The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Dremel...which model?

I read Deve's post on the 4000 model. It sounds like a great hardworking tool. I also like the fact that it is ergonomic. Some of them look kinda "chunky". I would like to hear from other peoples experience with the same or other models before deciding.

Not a big surprise you didn't get a lot of responses. Its a tool that isn't used a lot, yet, has the potential to be the best tool in the shop. Lets say you need an elongated hole to make your work adjustable. Try doing that with an air 3 inch tool. Have you ever taken a carbide rasp with the 3 inch air unit and almost lost it because it jammed in the hole and started shaking and vibrating to the point you are sure its going to explode? Too big a rasp, too close to the size of the hole equals DANGER WILL ROBINSON!

http://www.amazon.com/pieces-Tungst...?ie=UTF8&refRID=03FP1VRKJT3H9Y7K88JP

Be very careful that you don't bend them because of the issue above. If you do, toss them because its very hard on the dremel motors brushes. Amazing tool with that set. Allows you to get into places you never thought possible. On an AD truck, it removes all barriers to getting into tight places for cleaning up welds, or removing slag.

I was very surprised at my age and that is amazing in itself that I didn't know of a tool that was this useful for restoring our trucks. I use it almost every day. I use two tools the most.. the carbide rasp set with all of its shapes, and the thin metal cutting blade EZ system. They last a long time and work really well. With the flex attachment, you have everything you need. Whatever Dremel motor you decide on, those tools are worth the effort.

I am saying this at a time when most of my hours on the truck are in cab preparation for paint. So, since so much of the cab sheet metal was replaced, down inside the cab corners, up inside the dash area, gas tank area, outside/inside cowl areas, oh yeah!

Next will be finesse work on the doors, fenders, etc etc. Hope this helps!

Deve, can you tell me the part number of the metal cut off blades you're using? I have the standard fiber cut off wheels, and they break left and right...useless.

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-EZ406-Cut-Off-Mandrel-Cutting/dp/B000FBLRVA

These. They last every bit as long as the larger ones. I know what you mean about those others. I think that has what has held Dremel back is people remembering those useless wheels.

The EZ Lock wheels are pretty nice. They have them in different types depending on material, General, Metal, Metal HD, Thin Metal, and Plastic. The arbor they use is also a great idea, no need to break out the wrenches to change out the wheels. They also have polishing buffs, sanding flap wheels, and scotch brite wheels for the same arbor.

Thanks for the info. I bought the Dremel when I was installing one piece power windows in my '64, and it was useless for working inside the door. Every little bump, and there went the wheel. I ended up fighting through it with one of those small one handed reciprocating saws. Great tool! Wish I had bought one long ago.

The 4000 model I got recently was outstanding. But a Dremel is just a Dremel without the flex attachment. Now you have an almost pencil thin tool that gets into really tight places. I thought the 90 degree attachment was going to be my favorite, but nope.. the flex tool is really the big improvement. The 4000 kit I got had all of the attachments included. In any case, its a step up from my 70's model that died recently.

Something I forgot to mention... the flex attachment is awesome, but keep the RPM down around 20k or less. It generates heat within the casing and I cant imagine it lasting very long if it overheats that much. So far, I use it a lot and no problems, but I monitor these kinds of tools carefully and that was my finding.

a more important tip for flex attachment longevity is to avoid running it with the cable bent sharply, keep it as straight as possible, which will minimize the heat generated

Bill

Usually with tools, unless a torch, heat = bad.

I feel that Dremel went a bit cheap in making their 90 degree attachment and their flex tool. They both get really hot during use, but then look at how high the RPM is on the 4000. There is no need to run these attachments at 35,000 RPM. Since its variable between 5 and 35k, keep it about 15k and they will work as advertised. I trim and shape steel with mine and there is no need for higher rpm for that application. The few extra seconds of cutting time just isn't worth it.

This is all very good information, but I would like to hear from people who bought and would recommend other models. In all honesty Deve, I doubt that I would be using such a powerful tool as often as you do. I will be removing my grill however and believe a good Dremel with the right attachments that were mentioned will be a big help.

As far as I know, has nothing to do with model numbers. Its THE Dremel offering for the year 2014. Sure there are rechargeable units. But all I know is I purchased THE model in 1978, and I purchased THE model for 2014. Just glad they moved in a positive direction since then. If they make something that sells for $50 less (for example), don't buy it. The quality of their best units is just barely adequate no matter what you do with it. Not a lot of Dremel users out there apparently. But I am listening as much as you are!

Does the kit come with attachments that are up to the task, or did you purchase something better? I want to repair the cracks in my steering wheel and remove the grill for example. Steve

Yes, if you get the deluxe kit it comes with 5 metal cutting wheels (the good ones) and many other accessories. Or, to save money, get just the tool and order what else you need from a place like Amazon. The carbide rasp set I mentioned above is really nice to have for this kind of work too. I got this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4000-6...404252024&sr=1-2&keywords=Dremel

There is another tool similar to the Dremel, a Foredom. The Foredom does not turn the RPM that a dremel does, has a larger motor(more grunt), uses the same bits, and 3' flexible shaft is stanard. There is usually a fair selection on that auction site. I found several at flea markets and gartage sales.

Larry