[zaitsev44]

I'm wanting a Dremel for Christmas. I'm gonna mainly be using it for gun smithing and maintenance. I know there are several different models, which one would be best for moderate gun cleaning and maintenance. Thanks

 

[MoreAltitude]

I have a few dremels, first skip the cordless ones for sure. It will leave you hanging at the worst times (from experience). The rest are all pretty much so similar as to not warrant discussion unless it comes with some of the power attachments in the box( to which it sounds like you don't need). The real differences are with the hardware eg. polishers, grinding wheels, so forth, this is where you can spend some real money through time (the dremel is really a Trojan horse to get you to buy these items). My local hardware store though sells non dremel brand hardware kits that are just as good as dremel brand for about 1/2 the cost. All in all, I love my dremels, and you will find more uses for them than you ever thought of initially...

 

[Mongo]

I found a multi speed Dremel in like new cond at a pawn shop for about 1/2 price of new.

 

[hiwall]

It you are only getting one then a multi speed is the way to go. Handiest thing you can own.

 

[HOSSFLY]

It you are only getting one then a multi speed is the way to go. Handiest thing you can own.

Agree- I have a battery & a 110V
The electric gets used a LOT more

 

[trip286]

I picked up a Dremel professional in a pawn shop for 4 bucks and a threat to expose myself.

 

[Yunus]

I have a GMC brand knock off and it takes Dremel attachments and works well. It's a bit heavier but it does save you some money.

This is not the one I have but something like it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-rotary-tool-kit-68696.html

 

[danf_fl]

Dremel tools have a bad rap.

They can be used on firearms if done carefully.
But, I've had enough work from those who were a little over-zealous with it.

Multi-speed is the way to go.

 

[MoreAltitude]

I picked up a Dremel professional in a pawn shop for 4 bucks and a threat to expose myself.

Come on now, come clean! You sure they didn't give you the $4, one dollar at a time???

 

[HOSSFLY]

I picked up a Dremel professional in a pawn shop for 4 bucks and a threat to expose myself.

I'd most likely have got it free plus a coupon good for my next visit

BTW- kinda proud of the group this mournin--
Nobody has jumped on the OP for wantin a dremel

 

[John_Deer]

Lowes has the knock off dremel tools very cheap. As others have mentioned I would look for a multi-speed or a variable speed dremel tool. If running wide open was suitable no one would bother with a dremel tool. The air grinders are much faster, cheaper and efficient.

 

[HOSSFLY]

Lowes has the knock off dremel tools very cheap. As others have mentioned I would look for a multi-speed or a variable speed dremel tool. If running wide open was suitable no one would bother with a dremel tool. The air grinders are much faster, cheaper and efficient.

Lowes or Harbor Freight is you have a store local--
Just throwing this out there--If you use the little stiff wire brushes PLEASE use glasses & even then be VERY carefull - They throw bristles bad - 9 times outta 10 straight at your eye!

 

[MoreAltitude]

Lowes or Harbor Freight is you have a store local--
Just throwing this out there--If you use the little stiff wire brushes PLEASE use glasses & even then be VERY carefull - They throw bristles bad - 9 times outta 10 straight at your eye!

+1 on Harbor Freight, love that place!!!

 

[danf_fl]

BTW- kinda proud of the group this mournin--
Nobody has jumped on the OP for wantin a dremel

I've got a sinus headache.

 

[John_Deer]

Lowes or Harbor Freight is you have a store local--
Just throwing this out there--If you use the little stiff wire brushes PLEASE use glasses & even then be VERY carefull - They throw bristles bad - 9 times outta 10 straight at your eye!

I don't use the wire brushes at all. I use the 3M pads for removing gasket material in a drill or a air grinder. As Hossfly said the wire brushes are dangerous if they don't hit your face they will hit your hands. You will be picking little piece of wire out of your hands. The 3M pads do a fine job of polishing metal with a little practice. Take a file or whetstone to remove any stamping or machine marks first. Then use the pad to polish the part to a nice sheen. My gunsmith has a lot of experience polishing parts even he has started using the 3M pads.

 

[rhyno13]

From experience, I would stay away from the Wal-mart dremels and opt for something at say Lowes or Home Depot. Every dremel I got from wa-lmart did not last over a couple of months.

 

[winds-of-change]

I have a battery operated dremel and I mostly just use it to file down the dog's nails.

 

[purehavoc]

I have a dremel brand and I have the flex shaft attachment that connects to the end of the dremel its about 3 ft long and uses your attachments in it instead of holding the dremel in your hand , I just hang it up on a hook and use this piece , its alot quieter than having the dremel next to your face when doing small parts, it gets into tighter places also.
Buy a variable speed dremel if you intend on using this attachment . Here is a pic of it

 

[zaitsev44]

I saw a Chicago Electric (I think) in the Harbor Freight ad for I think $6.48. Should I order one? It has I think 24 attachments

 

[KG7IL]

BTW- kinda proud of the group this mournin--
Nobody has jumped on the OP for wantin a dremel

I viewed this earlier at zero replies. I didn't provide an answer at that time because I got distracted. dog, coffee, heat.

I have two models

1) Dremel Variable Speed with two collet chucks and an adjustable chuck.

2) Black and Decker variable cordless with adjustable chuck. (with removeable, separate charging batteries).

I have several cotton wheels and a couple shaped like a bullet (rouded conical ogive).
The cotton attachments used with Flitz is the only real use in gunsmithing for me. for light polishing only.

I think that the adustable chucks are a must if you think you will be changing accessories often.

I have the flexible shaft, but can't say that I have needed it yet.

In additionion to the set of wheels, drums, bits, tips and stuff, I also have the router base, grout remover and chainsaw attachment.

The only attachment that I use regularly is the chainsaw sharpening setup.
I'm pretty good at a quick touch-up and a full resharpen. Beats a trip to the saw shop. Obviously the corded model is best for resharpening (unless you have a pocket full of batteries)
​

I would recommend that you stay with Dremel brand, find a package with accessories priced right for Christmas.

Stay away from any low-end unit, such as the little Harbor Freight unit driven by a wall-wart (AC adapter), they lack power and will drag down easily.

ONE MORE THING. Try to find a version with a flexible cord, some cords are stiff and make delicate tasks more difficult.