16 replies to this topic

[timtulip]

Hi folks,

I'd like to get a tool similar to a dremell, without paying the big bucks up front.

Is there another tool out there that is similar, but not as fancy?

I'm just looking for something basic. I'm only a beginner getting into some very very basic scratch building.

cheers!

tim

[slotbaker]

Bunnings have an Ozito grinder which is similar.
I bought one about 18months ago, as a back up and for doing rough stuff. While it's got a bit more vibration than a Dremel, it does the job.

Mine was only about $35, but don't know what they cost now, if they still have them.

[dangermouse]

saw one similar to yours at Bunnings recently slotbaker- it even had a long flexible shaft - around the $40 mark and I am pretty sure it had a box of drills and cutters in with it as well

DM

[mondeoman]

I picked one up at Sam`s warehouse for $25. Still runs great variable speed, came in a case with about 15 attachments.
Picked up a $10 set of 35-40 attachments sandinf discs, cutting wheels etc. at a mitre 10 sale- all bits fit fine.

Supercheap also used to have some, but haven`t been in there for awhile.

[Ember]

Dick Smith Electronics sell one as well, but I doubt it's that much cheaper than a Dremel.

Personally, I recommend buying the best you can afford as it will last you well. And once you have it you'll find more and more uses for it.

Embs

[Kenny]

I've got to agree with Ember,
Save up if you have to, but don't skimp on something, for a couple of dollars, that may well last you a lifetime of enjoyment and destruction.
cheers,
John

[FLY in the wall]

I have a Dremel knock-off $25 bought it in Indo. works well. My friend has a flexible shaft one with foot control. The major difference is that his has a proper three jaw chuck whereas mine has a collect type Dremel one. His is better for drilling the odd holes as mine won't accept drills. I have to use a pin vice.

[Ember]

Must admit, the best thing I bought after my dremel was the chuck for my dremel.

[cammer]

Ryobi sell an excellent high speed tool for less than a Dremel.
If you are in Sydney for the timber and woodworking show (next month?) there are usually some great deals to be had on the machine and consumables.
cheers

[timtulip]

cheers folks!

I found a couple of cheap knock offs on evilbay, but i don't think i trust them too well

going to bite the bullet and fork out the dough i think, but not straight away!!

[munter]

My old dremel has a chuck and when I wanted to upgrade the new dremel only had the collet.
I was doubtful at first but I needn't have worried.
The collet works fine.

My old dremel was a "handmedown" that had been used for lapidary work ( jade)
The thing still works but is noisey and not that accurate.

The replacement has a great slow speed control and a flexi drive which is great because the handpiece is a better size than actually holding the whole dremel body.

regards

[Ember]

Only had collet on mine for a start. Wasn't a major problem. But buying the chuck has made life simpler. And it's meant that I'm not limited to using dremel bits.

I've got a bunch of 1 1/2 shank dental drill diamond burrs that I use a lot. I used to work a lot with a flexidrive dental drill for glass engraving, so I thought I'd use the flexi drive on the dremel more than I do. But unless I'm working on something really fine and accurate I don't bother with the flexi. Still use it occasionally for glass engraving, but the next model up would've been better for that, I only bought the base model cos it was on special and I'm a tightwad.

[auphartz]

I know this isn't the thread for this question but I couldn't find a suitable one ........... I'm trying to make an attempt to make my own street lights but i can't find a scource for any 6mm tubing of any kind . I live in adelaide but any australian supplier would do .......... thanks

[kalbfellp]

I found suitable tube at the local party shop, Balloon Holders for kids parties. $2.00 for six. They are very thin wall so idea for getting the wire thru.
Some supermarkets and cheapy shops like Go Lo,etc also have them. Check out the craft or party section.

[FLY in the wall]

kalbfellp, on May 17 2010, 05:54 PM, said:

I found suitable tube at the local party shop, Balloon Holders for kids parties. $2.00 for six. They are very thin wall so idea for getting the wire thru.
Some supermarkets and cheapy shops like Go Lo,etc also have them. Check out the craft or party section.

kalbfellp,

Yellow? This is also good for putting under Ninco front axles.

[slotbaker]

Check out your local Bunnings.

The one near me (Hoxton Park, NSW) is having a clearance on Dremel stuff.

[timtulip]

Went to Bunnings last night. Picked up the Ozito rotary tool, comes with the bench stand and flexi shaft and the box of extras like cutting disks drills etc, just like Slotbaker said!

It's actually a great piece of kit for the price!!