Dremmel Advice...?

[donchristo]

I was looking to pick one up...

Has anyone had any bad experiences with the variable speed ones...?

And which accessories will I need to cut through a case...

I decided to make a MacQuarium finally....

Thanks in advance...

:bandit:

[Bires]

Originally posted by donchristo
And which accessories will I need to cut through a case...

The variable speed units are fine, good in fact; some bits work best at a slower speed. As far as cutting a computer case...get some earplugs and safety glasses. I used cutting discs and they worked well...but the whine was excruciating. BTW: I found a sawzall with a high-carbon steel blade works a lot better, if you need to cut fan holes or windows.

[Jeffbx]

Also, for tough stuff like case cutting, don't bother with the cordless ones - they won't hold out as well.

[donchristo]

Thanks....

I was thinking of the Sawzall.....

But the case is mostly plastic... Some cutting and shaving will be necessary..

I might make a blow hole at some point but for now....

Thanks for the tip about the corded one...

:bandit:

[coleslaw]

Wear a mask, too. Don't want to be breathing in particlized plastic and metal. :cool:

[Mpowered]

I went down to Home Depot today with Tommy because he wanted a Dremel. The only corded units they had were the same model with different accessories included. Are there different Dremel models or something? He didn't want a cordless one and he just tried a Rotozip Revolution and didn't like it at all so he returned it. He is going to be using it for all sorts of things but we are going to do some case mods with it too. The cheapest one was around $50, the next $70 and the most expensive one was $100. The $100 had a right angle attachment and the model number had a suffix to it, but the first part was the same. What are the different models and what differences are there?

[Cheesypuff]

got|case mods?

I love dremmels!!! They are so cool. Cutting and stuff...Slice a AMD logo on the side of your case!!!

[CynJon]

Dremel actually makes 2 types of variable speed rotary tools. The one that most places carry is the model #395. It has 5 speeds via a sliding switch, varying from 5000 RPM to 30,000 RPM (Increased to 35,000 for this year's models). The weakness of Dremel tools has traditionally been the switch itself. It tends to fail due to fine debris (metal shavings, etc.). I have had the switches on two of them fail myself, and know of numerous other instances. Dremel also makes a Digitally adjustable speed control on its model 398 and 3981. This speed control is not only sealed (no more debris) but offers far more adjustability. The digital switch gives you speed control from 5000 RPM to 35,000 RPM in 1000 RPM increments. As soon as my current Dremel fails (not under warranty anymore :( ), I am going to one of the digital models. Hope this helps!:thumbup:

[johnnymk]

If the case is plastic and you're not making intricate cuts, they make a scriber/cutter for aluminum siding that may or may not work. It's nothing more than a heavy duty one piece razor type blade tool.
Actually, after thinking about it, they also make a round hacksaw blade that cuts practically anything. It's only about 1/8" in diameter.
Just an idea.

[JackHammer]

I recently got a dremel from Home Depot but it's one of the regular switch, not digital. I bought it with my Amex Blue so I have an extra year on the warranty. I hope that helps.

[sho.gun]

if you go to target, you can usually find the Black & Decker RTX rotary tool for a LOT cheaper than a dremel. It can use dremel bits... best bang for your bucking fang.

[Kevster]

I got a 35k rpm variable model that they had on sale for $60 at Sears. I've already used the hell out of it and it works quite nicely. Nicest of all is the craftsman warranty and the kit that came along with it.

[Bires]

Originally posted by chosenfool
EYE PROTECTION!

you need it with a dremel.

Totally!
I teach chemistry and physics and these are the glasses I use in class and while working on my car:
http://www.gosafe.com/product.asp?pid=S3200&medval=U1E38172610504N3O585
They are ultra light and incredibly strong. They also block more UV than commercial sunglasses.