Hi, I intend to buy a set of Dremel tools for RC kit building and I am confused by those model numbers at Tower Hobbies.

Tower offers a number of sets:

Dremel Deluxe Variable Speed kit w/96 accessories $89.99

Dremel 3981-01 Professional MultiPro Kit $109.99

Dremel 3956-01 MultiPro Variable Speed Super Kit $99.99

What are the major difference between these models except for their prices? Are Tower's prices more competitive than Home Depot's? I saw a bunch of Dremel tools at Home Depot and I wonder if Tower's sets are specifically designed for RC modelers.

Also, some sets at Home Depot come with cordless rechargable while others require AC power. Which is more useful? Is there a model that offers both AC option and cordless ?

Any experience and any recommendations?

I appreciate your help.

ME,

FWIW

I got the 9.6v rechargable for Father's Day. Thought it was just what I wanted, but I discovered it doesn't have an on-off switch. To turn it on at high speed, you have to roll the speed control through all the lower speeds to get to where you want. It's a bit recessed and kind of hard to move. I frequently find that I'm holding something with one hand and want to use the Dremel with the other.

Took it back (Lowes) and got the corded model with the digital speed display for $10 more (clearance). It has an on-off switch and will remember the last speed you used unless you unplug it. Also comes with 5 yr warranty vs 2 yr and includes a right angle adapter.

look at the ones at home depot or lowes. same thing and maybe a little cheaper too. -Tinman-

I suggest that you try the Black & Decker RTX rotary tool. It has much higher torque, better overall design and 99% dremel accesories can fit with no problems ! Also Dremel Type 5 and 6 has reliability problem with the variable speed switch which becomes intermittent after some time of use. I am currently modifying the Dremel drill press bracket to fit my RTX. I have the Dremel right-angle attachment and flexible cord which requires no modification. Good luck..................

I just bought a digital speed control Dremel totary tool set that was on clearance at Lowes, for $89 if I remember correctly. Apparently the digital speed display was not received well by the DIYers, but I love it.

Don't bother with the cordless ones, unless you plan on buying a second battery pac to totate and a fast charger. I have a mini Dremel cordless and there is nothing more frustrating than the battery running out of juice right before you finish a job.

I also purchased a Dremel, with the LCD readout. My last Dremel was running really rough, but it lasted for quite a long time (12-15 years or so).

I appreciate the better low rpm torque on this new one, but it seems to run a bit hotter than my old discarded Dremel tool. Other than that, it's great. I also purchased mine at Lowes, at a pretty good (low) price.

Ron,

Did you try to replace the brushed?

I got an rtx by black & decker for my bithday, the other 5 dremel kits i had burnt out on me,the B7D has much more rpm and the dremel accs. should fit it.

I have two chordless dremels (no power, seldom use them) I have a dremel with a cord and it is OK but I love the $25 Black& Decker tool so much that I bought another. Yup, five now, but I use the B&D's most.

ditto here chocofan and jim finn. I love my B&D RTX. It is far superior in performance and reliability to the dremel. Only thing is they do not have a wide selection of accessories like dremel. But I am not complainin' as all dremel accessories fit the rtx, some may need minor modification......

Just make sure that it is a corded kind, nothing worse than a dead battery and work that needs doing! I would also reccommend getting the kit that has the Flex Cable in it. I purchased that one and I absolutly love the cable. It makes to tool far easier to use and to do fine detail work. Oh yea, make sure it is variable speed too!

Phil (Mesa, AZ)

I think home depot or Lowes is your best bet. They have sales on them all the time and should be cheaper than the full retail tower charges.