Getting a Dremel for my 55th. Which is the BEST

[msmaron]

I have Heard the new 4200 quick release is the beat one you can get and the I have heard the 8200 cordless. Need opinions here on th BEST ONE they make. Thanks everyone.

[Mike V. Florida]

I don't like cordless. Batteries eventually no longer hold charge and are often almost as expensive to replace (I think the battery for the 8200 lists for 65.00). Corded tools can last generations. My Dremel is almost 30 years old and still works.

You can get the EZ Change holder that can be used on any Dremel at places like Lowes.

[msmaron]

Ahh good point. That leans to the 4200

[Tom Wesenberg]

I agree with Mike about cordless tools. I do have a cordless Milwaukee drill with a case and 2 batteries, but I only bought it because it was on Craigslist for $10. The batteries are getting old and only hold about 10 minutes worth of drilling time. A new battery is $80, so that won't happen.

[msmaron]

Ok Tom what do you think of the 4200?

[Craig Lewis]

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I like the little lithium ion variable speed Dremel Stylus that sits in a charging station when at rest.
It has a unique handle for fine control and it's SO nice to not fight that cord when doing meticulous work.
The stylus grinder is also available with a matching cordless screwdriver that comes with a dual docking station. (That screwdriver will bury a handfull of 4" screws into dry lumber with power to spare)

I use the Dremel Stylus nearly everyday at work for drilling windshield repairs and die grinding rust around window openings. I've used it sometimes quite hard and it's still going strong after 5 yrs. You can load it down a bit and it has torque, except it's better in my opinion to let the high RPMs do their job rather than overload it.

I've worn out 1 corded Dremel and 2 of the little mini-mite units that took the 2" square battery pack...they were OK but this one is by far the best (for my needs) with a lithium ion battery that's at least 3 times stronger than the last generation of nicad's which many of us grew to dislike.
If this unit died tomorrow I'd get the same one again hands down.

PS I put the optional Dremel 3 jaw hand chuck on my tools...it's a nice treat available on the Dremel accessory board.

http://www.dremel.com/en-ca/tools/Pa....aspx?pid=1100

[Dan Partain]

I say go with the cord also.

I got a 400 xpr & toolkit for Christmas about 5 years ago, it has been great. In the summer I try to not overheat it, I seem to hold it right where the cooling vents are toward the front so they get blocked. The flexible cable attachment is nice once in a while too. I haven't used any of the other attachments. Here's a link to one like mine - http://compare.ebay.com/like/1709650...Types&var=sbar

The 4200 looks like the new updated version of the 400 xpr, maybe more heavy duty.

-DAN

[Tom Wesenberg]

I'll have to look up the 4200, as I'm not familure with the different models. I just buy what looks like a good used Dremel on ebay. I wore out an armature brush on one Dremel and had to use an old Model A powerhouse brush filed to size.

[Step-down]

DeWALT DW888 2" Heavy-Duty Straight Handle Die Grinder , I killed to many Dremel...
Check it .....DeWAlt more amps the better ... Heavy duty...... Good tool for polishing , grinding and shaping steel........

[pooch]

I bought a ryobi industrial cordless drill in 1988, the batteries died about 1990.

It was such a good drill, with a great clutch, I hardwired it to a car battery and have used it to this day nearly every day.

It will screw your wrist off when on slow speed, and yet screw a self tapper into 22 gauge.

guys laugh at me when i carry the car battery with my ryobi on a job but stop laughing when they see it work.

They call it the two piece ensemble, but i laugh when they run out of juice and I am still drilling, and never stripping a screw hole.

[Kevin in NJ]

Corded unless you have some driving need to be away from an outlet.

You will want a good supply of fibered cut off wheels. They make great shaping tools and can take side loads. I used them to get into small areas after doing welding.

They also make some diamond coated small diameter bits that have their place on getting in holes.

[MikeK]

I have half a dozen various Dremels. By far the handiest accessory is the foot speed control pedal. Gives you total control while holding the tool in one hand and the part in the other. No need to constantly switch the thing on and off.

[justindwright]

I have a cordless dremel, and a corded one. I prefer the corded one.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I made my own variable speed foot switch, but I agree with Mike that the foot switch is a must.

[Tim Ayers]

To help with fighting with the cord, I have a chain & hook that hangs over my workbench. The Dremel that I have has a metal loop so I can hang it from the hook. I also have one of those flex shafts, so it allows me to have to move the wand at the end of the shaft and not have to whip around the cord. Works well for me so far.

[29ModelA]

I bought the corded one, with as often as I use a Dremel, the batteries would go bad on me before I ever really used it.

I believe mine is the 4000 model (predecessor to the 4200) I still have to use a wrench to change the bits, but you can get the quick change cutting and grinding discs for it.

Tools I use often I buy cordless, tools I don't I buy corded.

Slightly off topic--

I have a Craftsman 19.2v set for my drills and saws and impacts that I use the snot out of, I just replaced the batteries after 5-6 years, only I upgraded to the Li-ion now. Part of the reason for that was I added a 1/2" cordless impact to my tool pile and the old Ni-Cd batteries just didn't cut it. They just introduced a cordless 4.5" angle grinder and that will be my next purchase now that they have the larger Li-ion batteries they introduced at Christmas. The 4 place charger maintainer is a necessity with the high drain tools.

[Clydes 31 P/U]

I picked up a Craftsman rotary tool at a garage sale, it came in a plastic case with the flexible shaft, a mini router base and a shoe box full of brushes,bits,saw blades and grinding wheels. I don't use it much but I would have to say it was THE best $7 I've spent in along while. I will have to keep my eyes open for the foot feed it looks like that would be handy.

[Mac VP]

We use the Dremel in our shop frequently. I burned out the multi-speed tool after about 3 years of hard use. Unless you really need the multiple speeds, save the money and buy the 2 speed model. We always use the highest speed and let the bit or blade do the work.

[msmaron]

Thanks all got the 4200 and all the accessories!!