Our local "hardware" store has a Black & Decker rotary tool on sale this week. It is similar to a Dremel, but a little larger around. It is on sale for $20, which seems a good deal. It has three speeds, ranging from 5K to 30K rpm, and also comes with some attachments and a couple of clamps. The question is, is this something that will be used much in building a model RR? I'm all for saving some $$, but not if it is something I will never use. (I think I like the shape & size of the pistol-grip Dremel, but it is three times the cost, so that won't be happening this week.) So, is this something I should spring for or wait a little longer?
Thanks for the advice,
FT
If you're fairly new to the hobby and it sounds like you are, then don't buy a rotary tool just yet. There are too many other more necessary things you will want to spend your money on. I was in the hobby for several years before I decided to spend the money for a Dremel. Cutting track or gaps in rails and other useful ways to use a Dremel can be accomplished by using an inexpensive track-cutting tool, which is what I used for years.
Hope this helps.
Mondo
As long as the chuck on the B&D tool will accommodate Dremel bits, for $20 I think you'll do OK.
Having said that, one of the things I like about my Dremel is the variety of special attachments available for it. I especially use the 90-degree angle adapter since it allows me to cut cleaner gaps in my track.
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
There are many times particularly when laying track when I wish I had two rotary/Dremel tools -- one with a cutting disc the other with a wire brush. At this price this sounds like it would be a good "second" rotary tool.
While it is true that a true beginning model railroader may have no need for a rotary tool and there are other more pressing things to buy first, this can also be a chicken or egg sort of thing. Do you remain a beginner for lack of advanced tools? Or do you put off advanced tools because you are a beginner?
I would also say that in general beginners at some point think of hobby spending as cars and locomotives while they should be starting to build up their collection of good tools: files, drill bits, good knives and plenty of fresh blades, soldering iron or gun, saws, mitre boxes, etc. Somewhere in there the cordless drills and rotary tools have a place
Dave Nelson
If you decide you need a rotary tool over other tools, I would look for one with variable speed, not 3 set speeds.
ft-fan,
If you need a rotary tool, Dremel is by far the best, but expensive. I purchased an off-brand rotary tool with, variable speed control, a flexible drive and several Dremel compatible attachments for $20.00 a couple of years ago. It also came with a bunch of cutting wheels, bits of various types and buffing wheels. I don't use it often, but it has never let me down yet.
Were I you, I would look for a tool with variable speeds. It makes the tool much more versatile. Dremel attachment compatibility is also important IMHO.
Before I bought my rotary tool, I cut my track and many other things with an Atlas Super Saw. At about $2.00 you can't beat it.
Tools are personal things, and in my case, most are impulse purchases. One of the few exceptions was my rotary tool. I thought about it and shopped around.
Whatever you decide, good luck.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
BRVRR wrote:Before I bought my rotary tool, I cut my track and many other things with an Atlas Super Saw. At about $2.00 you can't beat it.
PHEW! I thought I was the only one! :)
ft-fan wrote: Our local "hardware" store has a Black & Decker rotary tool on sale this week. It is similar to a Dremel, but a little larger around. It is on sale for $20, which seems a good deal. It has three speeds, ranging from 5K to 30K rpm, and also comes with some attachments and a couple of clamps. The question is, is this something that will be used much in building a model RR? I'm all for saving some $$, but not if it is something I will never use. (I think I like the shape & size of the pistol-grip Dremel, but it is three times the cost, so that won't be happening this week.) So, is this something I should spring for or wait a little longer?Thanks for the advice,FT
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
I bought a $10 rechargeable 2 speed Black and Decker as a back up to the Dremel on a whim a few years ago. All the attachments and chucks fit. The Dremel then proceeded to die about 2 years ago, and I have been getting by with the B&D so well I haven't felt the need to get a new Dremel yet. When I start the new layout I will probably get one though, because that 90 attachment is great for cutting track. I usually use the Xuron cutter and clean up with a file when laying track, but it's hard to beat that Dremel for cutting insulating gaps in laid track and such.
You can definitely live without one, but it is just not as easy.
Metro Red Line wrote: BRVRR wrote:Before I bought my rotary tool, I cut my track and many other things with an Atlas Super Saw. At about $2.00 you can't beat it. PHEW! I thought I was the only one! :)
Nope, I did too.
While you can definitely get by with out one, the Dremel is so handy you'll be glad you own it. The 10.8v cordless is really nice around the layout.
Enjoy
Paul
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
ft-fan wrote:The question is, is this something that will be used much in building a model RR?
My Dremel is a top-of-the-line unit with the flexible shank (not the add-on thing), and variable speed. I paid full price for it about 30 years ago. I have never regretted it. It has never failed me. I don't just use it for model railroading either. I've used it while working on real automobiles, household repairs, all types of models, awana grand prix cars, computers, and a few years back I discovered diamond coated bits and now carve stones with it too.
However I will say the Atlas track saw and a pair of Xeron rail-nippers should be added to your tool box first. I do not use the Dremel for gaps in track. The "cut-off" disks make way to wide a cut.
Another option for a Dremel is a Craftsman from Sears.
They're made by Dremel for Sears & can be found at a decent price.
Gordon
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
For the benefit of the other readers of this thread, look at the Proxxon Moto Tool. Smooth, fast, pwerful, low vibration, and quiet too. A Mercedes vs a Chevy.
Check eBay as a source....
R. T. POTEET wrote: ft-fan wrote: - but regardless of what choice you make your first ancilliary equipment must be EYE-PROTECTION!!!!
ft-fan wrote:
Let me second that mandate for eye protection. And while you are at it, a painter's cap is not a bad idea to keep metal filings and dust out of your hair. Indeed when using the wire brush it is not uncommon to feel a bit of a sting on your nose or cheek as a tiny wire impales itself. And lastly -- some of us are in the habit of sticking out our tongue a little when working on a project (like Michael Jorden when he played for the Bulls). Get out of that habit when working with a motor tool. Don't ask me how I know this.
Many thanks to everyone who posted an answer to my original question. I decided to wait on this purchase. It is not something I am going to need for a while, and the quality on this unit is probably questionable, so I will wait and save my $$ for a quality unit down the road.
Thanks again for your help.