Dremel

[Nemo128]

What do you guys think of using a Dremel 400 XPR with attachments, like router and table jig, for building stuff? Since I don't have a lot of room to store tools, it was a thought.

 

[lsiberian]

What do you guys think of using a Dremel 400 XPR with attachments, like router and table jig, for building stuff? Since I don't have a lot of room to store tools, it was a thought.

You can always give it a go. Cutting the wood might be rough though. Get a jig saw. It's probably the most useful saw there is. You can cut the ply with it. Just be prepared to clean up the cut. Unless you are just mad accurate.

Dremel is a nice tool. Not one I have or really want. It's not my style, but it can do a lot of stuff nicely. I wouldn't be suprised if it has a jig saw attachment. To reduce tearout use masking tape on the cut line.

I know people that could build just about anything with a dremel, but it's a skill that takes time to master.

Like they say you won't know until you try. A 2' x 4' sheet of ply can fit in most cars if the seats fold down. So pick one up and start experimenting.

 

[Haoleb]

Using a dremel to build something halfway serious would be like using pickup trucks and a bobcat to mine with. Really, No tool that "does it all" is even halfway as good as a tool that only does one thing. I have a dremel and it certainly has its uses but also its limitations.

 

[Swerd]

When I use my 2 hp router to cut circular holes in ¾" MDF, I have to make at least 3 passes to cut through that depth. I can't imagine how many passes it would take for a Dremel tool to cut that . The motor would probably burn out quickly.

 

[Sounds Good]

i am in line with everyone else... save your money... i have one and ive hardly ever used it... i think its one of those tools that its nice to have when you need it... but if i could do it again it would get a nice jig saw and a router that should cover about everything a dremel will do...

 

[lsiberian]

When I use my 2 hp router to cut circular holes in ¾" MDF, I have to make at least 3 passes to cut through that depth. I can't imagine how many passes it would take for a Dremel tool to cut that . The motor would probably burn out quickly.

LOL yeah that's certainly true. But a jig saw can cut holes.

I would never cut a speaker hole with one though. I prefer the precision of my jig and router. I like the speed of my circular saw for sizing down. And the power of my orbital sander for smoothing edges.

Like Hal says. Your better off getting the tool for the job.

I have tools in an apartment They fit in the closet very nicely. With organization you might be able to pull it off.

The wood would be more work to store than the tools.

 

[lsiberian]

i am in line with everyone else... save your money... i have one and ive hardly ever used it... i think its one of those tools that its nice to have when you need it... but if i could do it again it would get a nice jig saw and a router that should cover about everything a dremel will do...

Routers are amazing tools If you get a router I see no need for a jig saw. I'd get a circular saw instead. Remember to use very good safety rules.

Like turning off a circular saw before you leave the cut(Suggested by Bob Johnston,50 years of carpentry experience, in a Bob Vila article). You'd be amazed how many folks even experts ignore this simple step. All it takes is tripping while the saw is running and your dead.

Remember to get good gloves(Splinters suck and wood can cut your hands.), safety glasses and ear plugs.

We want you got be shaking hands, watching movies, and listenign to music for years to come.

 

[Sounds Good]

dremels are like traps... you buy one then everytime you go to sears, lowes, homdepo you walk past the dremel stand and you see all thoes little bits and attachments and you think... "oh wow, that would make .... so much more easier" so you buy it. then you end up with a ton of silly little bits that you never use... lol

the only thing ive used my dremel for is polishing stuff (it didnt even work that well) and i think i sharpend my lawn mower blade once....

 

[mtrycrafts]

... I can't imagine how many passes it would take for a Dremel tool to cut that . The motor would probably burn out quickly.

Exactly, It would be eaten up in a hurry.
It is fine for small stuff.

 

[Nemo128]

Agreed, I should have been more specific. I thought of buying an attachment just to route the channel in the saddle I was discussing in another post of mine.

If I was building the sub I want to make, I wouldn't use a Dremel for sure.

 

[lsiberian]

Agreed, I should have been more specific. I thought of buying an attachment just to route the channel in the saddle I was discussing in another post of mine.

If I was building the sub I want to make, I wouldn't use a Dremel for sure.

If you want to route something your best getting a router. Even a Ryobi router would be better than a dremel. Using the wrong tool for the job is dangerous. Remember wood working is safety first and that begins with tool selection.

http://www.cporyobi.com/products/zrr163k.html

You will get what you pay for though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bosch-2-25HP-Combo-Plunge-Fixed-Base-Router-1617EVSPK_W0QQitemZ390051923187QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRouters_Bits?hash=item5ad0e804f3&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:5|65:12|39:2|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:25

is my router. Very nice, but way more money.

 

[BillP2R]

While the Dremel is versatile and invaluable for fine work (I use mine on my model railroad projects a lot), I just don't see using it for cabinet making or other such purposes.

You've got to use the appropriate tool for the job.

------------------- Bill

 

[sawzalot]

While the Dremel is versatile and invaluable for fine work (I use mine on my model railroad projects a lot), I just don't see using it for cabinet making or other such purposes.

You've got to use the appropriate tool for the job.

------------------- Bill

This is very true,making these cabinets is not really a "small" project they require the proper tools for a quality job,there is no sense in building your boxes just so-so if your gonna undertake these builds an attempt to do them right is a must.