Best value Dremel / Rotary Tool

[sihollies]

HI everyone,

Could anyone please advise on a good value cordless / rechargeable rotary tool for general use with a maximum budget of £80 -£100, but a lesser cost would be preferred?
My initial thought is the Dremel brand as they are the market leaders, but that doesn't always mean they are the best.
I won't using the tool on a regular basis and wouldn't need it for any constant heavy duty work, but would like the unit to be robust enough to cope with whatever I throw at it.

As always, many thanks in advance
Simon

 

[Spectric]

Working on metal or wood ?

 

[sihollies]

Cheers for the rapid reply Spectric!
I have no specific purpose for it, but I would say I would mainly use it for metal.

Many thanks!

 

[Orraloon]

I got a dremel a couple of years ago. As its used in the workshop 99.9 % if the time I figured that a corded unit would be best. Waiting around for something to charge is a pain. At the time I looked at other brands like Ryobi and something else but the dremel looked better quality.
Regards
John

 

[TRITON]

Probably a Dremel is the answer to that question.

It's about value, and Dremel is value for money as you can rely on it to work and keep working..
You know what they say - Buy cheap, Buy twice.

I'm still using the basic original model, and I've run it continuously till it was too hot to hold.

Axminster used to do a mains hanging version, which used a flexible shaft and had a range of hand pieces including one for carving(oscillating) although I dont think they do any more.
But even then the concept of hanging the machine up even in the case of the standard handheld Dremel and using the flexishaft is a good one because after a while the dremel or any version can be a bit uncomfy to hold due to the vibration.

but would like the unit to be robust enough to cope with whatever I throw at it.

My initial thought is the Dremel brand as they are the market leaders, but that doesn't always mean they are the best.

Cant have both. Dremel is your best bet because its been used extensively and tested to near destruction and just kept going.
There are others, obviously there are others. The system gets used in professional jewellery making but those you will be paying £250-£350 and are the hanging type with the flexishaft. But if you want one thats going to do what it says on the tin, then Dremel is your best bet.

 

[Windows]

You can get a corded Dremel kit with flexible shaft and accessories for within your price range. (I don’t know about cordless)

 

[RonnieI]

I've had a cordless dremel for several years (can't remember which model). Not had any issues with it apart from battery life. I just bought another battery and when both have died I stop and have a brew!

 

[robgul]

+1 for Dremel (mine's corded) - I did have another cheapie one and it was rubbish - collet didn't stay tight and the motor failed very quickly (3 weeks out of guarantee)