Heads up on an inexpensive dremel alternative!

[scottosan]

It even comes with small bits!!


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37486

[Hailstorm350]

Looks cool, I'll check it out,
thanks,
Ken

[scottosan]

I even found a great deal on small carbide bits

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44924

[zachary vex]

hmm.  after shipping, it seems like it might be cheaper to go to Menard's and pick up a real dremel for $20.  i think that's what they were when i was last there.

on edit:  hmm.  online they seem more expensive.  never mind.  8^)

[scottosan]

hmm.  after shipping, it seems like it might be cheaper to go to Menard's and pick up a real dremel for $20.  i think that's what they were when i was last there.

on edit:  hmm.  online they seem more expensive.  never mind.  8^)

I can't find one for under $40 and then I would have to buy the bits.

[oczad]

Kragen auto parts has a dremel thats similar to a real dremel that always goes on sale for somewhere between  $15-20. I think the regular price might be $20 tho i cant recall. Certainly close anyway. I paid $15 on sale. i have a real dremel and i bought this kragen one for use at work and found it to be basically the same as my dremel. Haven't had any problems in about a year of use and it has variable speed all the way from very low to full on bee hive. The slowest speed is a bit funky tho...it's stops sometimes. But thats very slow. Go up a hair and from there on up it's fine. also comes with some bits. I think it's world better that that one in the pic which looks to be a toy like version of a dremel.

[toneman]

excuse me..
but, IMHO, that HF "dremel" is a piece of junk.
If U R looking for a "rotary tool", a better alternative
a shaft driven tool.  That way U don't have the motor
in your hand.  It can be more powerfull.
I have one on my old PACE soldering station.
Works great! on pcbs!!
PACEs now have a dremel-like attachment on there 200 series.
(EDIT:  meant 2000series---$2200ea, i use @ work)
It's gutless also.  But, it *will* drill pcbs.
These "tiny dremel" have no torque at all.
Anyway, a "dremel" is a *high speed* device.
Most don't work well at low RPMs--no torque--
Low RPMs are easier to control the bit so it doesnt' run
all over the work U R trying to carve.  
And don't even think about these for metal.
These R mainly 4 plastic & wood.
U know, come 2 think of it, i think HF has one of these also.
??--a shaft drive unit--i think it's around $40.
stayrotating
tone

[Dan N]

About small bits- I like these:

http://shop.vendio.com/MORANENT/item/557876442/index.html

Yea, you can break them easily, but they make lovely clean small holes while they last.