Advice needed: Dremel Flex-Shaft attachment

[Bergie]

Have any of you used the Flex-Shaft attachment on a Dremel moto tool? [see it here: http://www.dremel.com/html/home_fr.html] I'm thinking about adding it to my arsenal but wanted to know if it's worth it.


Thanks,
Erik

[Anonymous]

I've not used mine on the RR yet, but I have used it around the house. It makes it a lot easier to get into tighter spaces where the body of the Dremel is too big or awkward to fit into.

[areibel]

I agree! I've only used it once or twice on the RR, but it is handy (if you remember you have it). My wife uses it with a buff or small wire wheel to get paint out of the nooks and crannies on furniture she refinished- a lot better control. I use it when I need to cut a rail that's already down, it's easier to get a perpendicular cut.

[Anonymous]

I have one. It is very useful but half the time I'm more concerned about the motor tool rolling around than with what I'm working on. Sometimes I duct tape the motor end of things down while I'm working, but sometimes that's not an option. Between holding my work, the shaft head, and the tool, I need three hands.

[Don Gibson]

Get the Dremel 'hanger', plus I find it better for cutting track gaps.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Erik, I don't want to sound negative here, and maybe the technology has improved over the years, but I used to hear that they broke after a while. I have owned a regular Dremel for almost 30 years, and have never run across a task that I wished I had the flexible shaft for. Of course it all depends on the kind of work that you like to do. I used to use mine almost exclusively for track work.

Now I almost never use it at all. I use a bench top combination disk and belt sander for all of my rail work. Keep in mind that I do 3 rail O, but even if I was handlaying track, and making turnouts in HO or 2 rail O, I would still use a combination of hand tools and the sander.

If you don't already own a combination sander (mine is a Delta with a 6" disk and 1" belt) get one! It works on wood, plastic and metal. Keep in mind I don't do a lot of small detail work, but if I did, I would probably use hand tools like files and a pin vise, and not a Dremel.

[Isambard]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Erik, I don't want to sound negative here, and maybe the technology has improved over the years, but I used to hear that they broke after a while. I have owned a regular Dremel for almost 30 years, and have never run across a task that I wished I had the flexible shaft for. Of course it all depends on the kind of work that you like to do. I used to use mine almost exclusively for track work.

Now I almost never use it at all. I use a bench top combination disk and belt sander for all of my rail work. Keep in mind that I do 3 rail O, but even if I was handlaying track, and making turnouts in HO or 2 rail O, I would still use a combination of hand tools and the sander.

If you don't already own a combination sander (mine is a Delta with a 6" disk and 1" belt) get one! It works on wood, plastic and metal. Keep in mind I don't do a lot of small detail work, but if I did, I would probably use hand tools like files and a pin vise, and not a Dremel.

Does any reader have a photo of a combination disk and belt sander? How about other comments on a Dremel? I've been thinking of one for use in robust cutting and sanding operations on plastic and metal including nooks and crannys on locos and cars.
[?]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Isambard

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Erik, I don't want to sound negative here, and maybe the technology has improved over the years, but I used to hear that they broke after a while. I have owned a regular Dremel for almost 30 years, and have never run across a task that I wished I had the flexible shaft for. Of course it all depends on the kind of work that you like to do. I used to use mine almost exclusively for track work.

Now I almost never use it at all. I use a bench top combination disk and belt sander for all of my rail work. Keep in mind that I do 3 rail O, but even if I was handlaying track, and making turnouts in HO or 2 rail O, I would still use a combination of hand tools and the sander.

If you don't already own a combination sander (mine is a Delta with a 6" disk and 1" belt) get one! It works on wood, plastic and metal. Keep in mind I don't do a lot of small detail work, but if I did, I would probably use hand tools like files and a pin vise, and not a Dremel.

Does any reader have a photo of a combination disk and belt sander? How about other comments on a Dremel? I've been thinking of one for use in robust cutting and sanding operations on plastic and metal including nooks and crannys on locos and cars.
[?]

Sorry this isn't the best shot of it, but it was handy. That's it on the right.



