R.I.P Beloved Dremel.

[BrianG]

:sniff: After over two years of loyal service, my trusty Dremel tool bit the dust yesterday. It was acting kinda funny (varying speeds all by itself). I tried replacing the brushes and cleaning the slide potentiometer, but it didn't help. Then, while cutting, it simply stopped.

After the suitable period of mourning, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a new Dremel 400 series XPR. I figured since it was larger than my previous 200 series model, it would handle the demands I place on it better. Well, I was wrong. I turned it on and it had a funny smell right off the bat. I just figured it was the "new Dremel" smell and proceeded to do some cutting. About 2 minutes into the cutting, clouds of white smoke billowed out from the vents and it stopped. Arggg!

My g/f has the same model, and hers has that funny smell too, so I wonder if hers will suffer the same fate. At any rate, I returned the new one and got another 200 series model. The old one lasted for a few years so let's see how this one does.

However, I'm now eyeing the husk of my former tool and wondering if it may see new life with upgraded internals. Hmmm, a sidewinder ESC and 4600 motor should do the trick. But that's a project for another day.

[brushlessboy16]

lol, nice brain, i have a 200 series still working well except the brushes are wearing out and getting that "holy crap thats hot-purple bluish color" in them

[rc4x4nut]

I think the 400 series arent as great as some of the older models. I have the first digital model and its still running like a champ. Well I decided to buy a 400 as a spare but I ended up going through 3 of the new 400s in 2 days. So I just stuck with my old digital which is now about 6 yrs old.

Hmmm...I guess I'm just now paying attention - mine is a 395 variable. I thought these were pretty much the same, but now I realize they're not. What I like about mine is I can set the speed I feel I need for the job. Mine has seen a lot of use in the 3yrs I've had it and been very reliable.

I also have a Foredom rotary, but its not portable and is a cable driven type tool. Its much more heavy duty though if I need something like that.

[suicideneil]

Black and Decker Wizard- I've had mine for years too, and despite my best effort to kill it a few times (over heated and had smoke coming out of it), it still runns like a champ.

[JThiessen]

[QUOTE=Duster_360;200151]Hmmm...I guess I'm just now paying attention - mine is a 395 variable. I thought these were pretty much the same, but now I realize they're not. What I like about mine is I can set the speed I feel I need for the job. Mine has seen a lot of use in the 3yrs I've had it and been very reliable.
QUOTE]

I think I have this same one. Does yours get really hot? After ten minutes of use, I can hardly hold on to mine.

[BrianG]

The 395 is the one I had originally. Such a little powerhouse. Mine used to get quite warm too, but I would let it cool if it got around 130*F for about 1/2 hour before continuing.

The new one I just got is non-variable, just "off", 15krpm, and 35krpm speeds... basically the slightly lower-end version of the 395; same case, top speed, and power (1.15A @ full speed). I thought I would miss the variable speed feature, but after working with it for a few hours, I don't even miss it. And I found I needed to clean the sliding speed control potentiometer every six months or so for proper operation.

I have the model 8oo lithium ion cordless and it kicks all the ass I need it to ...but I dont grind alot just a little here a little there that's it. I learned ages ago your nothing without a dremal...most important tool a man has ....well almost!

[jayjay283]

Sorry for your loss BrianG, my condolences. My 395 purchased in 2001 is still going strong. 95% of its use with the 3ft flexshaft attachment which can get so hot i've sport taped my fingers to continue.

Originally Posted by coolrunnings

I have the model 8oo lithium ion cordless and it kicks all the ass I need it to ...but I dont grind alot just a little here a little there that's it. I learned ages ago your nothing without a dremal...most important tool a man has ....well almost!

I have the same one .....and there was a time the battery died in the middle of a project and I had to stop to charge the battery.....:-(

[redshift]

JThiessen, it's critically important you not cover the fan vents, and it's not easy cuz they're right where your fingers need to be! I've burned up a few older ones, and I keep spare BR*SHES (can I say that?) for my 395 Type 5, which is now 8 years old and running strong...

The battery dumping in the middle of a cut does suck but it rarely ever happens with my#800 cordless because of the 3 led's that indicate battery status I simply know when to charge. I also get the same from guy's at work about my dewalts...until they need to crawl through 100 feet of 40'' wide raceway to cut a little stud or something then their begging me to use the cordless rather than their 15pound worm drive skill saw and 100' cord.

[rootar]

i havent had any problems out of my 300 series dremel. i have the adjustable chuck, remote tool hose thing,and plenty of cutoff discs lol

[BrianG]

I too used to go through a lot of cutoff disks cutting various aluminum pieces for projects, but I find it much easier to use a jigsaw and metal blade. Faster, easier, and makes a better cut. Just use some foam/tape/etc on the metal to keep the saw's metal "table" from marring the piece being worked on, and use slower speeds...

[lincpimp]

I burned out a few dremel brand tools, and ended up with some sort of cheapo one that has a flex shaft. It has a variable speed and works fine.

I also use a dewalt jigsaw and metal blades to cut al. Works better than anything else I have tried, including the band saw.

Had to use the dremel knock-off today to clearance the bottom of my v1 MMM. Did the job fine.