Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/398993
Flyguy - Posted - 08/22/2024: 19:23:27
I will throw this question out there to the luthier/craftsmen crowd. I have used Dremel tools for as far back as I can remember. They were great for whatever I needed them for and worked for decades. Five years ago, I bought a new one to replace my totally worn out favorite and the new one has been total junk compared to the older ones.
I hesitate to say “they don’t make them like they used to” because I believe that they don’t make them like they used to because people aren’t willing to pay to have them made like they used to be. Everyone wants everything cheaper. I will pay for better, but these companies struggle to compete often going out of business.
My question is, is there are good quality replacement for Dremel tools? Maybe the Foredom? Not as convenient as a Dremel but an option. If anyone has an alternative I would like to know.
Flyguy
notty pine - Posted - 08/23/2024: 04:38:28
Will th Bosch work with all the Drexel attachments
jdeluke137 - Posted - 08/23/2024: 06:19:48
quote:
Originally posted by notty pine
Will th Bosch work with all the Drexel attachments
According to an Amazon reviewer it will work with the Dremel attachments. But I have no personal experience with it.
Bart Veerman - Posted - 08/23/2024: 06:39:14
Forever ago I bought an original Dremel, it was great. Not too long after though, it became crazy noisy when the ball bearing gave out.
I picked up a knock-off, a kazillion thingies included, about 25 years ago. Used it a lot a during my bridge-making career and still works great. Most accessories fit although the vertical stand-up (to make it look like a drill press) was really tight, but still doable.
You often see them on sale around father's day and Xmas. A couple of weeks ago they were on sale here for $20 (approx $15 U.S.). Get one. It might be bad/good. A replacement is not a lot of money.
Bosch. Hmmm, great name but does it automatically mean great quality? Consider this, it could be just a name/word...
TLG - Posted - 08/23/2024: 09:44:12
I have sent several Dremels to the factory repair place. They repair them very reasonable or if they can't they will send you a "reconditioned" fixed one in it's place very reasonably priced.
I have never used a Bosch or some knock-off brand.
Tommy
Flyguy - Posted - 08/23/2024: 10:17:07
Thanks for the responses. Looks like there are not a lot of alternatives to Dremel tools. The Bosch looks interesting, and I might try but it looks so close to the Dremel I wonder if it is made by Dremel or vice versa. Like import banjos, all made at the same factory, just put a different name on it…..
The repair idea seems good, might try that. Just wish they were made a little better. If I do get them repaired, then I don’t have to find alternatives to my Stewmac binding and router base tool.
KCJones - Posted - 08/25/2024: 05:46:23
There's also a Craftsman model. I've used the Bosch my BIL owns and the Craftsman I own, and they both work well. Dremel tools fit on both. I've owned the Craftsman for about 15 years and it still works like new, although I likely don't use it as much as some folks here. If I had to replace my Craftsman, I'd buy the Bosch.
Edited by - KCJones on 08/25/2024 05:47:56
steve davis - Posted - 08/25/2024: 08:24:54
I love the affordability of my Dremel tools.
The life of a Dremel tool is greatly increased by hooking up a flex shaft to it.
The reason the Dremel bearing gets noisy is due to the side-load on the tool end bearing as shaping creates a sizeable side load.
A flex-shaft is spun equally in the centered Dremel end bearing.All the side load is on the tool end of the flex shaft.
The load on the Dremel bearing is always centered.
This is why Fordham(sp) tools last a long time.They are simply hung up and a flex shaft takes the side load when cutting.
The ceramic flex-shaft bearings last a long time if they are properly broken in.
The last Dremel I bought 10 years ago (I own 3) was on sale at Christmas time for $60 at our local ACE Hardware store.
Banner Blue - Posted - 08/25/2024: 14:17:13
I pick up dremels used for $5 to $10. There are several more pencil style tools for wood carving that are easier to use for detail work like Micro Carver. RYOBI PRT100 is an option.
steve davis - Posted - 08/27/2024: 06:28:24
The Dremel flex shaft is very slim compared to the Dremel tool itself.
Dremel tools bought new have a nice warranty
Edited by - steve davis on 08/27/2024 06:29:34
'Kay Restoration' 3 hrs
'Miss You All' 8 hrs
'Vintage Hondo neck' 9 hrs
