Dremel et al

[davidtu]

Who has a rotary tool, and how do you use it? Seems like a very useful tool... the sort that you don't realize how you use it until you have one... OR until you ask the folks on BT3 how THEY use it!

HDT has one (currently out of stock) the 8000-1 for $45, any comments to this model is helpful... or what do you recommend to get??

Thanks!

[LCHIEN]

have one,don't use it much and then when i use it, it's mostly metal and plastic working, not wood.

[91FE]

have one,don't use it much and then when i use it, it's mostly metal and plastic working, not wood.

I agree. I've got a B&D knock-off. When I have a special need for it (usually a home repair - not WW)...nothing else will do. Most of the time though, it sits and collects dust.

[jwaterdawg]

What Loring said. I have one that is very useful at times for grinding down burrs on metalwork, shaping metal, etc., but I don't think I've ever used it for woodworking. I might give it a whirl (pun intended) with my new spirocrafter though.

If you get one, the flexible shaft attachment I find to be much easier to work with than just holding the rotary tool itself. Something to consider: does that model accept that flex attachment?

[Ken Weaver]

Have one, used it once, put it away, never touched since.

[mater]

I have had one for about 1 1/2 years and haven't used it yet. It was a Christmas present someone thought I might need.

[jziegler]

Have one, don't use it too much, but it can be useful.

Last woodworking tasks for it: detail sanding while removing paint from an old table that I was getting restored (saved a ton of money on the restoration by removing the old paint myself) and some circle cutting, since it came with a jig. Having said that, the circle cutting jig is not as good as a router one would be, but I don't have one. Does not leave a very clean hole, but it worked for my use.

Jim

[kwgeorge]

Well I guess I am going to be the odd man out since I use mine a lot. I have a nice set of Burs for it and use it for shaping and carving. I also use it for polishing, cutting bolts off and all kinds of different things. Here shortly I will use it to remove the grout from the tiles in the bathroom so they will pop off much easier.

Very useful tool that you can find all kinds of uses for it you think about it.

Ken

[gabedad]

I have used mine for customizing computer cases (adding new fans) . It's also great for pumpkin carving.
Have also used it for sanding and cutting a few things wood. I have used it for carving on walking sticks.

[Tequila]

I have one that's coverd in dust somewhere in my basement. I use it maybe once or twice a year for working on metal or plastic.

[Whaler]

I have a Dremel #2 that I bought over 30 years ago when I was doing some gunsmithig, it still runs strong. A few years ago I bought a #3956 with the flex shaft, it doesn't get a lot of use but I wouldn't do without it in the shop.

[mschrank]

I never thought about using it for pumpkin carving...have to give that a try next Halloween.

I mostly use mine with cutting wheels for cutting off bolts or trimming sheet metal. Occasionally find a need for the sanding drum and grinder. As others have said, it doesn't get a lot of use, but when it does it's usually the only thing that would work.

[vaking]

Don't have a rotary tool but have a rotozip, which I believe to be a close relative. Takes same bits as rotary tools but also takes regular 1/4" shank router bits. Use it in its native form for drywall cutting and metal work (fans for computer cases) - not often. Use it much more as a small router with edging bits because I have a plunge base for it. Those of you that have rotary tools and don't use it - the plunge base that I have is called "dremel advantage" and works with dremel advantage spiral saw, rotozip and dremel rotary tools.

[maxparot]

I have a Ryobi version that was made a number of years ago. I find it useful for detailed cutting, sanding and grinding on both wood and metal. I really like mt Ryobi version like many of their tools it has been a great value for the money.
I also have the now discontinued Dremel advantage with it's accessories it is a capable cut out tool(like the Rotozip), laminate trimmer (w/ the plunge base) or with it's flex wand attachment can be used with smaller bits like a standard sized Dremel tool or better yet like a heavy duty Foredom precision carver/grinder.

[Tom Miller]

I have one that's coverd in dust....

Mine's not covered in dust at all.


It's in a box.


The box is covered in dust....



Regards,
Tom