Dremel copycat tools?

philip2009

philip2009

philip2009

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There are plenty of Dremel like tools on a certain auction site. Often the tools will claim to be Dremel compatible, what I'd like to know is how compatible? I assume the drills/cutting heads etc would work OK - but what about things like the Dremel drill press or shaping/router table? Do any of the Dremel knockoffs work with those?
 
It'll be hit and miss if they are compatible, you'd have to find reviews for each where someone has actually tried it.

I borrowed a couple of "compatible" parts from my dad for my dremel when I needed some in a hurry and they were pretty poor compared to the originals - I broke one of the discs in about 3 minutes of use where the original last for hours of use.
 
My friend had a clone one, wasted hours trying to cut something. I went to get mine and he cut through it in minutes.

Get a real one
 
I'd have a look for a real one going cheap on ebay. They used to go for around £25-£30 when I bought mine a good few years ago. I don't think it's worth the risk trying to save a few quid as a lot of these cheapo tools like Silverline, Draper etc are garbage ime.

Also the real Dremel disks and sanding drums etc are also far better than the cheap ones on ebay. The cheap sanding drums just explode apart after a few mins use.
 
I had one when I was modding an old PC case for watercooling.

Took about 2 hours and 10 discs to cut a hole big enough for a 2x120mm radiator (I.e. a rectangle just under 240x120mm)

Probably would have been quicker using a hacksaw! :p
 
Haggisman said:
I had one when I was modding an old PC case for watercooling.

Took about 2 hours and 10 discs to cut a hole big enough for a 2x120mm radiator (I.e. a rectangle just under 240x120mm)

Probably would have been quicker using a hacksaw! :p
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A real dremel? I've cut 120x120mm holes through the average metal PC case before with one that took a lot less than that and didn't destroy a disc.

I dislike them though - prefer having a pressure trigger switch when working with power tools like that.
 
Rroff said:
A real dremel? I've cut 120x120mm holes through the average metal PC case before with one that took a lot less than that and didn't destroy a disc.

I dislike them though - prefer having a pressure trigger switch when working with power tools like that.
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No a cheap "copy" - was the point I was making, although I probably should have been clearer :p
 
I've ended up ordering a Proxxon multi-tool from a German online retailer, the general vibe I got from postings on Proxxon vs Dremel is that Proxxon are higher quality amongst other advantages.
 
When using anything high speed like this, buy some eye protection glasses. The discs can shatter and whatever you're cutting will fly all over the place.

Can't stress how important this is.
 
I've used cheaper alternatives and there is no comparison to the proper Dremel that I have now. Save your money and get a Dremel.

I do miss the days of GordyHand and the case modding that use to go on in these forums!
 
bought a cheapo one on amazon, think it was 25 quid, it overheats, vibrates like mad and the tools are rubbish.

That said its done what i needed it to do when i have needed it
 
I got a cheapo challenge one from Argos. Does the job fine, what can go wrong with a spinning chuck, most bits are compatible, they just tighten on. Dremelare good but cheaper ones are more than capable.
 
Abyss said:
I've used cheaper alternatives and there is no comparison to the proper Dremel that I have now. Save your money and get a Dremel.

I do miss the days of GordyHand and the case modding that use to go on in these forums!
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Yup. The rechargeable ones are pretty good. Not bought one, only borrowed and had 2 batteries, but it tore through everything I needed to. Also used the flexible shaft addon too.

#GordyForDremelDon!
 
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