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Old 08-04-2010, 03:19 AM   #1
Flash Walken
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Thumbs up Dremel Rotary Tools: Reviews?

Particularly, the Dremel 4000.

I don't plan on doing a tremendous amount of heavy work with it, more modeling and small projects.

Just how versatile is it?

What are the major draw backs you have when using it?

What are the major attachments you use?

How much do you love it?

Was there anything that you noticed you started to need more frequently or do more frequently once you had it?

Thanks for all your help guys, I look forward to the feedback (and...to start building my trebuchet for my little pal).
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Old 08-04-2010, 03:42 AM   #2
Hack&Lube
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In my opinion lmost all dremels are built equal, there isn't really much to differentiate them aside from available accessories (feel free to correct me if anybody feels differently).

If it's modelling and more delicate/precise work, I recommend the snake attachment and that's about it.

My current model is actually a Canadian Tire Mastercraft one that was on sale for $20 @ Christmas. It will probably last me 10 years. It only goes up to 10,000 RPM.

For modelling I don't see why you would need a $129 Dremel that does 35,000 RPM. That's just overkill and you lose control over fine work. Most of my work on stuff around the house, guitars, modelling, computer modding, etc. is all done around 6000 RPM.

As for different tools/discs, etc. you can buy all those separately and often for cheaper so buy them as you need them. I can't say in the past 5 years I've used any tool other than the discs and one or two others.

That said, of all my tools, I found I turn to the dremel more than anything else since it's just versatile. For $129, it could last you a decade.

Last edited by Hack&Lube; 08-04-2010 at 03:47 AM.
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Old 08-04-2010, 08:39 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube View Post
In my opinion lmost all dremels are built equal, there isn't really much to differentiate them aside from available accessories (feel free to correct me if anybody feels differently).

If it's modelling and more delicate/precise work, I recommend the snake attachment and that's about it.

My current model is actually a Canadian Tire Mastercraft one that was on sale for $20 @ Christmas. It will probably last me 10 years. It only goes up to 10,000 RPM.

For modelling I don't see why you would need a $129 Dremel that does 35,000 RPM. That's just overkill and you lose control over fine work. Most of my work on stuff around the house, guitars, modelling, computer modding, etc. is all done around 6000 RPM.

As for different tools/discs, etc. you can buy all those separately and often for cheaper so buy them as you need them. I can't say in the past 5 years I've used any tool other than the discs and one or two others.

That said, of all my tools, I found I turn to the dremel more than anything else since it's just versatile. For $129, it could last you a decade.
Mine is the MasterCraft one as well. Bought it for 80% off a few years ago and it came with probably 150 attachments. Pretty handy little unit.
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Old 08-04-2010, 10:40 AM   #4
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I have a couple of el-cheapo-no name rotaries.

The key is to invest in good bits. The stuff that comes with the cheap brand ones are useless.

You by no means need the actual dremel unit, just get whatever good quality attachments you need from them.
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Old 08-04-2010, 10:44 AM   #5
Flash Walken
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Interesting information, thanks guys.
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Old 08-04-2010, 11:35 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver View Post
Mine is the MasterCraft one as well. Bought it for 80% off a few years ago and it came with probably 150 attachments. Pretty handy little unit.
I think this makes three of us that bought that same one on sale.

Canadian Tire occasionally has sales on massive packs of bits as well - I got a nice set in a wood box for some ridiculous sale price.

I’m a big fan of the carbon fibre cutoff wheels, but I have to say, picking up a couple of these: http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Attachme...l.aspx?pid=194 was the best accessory I have ever purchased for the Dremel. They aren’t the cheapest bits out there, but they are super versatile and last a long time.

