Opinions of Dremel? Is cordless version worth it?

[DrPhill]

I am contemplating a Dremel tool setup (eventually with plunge router set) as an addition to my small tool hoard. I see it as a smaller, more versatile version of my Trend T5 router. I could see this getting a lot of use over the years. I was previous put off by a cheaper copy of the dremel which didn't feel like a 'real' tool, if you know what I mean. Is the cordless up to the job? Cordless tools have come on in leaps and bounds since the early days when cordless meant feeble. Is the Cordless Dremel up to it? I would be interested in any opinions folk have.

Thanks

 

[Etaf]

i purchased a dremel kit (corded 4000 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007651OPW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3 ) when it was on offer a cople of years ago - along with lots of accessories - plunge base, vice , drill type stand , router bits , chick, covers etc and a big kit of bit accessories

I looked at the cordless, BUT then thought my use would be infrequent , and probably not justify a cordless version and keep batteries conditioned

So i got a cabled -
also at that time the cordless did not come with a couple of batteries and the cost of a replacement battery was very expensive , and difficult to get hold off
not so much now

i have used the dremel a few times now , and being able to plug in is fine, BUT i dont use mine very much a few times a year i guess

 

[Amplidyne]

Had a corded one for at least 20 years, and it's been useful.
Bought a cordless 8220 in the last year or so. Much more convenient.
As said the batteries are pricey though if you need extra / replacements.
Battery charge life seems good.

 

[TheUnicorn]

as with most tools, the benifit of batteries is portability, and often speed - you can grab the tool, do the job and be finished in half the time it would take to walk the lead out (especially outside). Corded tools make more sense any time you are static, or need to hook up dust extraction. With that in mind I'd go corded, I can't imagine a scenario where the battery option would be prefereable

 

[Eshmiel]

as with most tools, the benifit of batteries is portability, and often speed - you can grab the tool, do the job and be finished in half the time it would take to walk the lead out (especially outside). Corded tools make more sense any time you are static, or need to hook up dust extraction. With that in mind I'd go corded, I can't imagine a scenario where the battery option would be prefereable

That's about right - corded if the tool and the work that it'll do is all in the fixed place of a bench in a workshop. However, one big feature of Dremels and similar tools is their versatility. They can do all sorts. I've used mine to dig out manky grouting in the bathroom tiles, for example. No 3-pin plug for a corded tool in a bathroom - and I'd be wary of a long extension.

When a tool is small, as a Dremel and several other handy tools are, cordless makes a lot of sense. Although I have a corded drill or two, I use the cordless ones far more often and all over the place. Doing things in the garden, for example, such as fitting a catch and lock to a garden gate.

A cord on a lightweight tool can also detract from its more precise usages. The weight of the cord can drag at a lightweight tool, making a faux-pas more likely.

A lot of battery-driven tools these days have better batteries but also more efficient brushless motors. It all makes a significant difference to their usability.

 

[DrPhill]

as with most tools, the benifit of batteries is portability, and often speed - you can grab the tool, do the job and be finished in half the time it would take to walk the lead out (especially outside). Corded tools make more sense any time you are static, or need to hook up dust extraction. With that in mind I'd go corded, I can't imagine a scenario where the battery option would be prefereable

I would agree with all that you said, except for your conclusion in my case. I do not have a proper workshop etc. If a task requires a firm hold, then I generally uses a vice attached to our heavy picnic bench - weather permitting. Indoors I have an old kitchen table in the garage, but as the space is shared with white goods and (tool) storage I need a very strong motivation to do anything that creates dust.
I think that I fall into your first category where cordless is better - no need to trail a power lead to the picnic bench.

The smaller size of the dremel especially the 'mini router' options look very attractive for the scale at which I mostly work.