Recommended Rotary Tool?

[SSTJ]

I'm only just beginning to look at options. Is Dremel the best?

I'm not doing anything too extreme, at least in comparison to the kind of fab work that many of you on this forum do. Just the occasional need to grind out a stripped bolt, or trim some metal. (I don't have an angle grinder.)

 

[06lj]

The Dremel works fine and is a good choice if you go corded. The Dremel cordless was way to weak. I like my M12 Milwaukee and haven't used my Dremel since buying it several years ago.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Go with a Dremel, you won't regret it.

 

[rasband]

I'd start with an angle grinder and get an m12 fuel die grinder. My Dremel is underwhelming in comparison and isn't really as useful for the automotive work.

 

[SSTJ]

The Dremel works fine and is a good choice if you go corded. The Dremel cordless was way to weak. I like my M12 Milwaukee and haven't used my Dremel since buying it several years ago.

The cheap rotary tool I have now is cordless and far too weak. I was wondering if corded would be stronger.

 

[SSTJ]

I'd start with an angle grinder and get an m12 fuel die grinder. My Dremel is underwhelming in comparison and isn't really as useful for the automotive work.

Thanks. Is your Dremel corded or cordless? And the die grinder?

 

[SSTJ]

Go with a Dremel, you won't regret it.

Thanks Jerry. Anything worth looking for as I consider all their models?

 

[rasband]

Thanks. Is your Dremel corded or cordless? And the die grinder?

Corded for my dremel, I've only used a buddy's die grinder but the m12 fuel is battery.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks Jerry. Anything worth looking for as I consider all their models?

I've haven't looked at them in years but as above you'll be fine with any of their corded models. My present one is around 15 years old and my previous one was probably 25 years old when it finally smoked itself.

 

[NskLJ]

Air die grinder if you are going to do any amount of grinding. That’s if you have a compressor.

 

[06lj]

The cheap rotary tool I have now is cordless and far too weak. I was wondering if corded would be stronger.

My corded Dremel is equally if not stronger than my Milwaukee. Years ago I even cut a pitman arm off with it. I don't have anything bad to say about it except that it has a cord. The M12 die grinder is on another level. I have used mine on many projects but sometimes it is to big or just overkill and the rotary works better.

 

[Zorba]

I have a corded Wen that was probably half the price of the equivalent Dremel. Its fine.

 

[HornedToad]

Honestly pretty much all rotary tools kind of suck these days. I have destroyed two m12 tools (both times metal dust shavings made their way inside from cutting steel) and I now have a dremel because I couldn't bring myself to buy another m12. I haven't had it long enough to know how it will last. I have borrowed an m12 die grinder and it was pathetic. You barely lean into it and the thermal overload kicks in and shuts it down. Over and over again during the whole 3 minutes worth of battery life with a 6ah. For occasional use I would just buy whatever amazon is selling at this point because there doesn't seem to be any (brand name or not) that are actually built to high quality standards.
If you want the "best" rotary tool check out Foredom:
https://www.foredom.net/product/k-txh440-industrial-kit-with-square-drive-shafting/

 

[mrblaine]

If you want the "best" rotary tool check out Foredom:
https://www.foredom.net/product/k-txh440-industrial-kit-with-square-drive-shafting/

Thanks for that. I despise using anything Dremel sized but when I have to, at least my Foredom doesn't suck.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

My corded Dremel is probably 35 years old and going strong. My cordless Dremel is very weak but it was a cheap one.

 

[SSTJ]

Air die grinder if you are going to do any amount of grinding. That’s if you have a compressor.

Thanks. No compressor, so this will be either battery powered or corded.

 

[HornedToad]

My corded Dremel is probably 35 years old and going strong. My cordless Dremel is very weak but it was a cheap one.

I keep reading about old dremels lasting forever but if you read reviews on anything currently available it’s sort of a wash. There are lots of reports of burnt out tools that aren’t very old.

 

[SSTJ]

Honestly pretty much all rotary tools kind of suck these days. I have destroyed two m12 tools (both times metal dust shavings made their way inside from cutting steel) and I now have a dremel because I couldn't bring myself to buy another m12. I haven't had it long enough to know how it will last. I have borrowed an m12 die grinder and it was pathetic. You barely lean into it and the thermal overload kicks in and shuts it down. Over and over again during the whole 3 minutes worth of battery life with a 6ah. For occasional use I would just buy whatever amazon is selling at this point because there doesn't seem to be any (brand name or not) that are actually built to high quality standards.
If you want the "best" rotary tool check out Foredom:
https://www.foredom.net/product/k-txh440-industrial-kit-with-square-drive-shafting/

Thanks. Will check out Foredom. Yes, my current battery-powered rotary tool cuts off with even the slightest pressure.

 

[mrblaine]

Thanks. Will check out Foredom. Yes, my current battery-powered rotary tool cuts off with even the slightest pressure.

Be aware that even though it shows a foot pedal which can be inconvenient, the motor does have an on and off switch as well as a switch for which direction it turns. Or at least my old one does. I have and use one, it would never be my choice for anything but bench work. You have to hang the motor or the torque will spin the motor around the shaft.

 

[SSTJ]

Be aware that even though it shows a foot pedal which can be inconvenient, the motor does have an on and off switch as well as a switch for which direction it turns. Or at least my old one does. I have and use one, it would never be my choice for anything but bench work. You have to hang the motor or the torque will spin the motor around the shaft.

Good to know. I think I want something a bit more mobile, so will keep looking at rotary tools and die grinders.