Dremel?

[Badger76]

Looking at buying a Dremel to use whilst building my layout and for other jobs,  are they worth the money or are there better ones out there?

[MikeDunn]

Dremel tends to be the one to go for ... there are others, such as Lidl or Aldi specials, but both of my Dremels are pretty damn good.

Worth the money ?  Well, I'd not have gone for the second (digital) one if I wasn't happy with the way the first (analogue) one worked ...  The drill-press you can get is OK, as is the flexi-shaft.  Sometimes, you can find a deal (as I did) with a number of these accessories thrown in.

But it's your call - are you happy with the price asked for the model you're considering ?

[Badger76]

Thats pretty much what I thought, the better half is looking to buy me one for my birthday so price is up too her!

[Newportnobby]

I contemplated getting one but didn't think it would cut the mustard

Taxi for NewportNobby please

[scotsoft]

I have Dremel and I find it very useful and does save me loads of time.  Maplins often have a different make for sale as do the others mentioned in Mikes post, but I have never used any other than my Dremel so I cannot comment on their reliability or functionality.

I would not consider a rechargeable one of any make, unless it could be used by mains as well, as it is guaranteed when you go to use it, the battery will need charged up 

cheers John.

[Bealman]

I have a "no name" model which is fine, but Dremel is generally considered by many to be the Makita or Roller of that sort of tool.

One thing that is a pet issue with me and have gone on about before on the forum... no matter what brand you get, WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN USING IT - particularly with cutting discs attached.

[Dorsetmike]

I've always used Minicraft, on my second one in 40 years. Also always use one with a chuck, hate colletts.

[elmo]

I have the proxxon version as all the accessories fit both my proxxon milling machine and emco lathe.
One thing that i will say having used an unbranded cheaper version in the past is that regardless of the make of the main machine, the quality of your work and expense in consumables will be in line with the quality of your chuck, collets arbour bars and tools. Beware of brass colletes that are sold by numerous suppliers  as these will wear rapidly. Hardened steel collets do not cost that much more.
I have no experience with dremel branded tooling but i do highly recommend the proxxon tools etc.
Elmo

[Sprintex]

I've had the Black & Decker version for about eight years now, never let me down


Paul

[bridgiesimon]

I've always used Minicraft, on my second one in 40 years. Also always use one with a chuck, hate colletts.

Totally agree, touch wood, I have been using my Minicraft one for around 25 years and it have never been an issue. I totally recommend having a mini drill around but not sure that should I need to replace it, I woyuld go to the expense of a Dremmel.

Don't forget that the accessories from Dremmel will fit other machines as well though.

Best wishes

Simon

[Bob Tidbury]

I have most of the mini craft tools I had a bit of a problem with the drill after many many years the rubber block that couples the motor to the drill shaft perished but I repaired it about 4 years ago no problem since. My brother in law bought me a Rolson drill kit just after the Mini craft broke , it just didn't have the torque and even when cutting track it would stall I now only use it for light drilling etc in the end you get what you pay for. I haven't tried a Dremel but I have been told they are the Rolls Royce in the drill market.
Bob

[Caz]

I bought the Lidl battery powered version just over a year ago and find it superb.  I also have a Proxxon but mains powered version, both accept each other's arbours and tools and the tools made by Dremel.

[mickd247]

I have a mains Dremel which has just failed after 15 odd years, and also a battery version which is ok but doesn't have the oomph of the mains powered one. Went to Maplin over the weekend and they have a mains powered one with some accessories for just 32 quid. It's puke green in colour but looks body wise about the same as my Dremel. I know you get what you pay for but I will get one anyway and give it a go as I am commencing track laying soon for my layout.
Will keep people posted in due course.

[Rabs]

A second, strong recommendation for the Proxxon IB/E.  It's much better made than modern dremels and only costs slightly more money (mine was £50).  It's got a better motor, well mounted bearings and a metal housing at the end that matters. 
More grunt, more accuracy and about 1/2 the noise of my dremel.

[Badger76]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll pop out on Saturday and have look at what I can get my hands on!