accessories :-D which I would imagine you have quite a few of lol. You may get different answers from others who have experience....they probably know better haha but yeah, the Proxxon 38481 IB/E is supposed to be a superior rotary tool. Good luck!

 

[tim]

I have an old (probably early 1980s) Dremel that my Dad gave me. That thing hasn't quit yet. The new ones look to have really low build quality.

For heavy duty stuff, I'd get a flex-shaft tool, similar to what these guys sell (I've used this brand before in the lab with good success): Foredom Electric Co.

 

[Wes R]

The new dremels aren't that well built. I had one made for Sears by Dremel from the 90s and it lasted until a few yaers ago and we had to stop using it as the brushes for the motor aren't available anymore. We have have never really killed a dremel yet i don't think and my dad uses it for engraving, i know the new ones suck when you put them on the router table compared to my old one. We've also noticed the cordless ones can't hold a charge very long and every few years they change designs and stop making batteries.

 

[EyeofSauron]

i bought the cheapest one i could find, and its a work horse. i use it for everything, im allways wondering why it doesnt just give up *knock on wood*

 

[Noeland]

I've been using Black & Decker rotary tools for years. They use all the dremel attachments and tools. I burned up a few dremel tools before switching.

 

[DMC 12]

I bought a cheap one, £20, and it's been fine. My dad's real dremel has become almost too stiff that you need two pairs of mole grips to get the attachment out! This one is fine so far, but I've only really used it on plastic.

 

[Hirohawa]

I have an old (probably early 1980s) Dremel that my Dad gave me. That thing hasn't quit yet. The new ones look to have really low build quality.

For heavy duty stuff, I'd get a flex-shaft tool, similar to what these guys sell (I've used this brand before in the lab with good success): Foredom Electric Co.

This is probably the best on the market

 

[exoray]

try Proxxon. Now, I haven't used one myself but I've only heard good things: they last longer, have more power (not torque necessarily) and are an all around better tool. Good news? They're compatible with most Dremel accessories :-D which I would imagine you have quite a few of lol. You may get different answers from others who have experience....they probably know better haha but yeah, the Proxxon 38481 IB/E is supposed to be a superior rotary tool. Good luck!

The Proxxon is a night and day difference over a Dremel... And I do own one and use one, there is no comparison...

 

[pneumoniaprone]

Second the Proxxon. Love it. Went through 3 Dremel models first.

 

[Fly4v]

Proxxon! Burned up 2 Dremels, the last one died during its first use.

 

[JasonofTigerclaw]

Flexible Shafts

Foredom Electric Co.

Used a Foredom for years while I still worked at Albion, and have owned my own Grobet for about 8 years now. They are worth the money, especially if you have burned through 5 Dremels. These are what I guess could be called "professional grade" vs. the "hobby grade" that the Dremel is. I would suggest the handpieces that have a traditional chuck on them, rather than a collet attachment, better versatility.

 

[yt]

I've been using Black & Decker rotary tools for years. They use all the dremel attachments and tools. I burned up a few dremel tools before switching.

Same here!:thumbsup

 

[jasonw2112]

Same here!:thumbsup

Ditto!

 

[exoray]

Flexible Shafts

Foredom Electric Co.

Used a Foredom for years while I still worked at Albion, and have owned my own Grobet for about 8 years now. They are worth the money, especially if you have burned through 5 Dremels. These are what I guess could be called "professional grade" vs. the "hobby grade" that the Dremel is. I would suggest the handpieces that have a traditional chuck on them, rather than a collet attachment, better versatility.

They are an entirely different type of rotary tool, 'Dremels' and the sorts are hand held and those are bench mounted there are pros and cons to both designs... No doubt a bench mount has several advantages in motor and power since the motor can be exponentially larger and better cooled, but sometimes that same size difference can be an issue, especially when you are not at the bench...

 

[ralphee]

Proxxon everytime. Dremels are harsh for drilling, horrible torquey motors, and made of cheese these days, no really, its real cheese, it just melts in your hand.

lee

 

[gregwarner]

Never heard of Proxxon before now. Wish I'd have known before I replaced my last Dremel. I'll definitely be going with a Proxxon next time from what you all area saying. Thanks.

 

[MrPinski]

Yeah, I went and ordered the big Proxxon with a flex shaft attachment. Can't wait to get back on!

 

[zorg]

i don't have the proxxon rotary tool but i do own another proxxon hand tool and you can tell its quality and well made.

german or japanese, i can't remember.

 

[gyoung2993]

I have in 10 years had only 2 dremels and they are the same model as the one before, which is a model 2000 dremel ,use it all the time for projects ,I let the dremel do all the work and dont force it to cut and shape ,I let it do its thing and cut ......some people use them differently ,that has alot to do with it, I have built multiple things using it, the best I have ever had, IMO......its not for everyone,would love to try the 3000 model ,never attempted to get that yet,mine still works after everything I have used it for and still going strong.......