Dremel type tools

[Skub]

I've a Dremel 300 which has lay down after not a great deal of use. The culprit appears to be the mains switch,which is about 30 quid. Since this is a fair slice of the price of a new one and more expensive than some of the copies,I'm wondering whether to take a punt on an ebay cheapie.

Has anyone had experience of the cheap shit,is it cheap shit,or is Dremel just overpriced,cheaply made shit.

[Cousin Jack]

I have a Lidl version. It works, not exactly high quality but it was less tha £30. For occasional use it is fine.

[cheb]

I've a Lidl one too, I was given it for helping someone move some machinery in their shed. It does what I need.

Your analysis of Dremel seems fair from what I've read.

[Mussels]

I had a Lidl battery one, it was gutless. I noticed they binned that version and went back to mains power.
The spindle lock also broke very easily, not abused the new one yet to see if it's still the same.

[KungFooBob]

I've got a battery Dremel, it works well and it's had some proper abuse.

I'd not buy another. The battery runs out too quickly and a spare is stupid money.

I'd still buy a Dremel, just not a battery one.

Can't you wire the switch up to be permanently closed, then put another switch inline with the power cord, maybe a foot pedal?

[DefTrap]

I had a Lidl (mains) one that blew the motor as soon as I turned it on - I returned it, they didn't seem surprised.
I have another (really cheap, diy-store-brand) one that is ok, good enough, but has one of those motors that sounds like its about to break free.

[Screwdriver]

The Dremel typically fails at the speed controller. I replaced my mains one with a super cheapo and it's fine, at least it works.

The Bosch/Dremel 8220 battery item is superb. No problems with mine yet but it is heavy and bulky in the hand compared to the mains version(s).

My first Dremel lasted 10 years including cutting through 1/4" (not mm) plate during the construction of a wood stove. It never stopped (in fact it is still going!) but eventually simpply wore out.

My next Dremel lasted literally two days before it blew up. Dremel did a swap repair with a new one after I posted my woes on Facebook. The new one lasted a day before the speed controller went...

There are some interesting possible "fixes" on YouTube, something to do with a tiny wire breaking in the circuitry but I haven't tried that yet.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I've had a SIlverline one for years, as far as I know it still works, but I haven't used it for ages

[Skub]

Can't you wire the switch up to be permanently closed, then put another switch inline with the power cord, maybe a foot pedal?

I had the switch apart and cleaned all the contacts,but no joy. There's a tiny TRIAC which governs the speed controller,apparently this part commonly fails. The circuit board is miniscule,I can't see my soldering skills successfully replacing that part.

All the rest of the internals are like new,so in may be worthwhile rigging up a switch.

[kendo57]

Had two Demels fail on me so i went for a Draper one . Been ok its a bit more powerful but i do miss the screwed on collet
for tightening the tool bits. Looks decent quality b, time will tell

[asmethurst99]

I bought a von haus set
Like this but it was a lot cheaper last year

My child is using it to put new pickups in a guitar ( second hand Ibanez he bought)
I bought it to sort out some bodywork but still haven’t got round to it

[DefTrap]

Proxxon is supposedly the best but I don't use these types of tools often enough to justify it.

[Mr Moofo]

TBH , I have a dremel and also the Lidl one. The Lidl one is cordless

As mentioned above the Lidl one is a tad gutless - there is little torque to it. I bought it because of the power of the "Aisle of Dreams "

Oddly, the shaft is also a different size , meant the tool siren's really interchangeable

I have come to the conclusion for 99% of what I do. mains power wins - but then I am normally close enough to a mains socket.

[Yambo]

Proxxon is supposedly the best but I don't use these types of tools often enough to justify it.

I have two Proxxon 'mini' drills. One has a stronger collar and collets instead of a chuck (the IBS/E) and I use it regularly as a mill in a Proxxon stand with an XY table. The other one is a lighter version (FBS 240/E)and I fitted a chuck to that one for a lot of general purpose work, small drilling, cutting etc. Both are getting on a bit now but are still in good order. My Dremel didn't last anywhere near as long before getting cranky.

I have quite a few Proxxon tools for model making and they're generally good. For small tools they are good - could be better in some instances but good.

[Taipan]

I had a black & Decker one given to me and I gave it to the bin. Gutless thing couldn't cut pine! I've got a dremel but cant find the bastard thing and i need it to cut out the weld on the db killer on my Remus. Grrr!

[Skub]

I bit the bullet and ordered a new controller,but it's taking ages to arrive.

[Demannu]

Like TBC, I have a silverline as well. It has seen some horrendous abuse over the years, and now the bearings/motor sound a bit rough, but still performs admirably.

[Skub]

After buying and fitting the new speed controller switch the Dremel still didn't work. I was on the verge of giving up when I decided to once again check the 4 wires coming of the windings on the stator. Visually,they all looked fine,but when I poked at them,one of the wires came away from it's connector. It's a very fine wire and not much length to work with to join another piece of wire,but I got there in the end and normal business was resumed. I think sometimes when you stop caring,then shit works again!

If you go to about 5.50 on the vid,you'll see an example of the same bother I had. Might save you a few quid.

[Screwdriver]

After buying and fitting the new speed controller switch the Dremel still didn't work. I was on the verge of giving up when I decided to once again check the 4 wires coming of the windings on the stator. Visually,they all looked fine,but when I poked at them,one of the wires came away from it's connector. It's a very fine wire and not much length to work with to join another piece of wire,but I got there in the end and normal business was resumed. I think sometimes when you stop caring,then shit works again!

If you go to about 5.50 on the vid,you'll see an example of the same bother I had. Might save you a few quid.

Well, I could have told you that.

No, wait! I did!

There are some interesting possible "fixes" on YouTube, something to do with a tiny wire breaking in the circuitry but I haven't tried that yet.

[wull]

I can’t remember where I bought mine but it wasn’t that expensive and it’s been great, I’ll try and find out. It’s had a fair bit of use and is still going strong.