One other thing, is that the only thing nicer than having a Dremel is having two. I have my main dremel set up with a cutting disc or other high speed bit, and keep a small battery powered dremel handy with a general purpose grinding bit.
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Last edited by sclitheroe; 08-04-2010 at 11:37 AM.
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Old 08-04-2010, 12:45 PM   #7
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I use the Dremel 4000 for my precision woodworking and with building model ships, definitely worth the money, also have the flex shaft which runs you about $40-$45 by itself. The only Dremel I thought that was suspect was one called the 400, other then that its a must have in the shop.
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Old 08-04-2010, 02:00 PM   #8
Flash Walken
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So would you recommend i get the 300 series and spend the extra cash on attachments, or is the 4000 just that good?
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Old 08-04-2010, 02:11 PM   #9
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I think the consensus is that you're better off with the cheaper units with some good attachments.
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Old 08-04-2010, 03:58 PM   #10
Finny61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken View Post
So would you recommend i get the 300 series and spend the extra cash on attachments, or is the 4000 just that good?
You can if you want, I hijacked a comment from an answer board on yahoo that has the differences.

Dremel 300
Features:
•Variable speed from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm
•Lightweight design for comfort during prolonged use
•Comfort grip housing for easier handling and better tool control
•"Dove-tail" feature for Dremel-exclusive attachments
•On board tool storage keeps your wrench close at hand
•Click-and-set on/off switch allows precise speed selection
•Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation
•Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life

Dremel 4000
Features:
•High-performance motor for maximum performance at all speeds
•Electronic feedback for consistent speed under load
•Variable speed provides maximum control and precision
•Separate on/off switch and speed control dial for the perfect speed every time
•Can be used with all Dremel attachments and accessories
•Quick collet lock for fast accessory changes
•Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation
•Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life
•Five year warranty

The biggest difference that I see, is that the 4000 has the:
"Electronic feedback for consistent speed under load"
This feature is what would make me choose the 4000 over the 300.

This feature helps keep the tool running at the correct rpm, / within reason/ regardless of how hard you work the tool.
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Old 08-04-2010, 04:03 PM   #11
Flash Walken
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finny61 View Post
You can if you want, I hijacked a comment from an answer board on yahoo that has the differences.

Dremel 300
Features:
•Variable speed from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm
•Lightweight design for comfort during prolonged use
•Comfort grip housing for easier handling and better tool control
•"Dove-tail" feature for Dremel-exclusive attachments
•On board tool storage keeps your wrench close at hand
•Click-and-set on/off switch allows precise speed selection
•Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation
•Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life

Dremel 4000
Features:
•High-performance motor for maximum performance at all speeds
•Electronic feedback for consistent speed under load
•Variable speed provides maximum control and precision
•Separate on/off switch and speed control dial for the perfect speed every time
•Can be used with all Dremel attachments and accessories
•Quick collet lock for fast accessory changes
•Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation
•Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life
•Five year warranty

The biggest difference that I see, is that the 4000 has the:
"Electronic feedback for consistent speed under load"
This feature is what would make me choose the 4000 over the 300.

This feature helps keep the tool running at the correct rpm, / within reason/ regardless of how hard you work the tool.
I guess I'll likely only see that benefit if I use it for more moderate sized projects.
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Old 08-04-2010, 05:55 PM   #12
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I got one as a gift (costco set not a dremel) but have barely used it. I used it to cut a hole in the door to install one of those cat doors and to grind off the pitting on my bbq grill.

It seems like a cool little tool but I can't think of anything else to use it for?
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Old 08-04-2010, 07:40 PM   #13
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the dremel 4000 is clearly 3700 better than the dremel 300.......

i don't use my dremel alot, but when i do need it - it is a nice tool to have in the arsenal....
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Old 08-04-2010, 07:50 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finny61 View Post
I use the Dremel 4000 for my precision woodworking and with building model ships, definitely worth the money, also have the flex shaft which runs you about $40-$45 by itself. The only Dremel I thought that was suspect was one called the 400, other then that its a must have in the shop.
I also have the flex shaft and I use it all the time.

I got the whole thing as a gift a number of years ago so I don't know the cost....its a Dremel-brand though and I have no complaints. I think you would have to use it an awful lot in order to have it wear out.
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