Should I buy this dremel

[jlhiowa]

Hi. Okay I want to try mods like blowholes, little hole for a cc switch, adding a handle, painting.. etc. I want to buy a dremel. In town we have a Shoppers (hardware store), and if I go to the next biggest town there's a Menards, bigger Shoppers, and a Wal-Mart. I don't know much about tools so I need some recommendations.. Menards had this ad:

"Variable speed digital rotary tool features precision LCD speed settings and operates from 5,-35,000 RPM. Includes over 100 accessories and carrying case" It's black and has the dremel brand logo. $68.88

I just need to know if that's a good model/price and will it do what I need to do? Also, I'm really small (85 lbs) so do I need a less powerful dremel? (I did not like woodworking class in middle school, I was scared I'd cut my damn hand off). And then what bits/attachments/accessories should I buy for it? I don't mind buying online.. I do most of my shopping that way..

6" bar clamp. brand is quick grip for $80 menards (black and yellow)
Ok I probably need something to hold the cases down when I'm cutting, right? Is this big enough or what should I get?

[Adisharr]

#1 ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES (I've had shattered cutting wheels hit me in the face a few times)

That Dremel is overkill for modding. A simple variable speed model will work just as well and will be less expensive. Look for something with a small slider with a numbered scale for the speed setting. If your planning on cutting the case with the Dremel too you'll want to get a couple packs of cutoff wheels. Also pick-up a couple reinforced cutoff wheels. The small wheels that come in the container can shatter so you'll go through a few of them but they're cheaper than the reinforced ones (which don't generally shatter and last longer). You'll have to try both out to see which one you like better.

You'll also want to get a few assorted grinding / sanding stones to take off the edges. Also a small wire-brush (watch the rated speed on those - the brush strands can fly out and hurt).

Most of the smaller kits contain a few if not all of the above things. They're a good deal in a set.

Cutting holes smaller than 60mm is fairly difficult with a Dremel because of the size of the cutting wheel. Take it slow and hold the wheel as perpendicular as you can to the cutting surface. Use both hands. Cut in the opposite direction that the tool wants to roll. Again go slow and steady. 1/3 speed to start will work ok. You can always go faster but it's sometimes harder to control. Try not to get the wheels stuck in a cut. The cheap one's WILL shatter. When tightening them down don't apply too much force or you'll break them. Expect to ruin a few before you get the hang of it.

Once your cut is complete your going to have to file / grind the sharp edge off. Select a small grinding stone (something not too rough) and hold it at about a 45 degree angle to the edge you just cut. You don't want to grind the surface of the area just the edge. Slowly at 1/3 speed move around the edge against the tool motion. You'll be able to see it smoothing out as excess is cut off. You'll have to do both sides. Some people file them smooth which is an option but that's a pain for me.

If you have a workbench I just use 'Quickclamps'. They are easy to set clamps that have a trigger and a release. They can be purchased many sizes. Buy a few assorted sizes and return the ones you don't end up liking. I use the 12" and 24" lengths generally.

Hope this helps a bit and good luck :)

EDIT: I almost forgot.. you'd be smart to get a cheap cord/cordless drill too.. they always come in handy.. It sucks drilling with a dremel unless it's a VERY small hole.. Nothing less than 9.6V if it's a cordless.

[schultz]

looks like Adisharr has covered it all pretty good there. good advice! i recently bought myself the black and decker RTX-2. it cost me about $60. i've used it a bit and i really like it. you could probably go with something a bit cheaper and get the same results...it really is up to you.

[Adisharr]

I also forgot to mention that I cut my hair with the Dremel.. notice the nice straight across cut?

Not easy...

:D

[BigBlue66]

That Dremel as described is the first post IS variable speed.

I recently purchased a kit very similar to that one, or maybe it's even the same one. The Dremel is very good quality and has helped me do tons of mods. The kit will come with lots of goodies that will help you get started in mods. Then all you have to do is buy more of the things you use most often, like cutoff wheels, etc.

[jlhiowa]

Hey thanks for all the advice :) I'll look for a cheaper dremel and also get some extra disks. I found out a lady at work also does stuff like this so she said I should check out the WorkMate workbench and some clamps.
Yeah I do have an electric drill already :)