Poll: motor tool brands

[Einion]

I've been looking at options for a new motor tool for myself over the past months and while Dremel wasn't exactly heading my shopping list as it was after reading numerous reports of their poor build quality in recent years I would have crossed it off anyway.

So thought this might be a good topic for a poll, see what people think of the brand/models they own.

Planning a follow-on thread, about the jobs they're good/ideal/vital for, as well as those things that are better done by hand.

Einion

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Now't wrong with dremmel Einion!!! as long as you don't ask it to do silly things outside the modelling world like plane 4x2

Ron

 

[theBaron]

...Dremel wasn't exactly heading my shopping list as it was after reading numerous reports of their poor build quality in recent years...

Hi, Einion, my experience with Dremel is the exact opposite. I've found it to be a durable and ruggedly constructed tool. Also, their warranty and their customer service are excellent.

I bought myself the basic single-speed model, back in 1990 or so, and used it for 20 years without any problem. When the on/off switch finally wore out, I contacted Dremel and found that they would replace the switch free of charge, I needed only to pay to ship the tool to their headquarters. I sent it off, and then got a call from them that my particular model had been retired several years before, but that they would replace it with the current equivalent. So, I got a brand-new motor tool from them.

I have also had occasion to use Craftsman's version of the rotary tool, and found it to be equally well-built and rugged, so I can recommend that one as well, though I can't speak to the warranty and service.

Prost!
Brad

 

[housecarl]

Dremel for me too.
Carl.

 

[Mark S]

I can often be found playing with my Dremel.....and it's various attachments.

 

[Richie]

I've just bought a new drill from Aldi for £8, it looks very strong and robust, variable speed and even if it falls apart you get a 3 year guarantee. So in 2 years 11 months I'll be back round to Aldi for a replacement. A box of accessories was less than £4 too.

 

[blaster]

I have both Dremel and Minicraft, but the latter is now out of business. I was introduced to Proxxon which is very similar in performance to Minicraft.

 

[Ferris]

Actually I use a big Makita electric drill most of the time. Totally not intended for modelling, but These characteristics make it very useful:
- the drill bit can fit any drill from 0.0mm to about 15mm. So no need for adapters. Just turn to tighten.
- being big makes it easier to hold and control for precision work I find. bit counterintuitive maybe, but I find that the small drills can be 'jumpy'. Inertia helps.
- rotation speed control is very precise. again because the button is larger and has some resistance, having been designed for full-sized 'modelling'. It can use very slow rotation speeds which I find very nice for drilling pinning holes (use a sharp drill).
- for modelling it is overpowered, so power is never the limit. I've had some mini hobby drill get stuck in a deep hole.

Only downside for me is that its max speed is much lower than that of a Dremel, but I hardly need that feature.
I have a Dremel, but hardly ever use it anymore...

Adrian

 

[Tubby-Nuts-REMOVED]

In my hands! any power tool is a recipe for disaster!.. grinding, and cutting off bits that really should not be cut off. However, I have found the Dremel does a much better job at this aspect, than most others that I have used!.

Regards

Mark

 

[Joe55]

Dremel for me too. No issues.

Joe

 

[Einion]

I bought myself the basic single-speed model, back in 1990 or so, and used it for 20 years without any problem. When the on/off switch finally wore out, I contacted Dremel and found that they would replace the switch free of charge, I needed only to pay to ship the tool to their headquarters. I sent it off, and then got a call from them that my particular model had been retired several years before, but that they would replace it with the current equivalent. So, I got a brand-new motor tool from them.

That's great to hear Brad, can't ask for better service than that. I'm not trying to beat up on Dremel, but as I say there are lots of reports (lots) of the shoddy build quality in recent years (I think since Black & Decker bought them).

I have both Dremel and Minicraft, but the latter is now out of business. I was introduced to Proxxon which is very similar in performance to Minicraft.

Minicraft user here too. They've been gone for years now but I was amazed to see that you can still buy both the tools and power supplies online in a few places. Given how happy I've been with the performance of my current one (over 20 years old now, zero problems) TBH I'd be sorely tempted to just stick with Minicraft if they made one with the right power and features I'm looking for.

Proxxon currently heads my list at the more affordable end of the price scale since I've heard very little but good things about them. But I found out just the other day that Foredoms are also made for 220-230V, so I may bite the bullet and get one of those as it has all the features I want (and one I wasn't looking for - ability to run in reverse), more than enough grunt, you can truly expect an entire lifetime of service from one so they're actually good value.

Actually I use a big Makita electric drill most of the time. Totally not intended for modelling...

Totally agree. I use an old B&D sometimes for the same reasons you list, lots to be said for using something very powerful well below its limits and trigger-controlled speed is a big plus.

How big is the Makita by the way, bit too large for single-handed use?

Einion

 

[JonP]

I use a Black & Decker Wizard which I have had for quite a few years and is used for everything from cleaning up mould seams to drilling holes in bases.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I have an old plug in dremel with a flexi grip and it works fine. My kids bought me a cordless dremel last year for travel and it has already almost died. It won't recharge properly and the speed is very slow with no torque. I can use if for some sanding and cutting but I press at all hard it locks up. Basically useless.I would never buy another cordless dremel product.

Colin

 

[tonydawe]

I've had the same variable speed Dremel tool for 15 years and its never missed a beat. Best money I've ever spent on a modelling tool.

 

[polyphemus]

Some cheapo crappo thing I picked up on ebay ages ago. Most of the things I work with are cast in resin so it doesn't seem to be a problem. For drilling holes in the base of busts ready to insert brass tubing I use a standard Black & Decker DIY. Other than that I have a few hand helds I've had for years.
Why waste good figure money on tools? just joking.


Geoff

 

[megroot]

I use the Proxon 50E witch run on the 18 V trafo for around 13 years now. It has a rpm from 0 - 20.000.
It works fine for me, and the accescoires from Dremel fits in very well.
I use it for sanding and polishing on the figures and drilling holes into the figures and bases.
It never let me down.
Why i choose for Proxon: It whas cheaper then the Dremel in those days. Never regret it.

Marc

 

[Gra30]

Como drill for me, had over 20 years of use and still going strong, had some repairs as been dropped more than I dare mention

Variable speed which I find invaluable and interchangeable chucks

2.5amp fuse and seperate transformer

Here is a link
http://www.mfacomodrills.com/mini_drills/drills.html

 

[theBaron]

I have to ask if the recent accounts of poor quality from Dremel are for the corded or cordless tools. I've never had a good cordless tool, except for a Toro grass trimmer, that also lasted me 20 years. I got a cordless screwdriver as a gift, it was either a Milwaukee or a Makita, I can't remember which, and the battery wore out within weeks of starting to use it. We use Makita cordless drills and hand saws at my theater, and they're generally underpowered, and the batteries don't last. The corded tools require a power source, but they're generally more reliable. I'm skeptical of any cordless tool, till I can see it demonstrated.

 

[balder]

I've had a Dremel stylus for around 5 years or so. It's cordless with a rechargeable lithium battery. I love it. it sort of looks like a Star Trek phaser and fits in the hand well. I've never had a problem with it.

Gerald

 

[Gerry]

Como Drill for me also
does the job , and like Gra said mine's also about 20 plus years old!