Dremel, Makita, Bosch, Foredom, etc.

[JHertzman@domain.elided]

In AD7-949 Richard Bies criticizes Dremel tools, which he describes as "of 
the general class of 1/8" die-grinder", as having extremely weak armatures, 
and being quite pricey for the quality you get, and goes on to say that 
versions with a flexible shaft do exist but that such a shaft is a 
questionable benefit since the tool itself is so compact. In a second post in 
AD7-950 he refers to the break-down of the Dremel under relatively heavy 
and/or long loads, adding "I'd try Makita, if one is available".

I had mentioned Foredom tools in a response to David Ziglin in AD7-945.

Without meaning to be contentious I would suggest that there are three very 
different categories of tools here. I have never owned a Dremel, but have an 
inexpensive Sears die grinder (1/4" collet, 30,000 rpm) which has given good 
service for over forty years, and also have a Foredom flexible-shaft tool 
which has given me good service for over thirty years. There are indeed 
excellent Makita die-grinders, as well as Bosch, Milwaukee, and undoubtedly 
innumerable other industrial-grade tools.

The Dremels are inexpensive hobby tools, and should not be expected to do 
industrial duty. Basic Dremel is under $50 with a fifteen-piece accessory 
kit. Next level is $79 for a powerful 1.15 amp variable-speed tool with case 
and 72 bits and accessories. Ryobi has a similar tool, "50% more power", 
variable speed, $54.95 including case and 99 accessory bits, or $10 more with 
a flex-shaft. Sears offers the same sort of tool for prices from $40 to $60 
depending on features.

The small Makita die grinder (GEO 600), 2#, 2 amp, 25,000 rpm, 1/4" collet, 
costs $105. Next up is Makita's 906H, 4.2#, 3 amp, 30,000 rpm, for $179. The 
current Sears offering in the same general class is $85. Don't have a price 
on the Bosch, which would be what I would get if my 1955 Sears died. A $10 or 
$20 price difference amortized over a lifetime seems bearable, to me.

The Foredom flexible shaft machines run from about $200 for a kit designed 
for professional jewelers to about $300 for a kit designed for industrial 
applications. In deference to the limits of the flexible shaft they turn 
lower speeds, 18-20,000 rpm.

If you have an air compressor there are mini die grinders for around $50, and 
Foredom has a 350,000 rpm air turbine tool for rapid and precise material 
removal. 1/16" collet, $300. Think dentistry.

I realize that for some budgets the difference between $50 for a Dremel-type 
tool and $300 for a pair of heavier-duty tools would be significant. I have 
never used, let alone owned, a Dremel-type tool. A good one should be quite 
sufficient for model building and other light hobby duty, and could be 
occasionally useful around a garage, but I wouldn't expect one to last for a 
useful period under the duty that my old Sears die-grinder and Foredom 
flexible shaft machine take in stride. The prices I cited are from discount 
tool catalogs; as always, Harbor Freight, Grizzly Tool and other Taiwan or 
PRC sources can offer apparently comparable tools for a bit less, but I 
suspect might be a false economy in the long run.

Cheers, 

John H.
Raleigh, N.C.

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