Dremel

Hi,

A quick question. I've been looking at Dremel tools. I seem to be down to two
models, the 395 (variable speed) and the 275 (single speed) with an
additional speed control pedal. I thought I had decided (275+pedal).

Stats:
395: 5000-30000 rpm, adjustible in increments, adjusted on the tool
275: 30000rpm (28000 in some literature), no adjustment
275 + pedal: 0-30000 rpm, adjustable I believe infinitely via a
rheostat/varistor type of pedal control

Now, the reason I had lined up the 275 as my choice was, with the pedal, I can
adjust speed while working AND perhaps most importantly, I can run the device
below 5000 rpm for working with resins or plastics that don't like heat
produced by high rpms.

However, the 275 was about $65 Cdn ($40-45 USD). Home Depot wanted $96
Cdn
($60-65 USD) for the speed control pedal (damn expensive
potentiometer/variable resistor). I thought that was insane. I can get
the variable speed 395 for less than $70 Cdn also.

The question is:

I know the 0-5000 adjustable range on the 275 is pretty great for
working in plastics and resins. But just how bad is 5000 rpm for resin or
plastic? Enough to justify more than doubling the price? Or should I just buy
the variable model 395?

Thoughts from those who have such tools or similar ones?

<Note, I've also considered buying a 120V rotary dimmer switch and splicing it
into the powercord of a 275 to create the same effect for $10.00 (mind you
this assumes the pedal is just a variable resistor, which I think it is). It'd
mean I couldn't control the speed by foot control, but it'd be about $80 Cdn
cheaper...if it works>

> I know the 0-5000 adjustable range on the 275 is pretty great for

I have a variable speed model 395. The answer depends on what you're going to
do with it. If you're only going to use it for cutting, etc. then just go with
that.

However, if you plan to use it for plastic model kits and other hobby uses,
there are certain effects and techniques (totally unrelated to
any FT or DS needs) that having that 0-5000 RPM is very useful.
Examples: thinning plastic fuselage on WWI aircraft; modelling imperfect steel
for WWII armor; precision drilling in plastic, resin, or wood.

When I first got my variable speed, it had all I needed at the time. NOW, I
wish I had something more.

Hope this helps,

> Hi,

I use the variable-speed model (395), and it's just fine on plastics and
resins; the idea of being able (with the pedal control) to vary the speed
while working does have some attractions, though, so I guess it's down to
how your budget is.....  ;-)

Jon (GZG)
> <Note, I've also considered buying a 120V rotary dimmer switch and

> >However, the 275 was about $65 Cdn ($40-45 USD). Home Depot wanted

Found a variable speed control from MicroMark for $39.95. Not pedal controlled
though.