Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by www.FullerCBG.com on January 7, 2014 at 6:11am

Would be interested in the reply to this. I was going to buy a router. 

Which would be better router or dremel? (Both probably but only have budget for one!)

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on January 7, 2014 at 9:03am

Get the most powerful Dremel you can afford (at least 30K rpm). Try using the optional router attachment (then you don't need a router!). Get one of those 130+ attachment kits.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on January 7, 2014 at 11:06am

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dremel-3000-Series-Variable-Speed-Rotary...

There's a $120 kit that has everything.  Basically:  Avoid the rechargeable.  They're anemic, and charging batteries is a PITA.   Any of the plug-in Dremels should do fine, mine's 10 years old and works great.

 

This kit has the rotary cutter attachment and enough bits to get you started.  Go back to HF and get their diamond cutoff and drum sanding bits.

 

John

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Permalink Reply by Randy S. Bretz on January 8, 2014 at 2:13am

Model 4000 with a flex shaft, bits...straight sided carvers, sanding drums- coarse and fine sleeves, fiber cut-off disc`s, diamond disc`s [ great for cutting brass rods and bone work ] mini saw disc`s, 3/64ths bits for doing detailed work.

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on January 8, 2014 at 2:58am

If your Dremel starts sputtering or stops working after a number of years - don't throw it out! Simply replace the carbon brushes and it will be like new. I have one that's 25 years old that still works. 

I mostly use the sanding drum and a fiberglass cutoff wheel. Sometimes a spiral router bit, or regular style router bit. The Stew Mac router base is the one to get. The Dremel router base is garage. I threw mine out because I wouldn't want anybody else to have to deal with the frustration of trying to use it. 

A diamond cutoff wheel is also on my wish list.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Bullard on January 11, 2014 at 2:22am

I also use a dremel, but with the flexible shaft. This tool is incredible,for trimming it can't be beat, for speed and accuracy, it is the ticket. For trimming the boxes so the neck will fi it so much easier. I use these blades I get from harbor freight http://t.harborfreight.com/6-piece-hss-saw-blade-with-mandrel-set-6...
The rpm range must be considered when using these, very aggressive and can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Makes trimming the box for a perfect fit a breeze.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on January 12, 2014 at 9:09am

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've got my 4000 on the way. I got the kit with the flex shaft. Should be here Tuesday. It will be good because my last few builds have been pretty crude because of a lack if fine tools (I cNt do too much with hand tools at the moment because of nerve problems. Skee: I have read many reviews about the dremel router base similar to yours. Not a lot of fans out there.

Thanks all for your guidance. It is much appreciated.

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Clarky on January 13, 2014 at 4:21am

I've got the Dremel 3000 which is great for small accurate/awkward jobs.  Only power tool in my shed apart from my drill.  I made my first 30 guitars without it but now I wouldn't be without it.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on January 13, 2014 at 3:33pm

From what i have seen the dremel router attachment has gotten poor review (plastic bends, etc).  Anyone know if the attachment below would fit with a 4000? It looks to be an older model, so metal in place of plastic...i dont know much about routers as of yet.  Also, does it look like it is a pretty complete piece? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dremel-Plunge-Router-Attachment-MODEL-2-615...

THANKS

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on January 13, 2014 at 9:58pm

found a lot of uses for something i thought i'd never need, drill, grinding stone...dremel on! (-:

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Permalink Reply by Rand Moore on January 13, 2014 at 10:08pm

Hi All,

Do any of you know if they make a model that works with both 120Vac and 220Vac ?

I ask this as I'd like to buy one, but sometimes I'm in the States and more often in China, so I need one that will do both. If that's not an option, then I'll also need to buy a heavy duty 220Vac to 120Vac power coonverter. Any recommendations with regards to power converters?

This is an interesting topic, which I'll bookmark now. Would like to know more about how people are using these tools on their builds.

-Rand.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on January 14, 2014 at 1:55am

Rand, get a step up/step down transformer.  I use them in my lab for equipment coming from UK/Europe that doesn't have an on-board power convertor (vacuum pumps, etc).   They are not bad for cost on Amazon.com and you can get them to different power ratings.  Some you have to set the input line voltage and some are auto-detect.  There is usually one 220V and one 110V outlet on the front.  These are much more reliable and robust than the plug-in type that hangs on the outlet.

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