Thoughts on Dremels...

[ultra_man]

Hi there,

I'm looking for a "starter" type kit for small projects.  Most of the tinkering I'll be doing is automotive related.

My initial reaction to get a Dremel, but that's why I'm here.

When the time comes for me to do some more advanced stuff (porting cylinder heads, etc.) I have some other (more expensive) grinders on my wish list.

Thanks.

[Papaw]

There are a few Dremel kits available, depending on what tinkering you are doing.

Glad to have you here on Tool Talk, but our focus is on older tools.

[bonneyman]

Your use of a Dremel won't stay relegated to cars only. I never had a Dremel tool till just a few years ago, and now I can't imagine working without one.
Welcome to Tool Talk!

[EVILDR235]

I read somewhere the older Dremels had replaceable brushes and the current ones don't. I have on that I bought as a kit for about $65.00 about 10 years ago. I recently bought one at a garage sale for $2.00---I have used mine alot with the cutoff wheels. I have also heard the new ones are no longer made in this country. I would find a good older one on Craigslist if I were you.

EvilDr235

[mikeswrenches]

ultra_man,

Welcome to Tool Talk, and as Papaw pointed out this site is mostly for old tools.  That being said, you have asked a valid question.  I would recommend the Dremel variable speed unit.  It gives you much more flexibility, especially if you are using the wire brushes that are available.

I would not attempt to port cylinder heads with one.  I used a Craftsman high speed heavy duty grinder for cylinder head porting and "slick shifting" the transmission sliders.  I'd still be working on the first one if I would have had to do it with a Dremel.  As with most things, use the right tool for the job, it will make your life a lot easier.

Just my two cents worth.

Mike

[Aunt Phil]

Personally I've come to hate Dremel beginning with the one that burned my hand back in the 60s.

You want something that delivers bang for the buck in that size get a drywall router with a 1/8 collet & go to work.

[scottg]

Ahh ya got robbed Phil!
You are just like my buddy Alan. His first was a dog and then 30 years later he bought another dog, for full retail (gasp). This one has a weak armature segment and runs at 1/2 speed 1/4 power.  He thinks they are all that bad!

  I was luckier. My first was a bakelite #2 and it had a delightful power to weight ratio. I horsed that thing through a million little projects for 25 years. 
When it died, I had a small informal memorial, and went after 3 more.  A single speed Sears and 2 variable speed Dremels. 
  The Sears was a great unit for years. I used it almost exclusively with the paper thin cutoff disks.
One of the variables is a champ too.
But the other is kind of sickly.
 
The point is that they are not all the same. Quality control is not 100%.   

I wouldn't port cylinder heads with one or hone 950 Cat engine cylinders either.
But for stuff in their size range, they are outstanding.

    The good ones
yours Scott