Looking for a dremel - need feedback

[Russianwolf]

I trust you guys more than the reveiws on the net.

I'm looking at getting a dremel and need to decide if I want a cordless stylus model or one of the corded varieties.

I plan on using this to do some relief carving on wood pieces.

thoughts, comments, etc.?

I like the look of the stylus, but I've seen that the battery may not last a long time between charges. I'd hate to be 90% done on a carving and have to put it down to recharge.

[steve-norrell]

I'm looking at getting a dremel and need to decide if I want a cordless stylus model or one of the corded varieties.

I like the look of the stylus, but I've seen that the battery may not last a long time between charges. I'd hate to be 90% done on a carving and have to put it down to recharge.

I have had both. I bought the cordless first because I thought it would be good to not have the cord in the way of things. Battery life was not that good and I felt it lost power as the battery ran down. After several months I bought a corded version and have never looked back. I don't remember the model numbers.

I am sure that the convenience of cord-free operation has some merit, just not in my case.

Regards, Steve

[Uncle Cracker]

I have a corded one, and the cord does not get in my way at all. In fact, I usually hang the tool up and use the flex shaft, so I don't have to maneuver the machine at all. I think you'd be better off with corded, rather than cordless, as you wouldn't have to mess with batteries, unless you're gonna work outside or at a flea market or craft fair or the like. Also, carving will probably drain the battery quicker than many other things you might do with a Dremel.

[Thom2]

I'll add to the votes for a corded model ... if it's going to see a lot of use, make sure you get a kit with the flex shaft

[LCHIEN]

I'll add to the votes for a corded model ... if it's going to see a lot of use, make sure you get a kit with the flex shaft

you have to figure that with a cordless unit, the battey will last, what, 2, 3, or 4 years and then need replacement no matter how much you use it.
If you don't use it a lot then it will probably be dead when you take it out of the box/drawer and need to be recharged, and then after a few years you're likely to find the battery won't hold a charge at that point, as well.

And that if you buy a corded unit then the tool will be ready to use at any point and last 20+ years with reasonable care.

So my philosophy on any cordless tool, is do i really need the freedom the battery offers vs. how often will i need this tool vs. its availability when I do need to use it.

I pretty much have no battery operated power tools except for the drill/driver and impact driver.

[linear]

I've never heard anyone who liked the cordless model. I have heard a lot of regrets from people who bought it.

Also take a look at the RTX from Black & Decker.

[ragswl4]

I have the corded variable speed model. I would tend to agree with LChien on the battery issue, not charged when you need it, will wear out sooner and need replacement. Go with the corded model, more constant torque. I use mine alot to sharpen my chain saw. I doubt a cordless model would do that for very long.

[scorrpio]

I handled Stylus a bit at the store and came to conclusion that it is a totaly dumb idea - at least in my opinion. It looks cool and small, and doubtlessly many a witless shopper will fall for that and get one as a gift for a handyman friend/relative. The pistol grip is absolutely unsuitable for precise detail work. You simply can't guide it with your fingertips - unless you grip it upside down with handle sticking up, and that is also awkward.

The regular cordless also puts heck of a LOT of weight opposite the business end - precise work is awkward and tiring on the fingers. A corded model has most of its weight forward, making the tool much more balanced, so it handles well even when you grip the tool by itself with your fingertips - though for real precise stuff, flex shaft is the way to go.

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/tools/ki...69724&KI=66977

This is the kit I got about 8 years ago, though over time I got a few extras like drywall cutter, router base, etc. Served me beautifully.

[Russianwolf]

thanks for the advice guys. Like I said, the ergonomics of the stylus looked interesting, but the battery was my biggest concern.

I found a 245 piece kit from Northern Tool that gets rave reviews and has two tools (a standard with VS and flex shaft, and a mini rotary) for $50. I think that's the way for me to go right now.