doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Rotary tools (Dremel, etc.)

I am considering replacing my old Dremel 120V corded tool with a modern cordless. I don't use it much, but when I do I need agility and precision. It seems that the cord on mine is unwieldy, and cumbersome to keep out of the way. I say "seems" because it may be all in my mind. The top of the line Dremel cordless is approaching $150, and I don't want to make a mistake and spend that much on something I won't like.

Am I using an outdated tool, having a cord, or are there drawbacks to the cordless ones.............such as extra weight because of the battery?

Any comments appreciated.

SRH

As with all cordless battery tools, if they are not often used the battery soon dies.
The batteries need to be cycled & used.
If you don't use the tool for three months you can't just pick it up & expect it to work.
The cordless option is good for often & regular use.
Other wise I would stick with the cord.
O.M

Only opinion here. I have easily settled on corded. There is a style of these things that're intended for 'lab' use. The cord that goes to the handpiece is a light gauge DC wire. Anyway, the handpiece overall weight, size and diameter are much better for agility and precision, and the cord doesn't tug back like a typical 110v.

Only catch, the chucks will only take a 3/32" shank diameter, but that's the diameter that has by far the most choices. They also have quick release chucks that're almost completely internal, so no nut or sleeve that's spinning externally with the bit. You can choke up really close to the bit and hold them like a fat pencil if someone wanted.

Can you use a collet to use discarded dental burrs? I'm away from home today and can't measure them.

Thanks, SRH

I'll measure them tomorrow but I think the dental burrs have much smaller shanks than 3/32". My old corded Dremel has a couple collets, but also has a very small chuck which will tighten intermediate sizes.

What is the make of that tool, Craig?

SRH

Stan I have both kinds and I like the cordless the best.It is raining and cannot remember model I have in shop but cost around $60.00 or so. Bobby

I'd appreciate it when you have time to look, Bobby. Have you had any issues with the battery packs going bad on yours?

SRH

I understand that battery packs can die from misuse, but proper maintenance of them can prevent much of that. I have had a 18V Dewalt set of a drill, sawzall and circular saw for about ten years. They don't get used often at all, but as long as I keep the battery packs on the charger, and hit the "maintenance" button occasionally, they last for years. I've only had a couple to go bad in over 10 years. BTW, I have a friend who is a contractor and uses these everyday. He says that instead of buying new replacement battery packs he takes them to a Batteries Plus store, and they recondition them for half the price of a new pack, and he has been very pleased with the reconditioned ones.

SRH

Stan Dremel Micro and it sits in charger stand so no problems for me in the shop. Bobby

Thanks, Bobby. I'll look at them tonight online. I was on the road all day to Darlington to pick up four doubles I had left with Jim Kelley, for some repairs. Glad to be home.

Best, SRH

Bobby, I can't find the answer to this on Dremel's site. Does the Micro come with different size collets so that you can use different size shank burrs? I really want to be able to use these tiny dental leftovers burrs in whatever I get.

Thanks, SRH

I have both and like the 120V the best, constant velocity, no battery to drain. more power and control from the corded

Mike

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate the response.

SRH

Stan we are about flooded out here and will see if I can find the box but I think only one collet.Bobby

Don't worry about that, Bobby. I'm not going to do anything right now but use my old one. It has three different size collets plus a chuck. It'll do what I need for now.

Thanks for the offer, though.

We're wet, too!! And we've got several more days of it coming they say, plus whatever Alberto decides to do.

SRH

Send RAIN
Dry for 9 months
Even the weeds are not growing

bbman3,Stan,
This Tropical Storm Alberto makes me feel funny- In 1994 another Tropical Storm Alberto flooded much of Ga. and I had to go to Albany to survey damages. If it keeps raining, you guys take care of yourselves and get to high ground.

Mike

Bobby's already on pretty high ground. My boat is gassed up.

Seriously, my biggest concern around here is for the crops. If we can't get them planted in time we're in a world of hurt. 'Course, I've been doin' this for 47 years, and we've always gotten them planted eventually.

Guess I'll catch up on my gunsmithing in the next few days..................

I hope it flip flops, Mike. Ya'll need rain and we need bright sunshine and some light winds to dry things out. Paul told me it is bad out there.

SRH

I use a corded Dremel with their extension driveshaft, much more versatile and easy to maneuver.

I like a corded rotary tool( not Dremel-but Craftsman)with extension driveshaft also. I can set up the handpiece in a boring bar holder with 3 cutoff wheels stacked together as a small toolpost grinder. It is stiffer than my old setup with the tool w/o extension, so no chatter. I've had bad experience with some battery tools, so prefer corded tools in the shop, of course I use battery tools in the field.
Stan,
We have been having plenty of rain here too, on the Ga.line. Good luck.
Mike

Intrigued as to what people use their rotary tools for?

I like the plastic and brass cup brushes for mechanically cleaning off parts when needed... other than that I'm really not sure what i have ever used it for - be interested to hear what use people put them to?

Rarely ever use mine, but this time I wanted to use a very tiny dental burr to remove most of a broken-off mid-bead on a ventilated rib gun. It was an unthreaded hole, so there was no concern with damaging threads.

They will get you into trouble if you are not very careful.

SRH

Stan I cannot find any other collets for my cordless Dremel. Bobby

Thanks, Bobby. I'm going to stay with my old 120V model. It's got all the collets available plus a mini-chuck. The more I think about it, I just don't use it enough to warrant buying another.

Take care, SRH

I find it useful to hog out wood when glass bedding stocks.

I've also used cutoff wheels to grind a slot in broken screws to allow them to be backed out.

polishing the inside radius of most anything, trigger guard etc, grinding hard welds like on bolt handles, put a felt bob and polishing compound on it to prep for nitre blue