Rotary Tools

[Steveruger45]

I’m in the market for a new rotary tool (dremel or similar) to replace my very old 12v mini-craft, which still works btw, and was wondering what do most modelers use or would recommend.  Handy attachments to get etc.
Mostly this will be for modeling use and perhaps the occasional sharpening of lawn mower blades.
Thanks guys. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[MVW]

Same question here.

JTG

[DKS]

Dremel cordless has been my go-to for general purpose model cutting and grinding, although sharpening lawnmower blades can be done much more effectively with an attachment to a corded/cordless full-size high-speed drill--a Dremel-like tool just isn't up for that kind of job.

[Mark W]

Dito the Cordless (Dremel 8050).  I think I've used my 3000 only once since getting the 8050. 

There's also a new Stylo (Dremel 2050) that looks pretty interesting for light duty work.

[Joetrain59]

Some reviews at Lowes.com say 8050 fails to charge after a few months. ???
 Joe D

[samusi01]

My 8050 is still going strong over a year later... Lowes purchase. Very rarely use the corded one now.

[Lemosteam]

I only wish that the extension pencil attachment would attach to the cordless version. With that my basic single speed original works great and I can hang the big motor out of the way.

[DKS]

Some reviews at Lowes.com say 8050 fails to charge after a few months. ???

Mine is 4-5 years old and still charges fine.

[peteski]

I only wish that the extension pencil attachment would attach to the cordless version. With that my basic single speed original works great and I can hang the big motor out of the way.

Pencil? Ah,you would like a flexible shaft attachment. 

[Maletrain]

I bought the cordless Dremel that takes AA batteries.  My thinking was that, sooner or later, the rechargeable batteries would fail, or at least not provide as long or as powerful service.  The battery powered version is already significantly weaker than the plug-in version.  I just need to remember to take those AA batteries out if I am not using the Dremel, so they don't leak and ruin the tool, anyway.

[peteski]

I bought the cordless Dremel that takes AA batteries.  My thinking was that, sooner or later, the rechargeable batteries would fail, or at least not provide as long or as powerful service.  The battery powered version is already significantly weaker than the plug-in version.  I just need to remember to take those AA batteries out if I am not using the Dremel, so they don't leak and ruin the tool, anyway.

If you were to use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, you would have the best of both worlds.   

[wazzou]

I have a Dremel 10.8V cordless...I guess it's a Model 8000 but they don't make it easy on the tool itself to locate the Model #.
Anyway, it's been a champ.

[Maletrain]

If you were to use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, you would have the best of both worlds.   

Well, not really.  First, the NiMH have a lower voltage than the throw-aways, so a little less power.  Second, they cost a lot to start with.  Third, they don't hold a charge forever in storage, and can't be stored indefinitely on the typical recharger without damage, thus requiring some "plan-ahead".  So, if I only want to use the tool now-and-then for relatively short-duration tasks, it is just easier and cheaper to grab some new throw-aways and use them until I finish the task, then take them out, and maybe even use them for something else.

[MK]

Panasonic Eneloops NiMH retain 80% of their charge after 1 year.  The days of very fast self discharge of NiMH has been solved.  True, never as long as the alkalines in storage.  But they are rechargeables. 

[peteski]

Well, not really.  First, the NiMH have a lower voltage than the throw-aways, so a little less power.  Second, they cost a lot to start with.  Third, they don't hold a charge forever in storage, and can't be stored indefinitely on the typical recharger without damage, thus requiring some "plan-ahead".  So, if I only want to use the tool now-and-then for relatively short-duration tasks, it is just easier and cheaper to grab some new throw-aways and use them until I finish the task, then take them out, and maybe even use them for something else.

Can't argue with that. My post was not meant as being 100% serious anyway.