I'll be the first to admit that the sander not for nooks and crannys, but sometimes the Dremel is also too much for that stuff. Speed control helps a lot when doing small work, but don't slip. Hand tools still offer the best control for the finest work.

[Anonymous]

I have a Dremel with the flex shaft, but don't use it. To me the flex shaft doesn't flex enough. It is stiff to hold and no where as versatile as a stand alone Dremel tool. I have two regular Dremels, an older single speed model and a newer one with the speed adjustment. I use the older single speed one the most, as I have it hooked up to a foot pedal from an old sewing machine, and this gives me a greater range of speeds than the one with the individual speeds.

Bob Boudreau

[cacole]

I agree with the comments by FundyNorthern. I have the flex shaft but have not used it more than once or twice because it is too cumbersome and stiff. Despite everything I tried, it tends to whip around and was not a wise investment.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

I have a Dremel with the flex shaft, but don't use it. To me the flex shaft doesn't flex enough. It is stiff to hold and no where as versatile as a stand alone Dremel tool. I have two regular Dremels, an older single speed model and a newer one with the speed adjustment. I use the older single speed one the most, as I have it hooked up to a foot pedal from an old sewing machine, and this gives me a greater range of speeds than the one with the individual speeds.

Bob Boudreau

Bob,
You have given me a perfectly evil idea! [}:)]
Let me start my saying that I too, had a single speed unit, which was replaced by one with rotary control. I liked that, but eventually it died [V] and was replaced a few years ago by the latest rendition, (actually 2 of them) with the 5 position slide switch. What a piece of crap! [:(!] Both of them will change speeds on me, as vibrations affect the switch and can cause it to move while you are working!
I never even thought of just using a sewing machine foot pedal control for one, (after taping the switch on 5 ).
Here's the evil part. There is a sewing machine and controller that live under a pile of "girlie stuff" in the craft area of the basement. I'm thinking that the controller could be liberated![oX)][yeah]
Wow, I never woulda thunk it without y'alls help!!![(-D][:-,][swg][(-D][:-,][swg][:-^]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kbfcsme

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

I have a Dremel with the flex shaft, but don't use it. To me the flex shaft doesn't flex enough. It is stiff to hold and no where as versatile as a stand alone Dremel tool. I have two regular Dremels, an older single speed model and a newer one with the speed adjustment. I use the older single speed one the most, as I have it hooked up to a foot pedal from an old sewing machine, and this gives me a greater range of speeds than the one with the individual speeds.

Bob Boudreau

Bob,
You have given me a perfectly evil idea! [}:)]
Let me start my saying that I too, had a single speed unit, which was replaced by one with rotary control. I liked that, but eventually it died [V] and was replaced a few years ago by the latest rendition, (actually 2 of them) with the 5 position slide switch. What a piece of crap! [:(!] Both of them will change speeds on me, as vibrations affect the switch and can cause it to move while you are working!
I never even thought of just using a sewing machine foot pedal control for one, (after taping the switch on 5 ).
Here's the evil part. There is a sewing machine and controller that live under a pile of "girlie stuff" in the craft area of the basement. I'm thinking that the controller could be liberated![oX)][yeah]
Wow, I never woulda thunk it without y'alls help!!![(-D][:-,][swg][(-D][:-,][swg][:-^]

I too have the old sewing machine foot pedal, I know it's in that mess somewhere.

It takes a little getting used to, but it gets the job done. One thing about them is the newer ones may need to be rewired. Mine is a very old one that plugs into the wall then the sewing machine plugged into it. The only problem with that is that it isn't grounded it's so old.

If you don't feel like rewiring it, just go get a dimmer switch, an outlet, a cord, a plug and a metal electrical box and make a desk top version. That is actually a little nicer, beacuse you can just dial it in for the project, and your foot doesn't need to be steady.

[darth9x9]

Hey Isambard,

Here is a link to a combo disc/belt sander:
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tools-All-Craftsman_Belt_Disc_Sander_Bench_Top_4_x_36_in_Belt_and_6_in_Disc_21536

Pretty useful tool. You should be able to find them at your local home improvement center.

