DREMEL DRILL,which one?

[fulton]

Have heard good reports of the brand, am considering replacing my old Expo drill, which sometimes runs out of puff, I am an experianced modeller working in 4mm, mainly kits, whitemetal, brass, plastic and resin, would prefer corded as have had experiances of batteries failing after a few years and replacements costing more than the original tool! cost is not the main cosideration, have looked at B & Q in the UK and today Bauhaus in Germany, an confused by the many different models, which one to buy for my modelling needs?

[Happy Hippo]

You will get many differing replies as everyone has a pet.

 

It really depends on what you want to use the drill for. 

 

I have a two Dremel one with a Collett holder and the other with a 3 jaw chuck.  Guess which one gets used more?

 

They are both very good, but beware of the associated drill press (a 212) which converts the Dremel into a 'precision vertical drill' , which has far too much play in its single column and clamp arrangement to allow for anything remotely like precision drilling.

 

I also have an old Mini craft 12v drill, with a three jaw chuck, again with a drill press attachment, which is  a double pillar arrangement and far better for repeatable work.

 

The rest of my fleet has one rechargeable and two mains operated drills from Aldi.  They are cheap and reliable. If you are using them free hand, then the problem of side loading the bearings and eventual excessive vibration does not really matter. They are so cheap you can throw them away and get another.

 

You might also consider Proxxon as they have a number of drills in their extensive range.  Although I don't have a Proxxon drill, I do have a number of their other tools and although not cheap, are very good quality.

 

*I only have so many because I've been given them over the years. So I've adopted a policy with the collett variety drills to set up with one type of mop/cutter/grinder and leave then in that configuration. I find swapping out colletts for different size shanks a real  pain, so having tools already set up for the task much easier.

Edited January 6, 2023 by Happy Hippo

[Torper]

Before you come to a decision, do have a look at the Proxxon range.  Internet reviews tend to suggest that Proxxon tools are better engineered, more reliable and better suited to precision work than Dremels although I suspect that Dremel owners may disagree.  I may be biased as I have a Proxxon FBS 240E, which is probably the cheapest mains corded drill that Proxxon produce.  I've been very happy with it.  It runs true, has plenty of power and torque for what I need, and has been completely reliable.  It's currently available for about £75.  While I bought mine from a specialist dealer, and would always prefer to do that if possible, Amazon is quite useful for user reviews - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Proxxon-Micromot-EPrecision-Drill-Grinder/dp/B000NPAA0C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

[Jol Wilkinson]

I have a Minicraft corded drill with variable speed transformer as my workbench "multi- tool", a cordless Dremel Lite for working around the layout and a Proxxon  TBM220 drill press. 

 

The Proxxon is used for drilling as I find I am less likely to break drill bits than with a handheld drill. The Minicraft is used mainly with abrasive discs for filing, polishing, etc. while the Dremel gets used wherever I need to work away from the bench.

 

While this may seem a bit extravagant, it is the result of many years of buying tools and what I have learned on the way. For a long time I had only the Minicraft, I bought the Dremel when I stated building my present, permanet  and fairly large layout and the Proxxon was a cheap s/h purchase.

[ianLMS]

Another vote for the Proxxon range. My rotory tool is superb and with the pillar stand and flexible attachment it makes it very a versatile tool.  The 3 jaw chuck will go down to 0.3mm drill bits which is much better than collets. 

[Jol Wilkinson]

I prefer to use large shank drills (Busch or Proxxon) with a collet. They are readily changed and I find they are less prone to breakage. Not cheap but better value in the long run.

[Happy Hippo]

24 minutes ago, Jol Wilkinson said:

I prefer to use large shank drills (Busch or Proxxon) with a collet. They are readily changed and I find they are less prone to breakage. Not cheap but better value in the long run.

If you are after precision, then using a collett should give you less run out when compared to a 3 jaw chuck.

[fulton]

Thank you for the advice, looks like I will now be after  Proxxon drill, any preference over suppliers?

[Torper]

I got mine from Chronos Engineering.  If you were thinking of the FBS 240/E they have it for £71.99 inc. delivery.  The cheapest I can see on a cursory look is Rapid Electronics, who appear to be selling it at the moment for £60.11 including delivery.  I don't know anything about Rapid Electronics but see that if you ordered from Amazon it would be Rapid Electronics who'd fulfil your order (and rather more expensively).  If you didn't mind spending a bit more you might wish to consider the kit with the flexible drive although that could of course be added a later date if so wished.

[fulton]

21 hours ago, Torper said:

I got mine from Chronos Engineering.  If you were thinking of the FBS 240/E they have it for £71.99 inc. delivery.  The cheapest I can see on a cursory look is Rapid Electronics, who appear to be selling it at the moment for £60.11 including delivery.  I don't know anything about Rapid Electronics but see that if you ordered from Amazon it would be Rapid Electronics who'd fulfil your order (and rather more expensively).  If you didn't mind spending a bit more you might wish to consider the kit with the flexible drive although that could of course be added a later date if so wished.

Thank you, have just ordered, from Chronos , gone for the package with the flexible drive, look forward to delivery.

[polybear]

On 08/01/2023 at 23:23, Torper said:

The cheapest I can see on a cursory look is Rapid Electronics, who appear to be selling it at the moment for £60.11 including delivery.  I don't know anything about Rapid Electronics but see that if you ordered from Amazon it would be Rapid Electronics who'd fulfil your order (and rather more expensively).  

 

Rapid have been around for many years - personally I'd order from them without worry (and may well do so - I've been pondering a Proxxon for a while now).

[polybear]

On 11/01/2023 at 16:54, polybear said:

 

Rapid have been around for many years - personally I'd order from them without worry (and may well do so - I've been pondering a Proxxon for a while now).

 

Update:

 

Ordered on Wed eve, delivered (well packed) on Friday morning - very pleased.  Hopefully I'll get to test it today.

Many thanks to @Torper for the heads-up

Bear