How good is dremmel?

[Jester]

Hi Bonsai Dudes and Dudettes!!!

Pretty soon I would like to start experimenting with shari. It would appear that for a newcomber to this technique, Dremmel seems to be the way to go. . Initially when this tool was advertised on TV, from memory, is was advertised through the telemall / telemarketing ads which gave me the perception that it was junk. However a lot of forum members seem to use it. So what I would like to know is how durable and robust this tool is. Is it something likely to last you many years if used properly? Are there particular attachments that you would recommend (The bits you just can't do without)? Anything else I should know about dremmel?

If your answer is pretty much ........"Nope!!! I don't like them",.................. What would you recommend as an alternative?

Many thanks

[MelaQuin]

Dremel is a good tool for starting carving or for small to medium jobs. If you are doing a huge carving job you need a larger item but as a basic tool in your bonsai toolkit - go for it. Most of the bits you get with the initial purchase are not suitable and prepare to outlay a bit to get what you need. I do a fair bit of olive carving and while I burned my first one out, the second has lasted very well. So well in fact, that I'm thinking I am going to need a replacement soon but it is still in there churning away.

Bits I use a lot
107 110 115 116 194 196 9934

Bits I use a bit less but need
117 121 124 190 193 9905

I went online to Kaizenbonsai.com in the UK and bought their 'termite' set of 4 very aggressive bits. Nothing like these in the Dremel range and I LOVE them for the initial excavation work.

I have only used the Dremel with the cord having heard that cordless is not quite as good tho Steven has defended it. Also, if you are in for serious carving you will need a Flexishaft. And DON'T go cheap and get an Ozito... the tool is cheaper because it is cheap. If you get the $150 approx Dremel Kit you get a nice carry box plus the flexishaft... it is really better value to get the big kit.

Whether it is to make a branch removal cut look natural or really do a good bit of carving, I like the Dremel and feel it is good value for money.

[Jester]

Wow, thanks for the great advice Melaquin. You have just saved me a lot of time and anguish I'm sure !!


Thankyou once again


John

[anttal63]

i love my dremel now thanks to melaquin im gonna love it more. shaft, termite's and spiral cutters on their way!

[Jarrod]

Those termite bits sound awesome! i was always a bit annoyed that the dremel bits dont take away as much wood as you would want!

[Gumnuts]

I am thinking of getting a dremmel as well.

I noticed that Bunnings has a dremmel kit for $100.It is a 300 series so I dont known how much grunt it has.
It has a few bits included.Other people talk about larger and more powerful die grinders
but I dont know much about them (yet)!

Cheers

[Jester]

Can someone please tell me why they are called Die Grinders? Actually don't worry I just found out.

TA

[anttal63]

Those termite bits sound awesome! i was always a bit annoyed that the dremel bits dont take away as much wood as you would want!

they do have 2 router bits ( not in the kit ) that take enough wood off but dont last too long, especially if you're carving hard wood trees.

[Jarrod]

I haven't seen those! i must look into it, i have somecarving to do....

[Chris]

ive seen them serching for the right price seen one for $199 im all excited

[MelaQuin]

The Dremel 400 is neat. I am sorta hoping mine will expire so I can get this one. Comes with a beaut box that easily holds the Dremel, the flexishaft and a flock of bits that you don't need but the bit boxes are good to put in the ones you will get and do need.
Get one of those silly little soil brushes as they are great for sweeping the shavings away from the carving area. Go to a $2 shop and get a set of 'toothbrushes' - brass and stainless steel or whatever. The brass brush is great for cleaning the bits.

You can pay a mint and get BLADE SAVER at tool shops. It removes gunk and impacted tree wood from the teeth of the bits. However, not wanting to pay $32 I soak my bits overnight in water and hit them with the brass brush. 94% success. It has been recommended to spray the clogged bits with WD40 and leave overnight and brush. Whatever, try it all.

Just remember... a Dremel can be addictive.... I was once perfectly normal and than I not only discovered bonsai, but I heard the word 'Dremel' and investigated. I haven't been the same since...

Don't toss out the bits that come with a Dremel... the sandpaper rings, the fine engraving bits.. those you can use. and maybe you can use others for around the house repairs.

[Jester]

Thanks again Melaquin, that information is priceless. Incidently I am sorry to hear about your condition now that you are using the Dremmel and it certainly sounds like it is getting worse. Ever since I started working with Serissa's, I too have developed a slowly declining mental condition. Do you think I should stop eating Dynamic Lifter???

John

[sreeve]

Jester - another name for Joker?

Good one John.

By way of diagnosis, I think you should be OK, but take it out of the white bag in future
Regards
Steve

[aaron_tas]

i'm workin with a 400 series dremmel, fully digi control, flexi shaft, and sweet box too

dremmel.jpg

i recommend using these for shohin and finishing deadwood, it doesn't chew like arbotech...

[MelaQuin]

I'm just waiting till mine dies, Aaron. I was going to get a 400, just on spec, but with my luck my current Dremel would hold out until the warranty expired on the new one and then that would die so I daren't take the chance. But maybe my Dremel will last until an even better '500' comes out. But I really lusted after the neat tool box! However, cramped as my Dremel box is it holds everything so it will do until Burn Out occurs... always something to look forward to in life.