Dremel or?????

[Rusty]

I know many, many years ago when I was a teenager I had a Dremel tool. At the time I used it to clean up parts that were going together to make model airplanes and model cars from kits. I can honestly say I have never used one on a gun. I have a few projects around here I'd like to work on and I'm wondering if I would be better off with a Dremel or a flex shaft that would hook up to my floor stand drill press? I'm looking for opinions from those that have used one or both. Thanks!

[AJMD429]

Sometimes the part I'm working on isn't something I could take to the drill press so I like the portability of the Dremel.

[3t-]

One thing to consider is what the item you are spinning: carbide burr, sanding disc/drum, rasp bit, etc. Most Dremel type tools run 5000-35000 rpm. Most drill presses are under 5000 and the flex shafts are to be run much slower than that. Most Dremel "tooling" needs to run at pretty high rpm. Drill press flex shafts are not really all that flexible for close hand work.

[Bronco]

I have a Dremel with a flex shaft made for it. I have run it at some pretty high rpms.

[Bill in Oregon]

The Cadillac of this class of tools is the Foredom, with a foot pedal to regulate speed. I used to have one, and while I have a regular Dremel, I miss the Foredom.

[marlinman93]

A flex shaft for your drill press is pretty worthless for most die grinding type work. The Foredom Bill mentioned is of course the finest die grinder anyone could ever need, but also pretty expensive. I've had a Dremel with flex shaft for decades, and I love it for small work. It's not for every gunsmithing job though, as they have their place and can do damage if misused.
I also have a full sized Craftsman die grinder that has a 1/4" shaft and I use that for all my really large grinding jobs. If I could still purchase a flex shaft for it I would, and I'd be set for life! It's the equal to any high speed die grinder, but the body is as large as most good 3/8 or 1/2 drill motors, and occasionally makes it tough to get into tight places.

[marlinman93]

double post again! deleted

[Rusty]

Thanks guys.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I have 4 Dremels on my bench loaded with tips I use regularly. Saves time switching tip. I also have a Foredom I rarely use.

Tips for use.
Try to clamp the part so you have both hands free to hold the Dremel.
Try to rest you forearms or wrist on the bench or something to stead you hold.

BTW, Dremel will rebuild your tool for about $20 buck

[piller]

The ones which have multiple speeds are useful. The felt wheels with polishing compound can really make a part shiny and smooth. As long as you are willing to go easy with them, Dremel and other rotary tools are very useful.

[marlinman93]

The ones which have multiple speeds are useful. The felt wheels with polishing compound can really make a part shiny and smooth. As long as you are willing to go easy with them, Dremel and other rotary tools are very useful.

My Dremel has the infinite speed control, and it's one of the features I love most on it. The other is the keyless chuck that adjusts to whatever shaft size I have. Since my tips come in two different sizes it's nice to not have to change the collet to use different shaft sizes.