Is there a difference between a rotary tool and a dremel?

[computergeek19]

I was just wondering since I have seen one that I like on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-and-Decker-RTX-4-3-Speed-Rotary-Tool-w-30-acc_W0QQitemZ220135210797QQihZ012QQcategoryZ29528Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

but I heard that most modders use a dremel instead of a rotary tool. Is there any difference?

[Bucko]

A Dremel is a brand of Rotary Tool, it's just Dremel has been taken as the thing to call it.
Like calling car body filler Bondo, or adhesive tape Scotch Tape etc.

[elbarto241]

not really. just name brands in my eyes. that ebay buy is a good deal at that price, assuming the bidding doesnt go much further :D

i have that same tool, dont expect to make alot of long thick cuts [ie steel or thick alum.] with it as it overheats easily in my opinion....

[computergeek19]

thanks for the help guys, also what type of dremel or rotary tool would you recommend from experience?

[slytherock]

Don't go cordless. Get one with a High RPM.

[Bucko]

thanks for the help guys, also what type of dremel or rotary tool would you recommend from experience?

I have recently bought a 300 series Dremel after my el cheapo copy died. So far I'm fairly impressed. It has 10,000-37,000 RPM and came with a flexible shaft.

Definatly don't go cordless. You don't want a flat battery mid modding.

Any decent brand name rotary tool should be ok. Variable speed is a big thing to have though. When cutting plexi or plastic for example, too fast a speed and it melts back together, so you need to slow it down. Cutting metal you need the speed up.

[elbarto241]

bucko pretty much covered it all. for cutting definetly use reinforced cutting disc, if you can afford it go with the EZ-lock ones too. oh and i heard wonders from using the flex shaft. supposedly you get more controll and confortablity from it :D

[Crazy Buddhist]

I have recently bought a 300 series Dremel after my el cheapo copy died. So far I'm fairly impressed. It has 10,000-37,000 RPM and came with a flexible shaft.

I'm deciding between the 300 the 400. The 400 offers slower minimum cutting speeds(5K rpm vs 10K rpm), digital speed readout & control and slow start to prolongue motor life.

Not really sure how much difference those features would make. Anyone?

CrazyB

[Bucko]

Well I rarely use it on the slowest speed, if ever, because the Dremel just doesn't have the power for sanding, drilling or cutting most things used in case modding.

As for slow start, I think most Dremels die once they get pushed too hard and get too hot.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

As for slow start, I think most Dremels die once they get pushed too hard and get too hot.

Alright, good to know - well, not really, because that means I'll likely go through a few if I end up working with them! I have two cordless ones here, a two-speed 754 and some Chinese ripoff, and I can't imagine either of them are that durable.

Thanks Bucko!

[computergeek19]

I am also thinking of getting the 400 xpr dremel mainly since it has more accessories and can be turn into a drill press and a multisaw with some attachments and accessories. Do you think a multisaw and drill press will help me when modding a case?

EDIT: is there a guide where it tells you what does all the pieces of the dremel are use for in computer moding since I am new to the computer mods?

[elbarto241]

i think a drill press with definetly help in building a case, accurate holes is a must in this field of work.
i see if i can find a modders link to all the accessories, off the top of my head you can just go to dremel's offical site and browse around there for what you think you wee need, CLICKY (http://www.dremel.com/en-US/attachments-and-accessories/)

[Bucko]

A drill press is very useful, I missed not having access to one since moving a 200km from my Parents.
I just bought a cheap drill press today actually. It is a Ryobi and has a 13mm chuck, laser guide cross hairs and 5 speeds. It was $99.
A dremel drill press attachment at the same place was about $90 last time I looked.
I decided a cheap drill press that can take up to 1/2" drill bits for $9 more was a lot better value than trying to put too much pressure on the Dremel.

As for a guide, have a look at the thread stickied at the top of the Workshop. I just put it up after adding a few things of my own and I will be expanding on it with pics of my new drill press and othe rtools over the coming week or so.

[lukeisthecoolest]

lol i use a Shop Depot rotary rool ;)

only $20 at costco for a whole kit

cheap china rip-offs FTW!