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Dremel, Makita, Bosch, Foredom, etc.
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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