Dremel--Show Me the Love!

[geary126]

So I think I need a Dremel. Could use suggestions re: corded or cordless, and which accessories one typically uses on a boat.

I'm guessing this is going to be a popular thread!

BTW, tool sale at Amazon, thru early May.

Tom

[soul searcher]

Which ever one you get buy the flex extension for it and lots of cut off wheels, sanding drums, and a good selection of carbide burrs. Everybody should own a dremel

[sailingdog]

Corded ones are generally more powerful, but the cordless ones are definitely more useful.

[Freesail99]

Anyone know which ones are the latest models ? I see dremel 8000, Dremel 750, Dremel 275, Dremel 220 ..... you get the idea.

[Neises]

Santa brought me a Sears Craftsman knock-off about 15 years ago (not cordless), still going strong. You might look at those & save a few bucks, if they're still being made.

The small wire brush wheel worked well for cleaning out some minor balsa core funk. Haven't used it on the boat much though.

A tile cutter bit is probably the all-star of my dremel case. Saved my butt a couple times on some flooring jobs in kitchen & bathroom.

[camaraderie]

I was MOST unhappy with the cordless model...traded it back in for the corded. More power ...no short battery life. I agree on the flex extension...very handy.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

I was MOST unhappy with the cordless model...traded it back in for the corded. More power ...no short battery life. I agree on the flex extension...very handy.

Ahhh yes yes yes....very unhappy with the cordless model.....


For those that need to retrofit their "dremmels"....here is a mechanical book

[I33]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

Ahhh yes yes yes....very unhappy with the cordless model.....


For those that need to retrofit their "dremmels"....here is a mechanical book

Very sick Giu, very sick! I think I like it!

[Cruisingdad]

Dremels are helpful, but you can really burn through the cutoff wheels.

I think this is related, but here is a generality I have learned in cruising and living aboard:

It would seem to make sense to only buy battery operated items. THat is what I did last time. However, that was a mistake because you really do not have the space to plug in the big batts. If you have multiple battery operated items (drill, dremel, etc), they will take the place of more essental items (like a handheld vhf or spot light... which are better if they are not the battery type, incidentally). So what happens is that you never have a tool when you need it.

But everything that needs 110. No 12v or battery operated. You can either run a generator or inverter to run them. With a couple of extension cords, you will be happier. The only exception might be going up the mast unless you have enough extension cords to reach there... which is worth considering when you plan you stock-up.

- CD

[Artwerke]

My son bought me a B&D knockoff several years ago, definitely a must have tool, during my latest refit I used up several small cuttoff wheels, and sanding drums, I get them in bags of 25 now. You'll use it too much to go with cordless, they'll wimp out on you halfway thru a hole enlargement. Art.