Dremel help/ Dremel alternatives

[GuntahKela]

I bought a new Dremel in Nov. of last year, and it just died on me. Before I send it to Dremel, is there anything I can check on before I'm dremel-less for 2 weeks? I've already checked the what's their names side thingees you screw in, and they are still brand new.

This is my 3rd Dremel, and I think I'm ready to try another brand. What else is there?

 

[fettpride]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I go through one of these things now like once every month or two. A couple of years ago, I started returning them right to Home Depot where I purchased the first (*****ing up a storm). Now, they just keep exchanging them :lol Maybe I just got lucky, but it's better than waiting weeks after sending it in.

They are MUCH weaker tools now that Black and Decker bought them out (a few years back I think). They weren't real good to begin with (when I started using them about 10 years ago) Now I'm finally looking for a good alternative as well !!!

I tried a couple of no name / off brand types from discount tool stores. But they're worse :angry

FP

 

[Hecubus114]

Its strange - the first one I recieved for christmas about 8 years ago still works fine. Last year I bought a new one because the older one was getting all sticky on the outside, and a couple weeks ago it blew. But my original one is still goin' strong...

 

[ralphee]

I have been using the same cheapo brand one for around 8 years or so too, never let me down, i did plan on buying a real deal as i want to get a dremel drill press too and mind may not fit, odd to hear they pack up so fast though!

lee

 

[JBReplicas]

At my previous employer we used Dremel type tools that operate from a compressed air supply, they were incredible, we used them for fettling components made out of a material called Inconel its metal and let me tell you this stuff is seriously tough, but for the life of me I cant remember the manufacturers name :rolleyes

 

[GuntahKela]

Black and Decker bought Dremel? God help us all. :cry

 

[acerocket]

This same question was posed a week or so ago.

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=41104

They made some suggestions in it as to different alternatives.

 

[feek61]

At my previous employer we used Dremel type tools that operate from a compressed air supply, they were incredible, we used them for fettling components made out of a material called Inconel its metal and let me tell you this stuff is seriously tough, but for the life of me I cant remember the manufacturers name :rolleyes

Isn't that the same material (Inconel) that the X-15 was made from? Isn't that some nickel alloy?

I have a Ryobi and it kicks butt. I've had it for about 5 or 6 years and it runs as good now as the day I bought it (and all the dremel attachments fit and they have not been bought by Black & Decker)


Will


P.S. Actually I think the X-15 was from Inconel X but this sounds like the same family

 

[KnightAsylum]

I have owned a few Dremels (given them away from time to time so I got new ones) I have never had a issue. My current one is a cordless I bought 1 1/2 years ago and it works great. I have never had a problem with any of them, sorry to hear you have. I still think they are the best around (I own a cheap off-brand as well , it isn't horrible but I think you get what you pay for)

 

[zorg]

have you payed your electricity bill? :love

z

 

[noble]

Check your brushes on the motor.

THe circular parts with the slots.

May have come loose.

 

[Tan Djarka]

I'm geting kinda concerned here... What will I do if my Dremel dies, since any replacement is likely to be expensive or short lived?

I may have you all beat though. Mine a 245-5, and I got it from my father, who'd bought it some time in the 80's (at least that when I started using it). I've had it bind up in what I'm cutting, covered in dust, and run so hot I can barely hold it, but it just keeps going.

I hope it doesn't die...

 

[GuntahKela]

Check your brushes on the motor.

THe circular parts with the slots.

May have come loose.

I did. I mentioned it on my first post. Looks like Dremels are more of a Gamble.

 

[Yorpheus]

Anyone here use a Foredom tool? I hear they're really tough and last forever.

 

[PTK]

Yorpheus, yep, actually i just got a used foredom tool off of ebay for only about 100 bucks with the motor, shaft, hand piece and foot pedal. I've used it everyday at work for the past week and a half on some pretty tough materials that my old dremel would usually have a problem with (metal, thick fiberglass, etc) They are great, very powerful, i highly sugguest them........the only drawback is the price, but if you can get a used one they are about the same price as the bigger dremel kits.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

Anyone here use a Foredom tool? I hear they're really tough and last forever.

That looks cool. I always use a flexshaft with my Dremel and it's invaluable. Does the Foredom tool's speed scale down to the same RPMs as a Dremel or is it for more heavy duty work?

 

[gunnerk19]

Mine just died (for real) last night; a B&D RTX that I've had since mid 2003... Alla sudden, it just stopped working, no rotation, no buzz from the housing when the switch was turned on, nada... I'm kinda hesitant to take it apart to fiddle around with it (for one reason, there are 6 phillips screws joining the majority of the halves, but then 2 six point star screws joining the collar sleeve to the body! And I don't have that particular driver head...

Why the Eff they decided to do that, I'll never know... :angry