[Anonymous]

I purchased a store brand rotary tool kit from ACO Hardware. $19.95, came with variable speed tool, flex shaft, and about 60 accessories for $19.95. Works great. If it dies after a couple of years, I am only out $20.00, not $80.00 like the Dremel brand. Meijer also has one on sale this week (ShopForce brand??) for 19.95.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by darth9x9

Hey Isambard,

Here is a link to a combo disc/belt sander:
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tools-All-Craftsman_Belt_Disc_Sander_Bench_Top_4_x_36_in_Belt_and_6_in_Disc_21536

Pretty useful tool. You should be able to find them at your local home improvement center.

I have one of those too, but I don't like it as well, or ever really use it. The wide horizontal belt is virtually useless. I picked mine up at a home improvement store too, but it was many years ago.

When looking for tools that have small tables, I STRONGLY recommend that you only consider those models that have SMOOTH tables. You don't want the fluted ones. Simply put, they suck. Your work tends to catch on the ridges, or dust piles up there and gets in your way. This is how I came to choose a DELTA.

The long narrow vertical belt is what I get the most use out of these days. The disk is nice for certain things, but it can be a pain to change the paper, so I try not to wear it out too quickly.

Here's a link to a slightly different model Delta. Looks nice for $79, shop around.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/toolsplus/delsa150.html

This is the one I have. Price will probably be around $150 - $180.[tup][tup]

http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=835

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you don't feel like rewiring it, just go get a dimmer switch, an outlet, a cord, a plug and a metal electrical box and make a desk top version. That is actually a little nicer, beacuse you can just dial it in for the project, and your foot doesn't need to be steady.

Eliot,
I'm curious why you wrote metal electrical box. Wouldn't a plastic electrical box lessen the possibility of shorting against something else on the bench ? I agree that the dimmer switch would be easier than the foot pedal for those of us that can't chew gum and walk at the same time. [:)]
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrbarney

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
If you don't feel like rewiring it, just go get a dimmer switch, an outlet, a cord, a plug and a metal electrical box and make a desk top version. That is actually a little nicer, beacuse you can just dial it in for the project, and your foot doesn't need to be steady.

Eliot,
I'm curious why you wrote metal electrical box. Wouldn't a plastic electrical box lessen the possibility of shorting against something else on the bench ? I agree that the dimmer switch would be easier than the foot pedal for those of us that can't chew gum and walk at the same time. [:)]
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

No Bob, a metal box is much safer and more durable when properly grounded. A Romex clamp should be used to hold the cord where it enters the box. The unit I described doesn't necessarily need to be anchored to the wall or bench. This could be used with other tools, if their motors can handle operation at lower voltage.

[jslean]

I am surprised at the comments about the Dremel flexible shaft attachment. I have two Dremel tools -a regular mode 270 and a model 332 which has a built in flexible shaft. i use the modell 332 for almost everything. About the only time that I use the model 270 is when I need to use both a cutting disk and a wire brush and can't be bothered changing the tool. I keep the model 332 suspended above my workbench. When I need to use it on the layout, I never use the stand. I just lay it on a convenient spot. I have never had a problem with it rolling around.

John Slean

[Fergmiester]

The first hobby tool I ever bought was a dremel Tool. I replaced it a couple of years ago with a ryobi. Which tough a good unit isn't a Dremel, which as a hand tool is best bar none!

I got a 2 speed roto/zip/rotour tool a couple of years ago from Canadian Tire. It resembles one of those units that come with a Flex shaft that you saw carvers using, hung from a hangar and use to sell for several hundred dollars. This unit is very ergonomic and has a LED in the handle. excellent for stationary jobs at the work bench.

My advice is the flex shaft is excellent for jobs where you're sitting down and want high precision and don't want or don't have the endurance to handle a heavy tool for extended periods of time.

Regards
Fergie

[BR60103]

I have an older Dremel (25-30 years). Can anyone tell me if the current flex shaft will fit it?