Rotary tool, which one to buy?

[escrawler]

I have been searching around for a rotary tool to use on my chassis and cutting small parts.
After looking around on the web, I ran across this: http://www.harborfreight.com/Heavy-Duty-Variable-Speed-Rotary-Tool-Kit-31-Pc-68696.html
Wondering if anyone on here is currently using one? All the reviews were good. HF has several other models that people left bad reviews on however this was one that seemed to do the job for most people.
Please let me know what your thoughts are on this.
What rotary tool do you use?

 

[binaryterror]

Spend the extra few bucks on a variable speed dremel.

 

[EddieO]

The HF ones should always be considered a disposable unit...doesn't matter which model. They burn out easy and often over heat very quickly

A variable speed dremel is the way to go, especially with new quick locking system they have. You will find HF has plenty of good bits that are dirt cheap and work with the dremel just fine. I use tons of them at a fraction of the cost of dremel brand units.

This is an example of the "Buy once, cry once" theory...

Later EddieO

 

[Eric0424]

I've got Craftsman and Dremel rotary tools, both are good quality units that will last forever and spare parts are available if/when needed. Brushes need replacing periodically under heavy use. The Black & Decker rotary tools are okay too, if you want something a little cheaper.

Get a variable speed or multi-speed model, really helps with delicate work and/or soft material.

 

[FloridaCrawler]

I have a craftsman rotary tool, 20 yrs old and going strong. I'm sure the HF one will work for you, i bought a drill press from them and have had very good luck with it over the past 7 years. I haven't been unhappy w/ anything I bought from them now that I think about it.

 

[Stormin2u]

I used the same Dremel for thirty five years before it died. Then I bought a new improved one now I'm set for another thirty five years, if I live that long. :ror:

My guess is the Harbor Freight tool will probably serve you for awhile but probably not thirty five years. "thumbsup"

 

[jamesthe1v]

i have 2 older corded dremels that clutter up the bench or you have to dig em out and plug em in so today i bought a new cordless dremel micro 8050.
very compact and powerful sits in charger when not in use and no cords to deal with or unplug when you want to use jus grab it out of charge cradle awsome "thumbsup""thumbsup""thumbsup"

 

[mottillod]

I use the HF tool and haven't had any issues. I don't use mine a bunch so this one works great for me. If you were to use it a lot, I would invest in a dremel. But I would never buy a cordless one. They just don't have the grunt a regular one has.

 

[Outlawaresee]

I have a couple decent dremels that work very well, however unlike the post above I really do like the HF cordless model. It comes in very handy if you want to grab it for a quick job and don't want to pull out a corded model. The downside is, if not used often the battery is usually dead and needs a charge before use...

 

[jamesthe1v]

I use the HF tool and haven't had any issues. I don't use mine a bunch so this one works great for me. If you were to use it a lot, I would invest in a dremel. But I would never buy a cordless one. They just don't have the grunt a regular one has.

this 8v ion cordless has as much grunt as both my corded ones all 3 of mine are dremel brand 1 20 yrs old 1 10 years old and cordless one is new.... not sure how it will hold up over 10yrs but since i use it for rc mostly and it feels 'solid' i still give it thumbs up and is way nice and convient ."thumbsup""thumbsup"

 

[Wade]

Dremel, Dremel, Dremel. I just bought the sharpening kit for lawnmower blades and chainsaw blades, money well spent can sharpen the chainsaw blade under 5 minutes. Also have the mini drill press for it, and other accessories. IMO go for the dremel....there are so many uses for the thing hobbies/household/car.


Cheers,
Wade

 

[Delbert]

i bought a variable speed ryobi with a flex piece and a bunch of accessories about 8 years ago from lowes. it has been running strong ever since.
i believe i only paid around $50 for it. it is corded and works great. but dremel would be my go to if i purchased again!

 

[roksloski]

Dremel, wish there was something better.............

IMO, i think the Dremel's are cheaply made, my dremel4000 has already been sent in for warranty in the first 5 months.....

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I shop at Harbor Freight so I don't knock it unless it's warranted. I have the exact same rotary tool that you linked to. It works fine except that the plastic body splits when trying to tighten or loosen the chuck. That makes it frustrating.

Dremels are great and mine has lasted years with hard service.

My dad swears by his old Black & Decker.

 

[johnnyh66]

Buy a tool once.
My experience with the Dremel 4000 has been great.
I've run it for about 5 years... and for 1 year with a roommate into scalers.
We used that thing every day for months at a time.

Dremel 4000 and Flex Shaft is such a useful combo.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Dremel isn't the only good brand. And sometimes it makes more sense to not buy the top of the line depending on what you're using said tool and how often you use it.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Mr.Joshua]

^^^true but if you spend an extra $25-$30 you will most likely have a lifetime tool vs buying another one in 2yrs. (about the same price as buying a doll to use as a driver lol). We're not talking about a 4 figure purchase.

 

[CrawlCrest]

My second dremel burned up last month. It was the xpr 4000. I guess 10 years of abuse was enough. What variable speed model dremel is everyone using now?

 

[Heavy]

I swear by this one from harbor freight. Flexible Shaft Grinder and Carver



I've had mine for about 15 years and have used it to cut out many aluminum chassis plates, cutting and fish mouthing brake line for tubers.. Everything you could imagine. Never had a lick of trouble.

Heavy

 

[JatoTheRipper]

^^^true but if you spend an extra $25-$30 you will most likely have a lifetime tool vs buying another one in 2yrs. (about the same price as buying a doll to use as a driver lol). We're not talking about a 4 figure purchase.

Dremel isn't the only brand that will last a long time.

I swear by this one from harbor freight. Flexible Shaft Grinder and Carver



I've had mine for about 15 years and have used it to cut out many aluminum chassis plates, cutting and fish mouthing brake line for tubers.. Everything you could imagine. Never had a lick of trouble.

Heavy

That's cool. I've never seen that one before.