Advice for Dremel starter set

[BadExampleMan]

Hi, I'm looking to add the ability to drill and shape holes to my glass - things like holes for bolts or other fasteners, shaped openings for light switches or electrical socket plates, stuff like that, for pieces that are in general 3/8" or less in thickness. I might want to also experiment with doing some etching work.

My studio space is limited so everything has to be handheld. I'm agnostic about corded/cordless, whatever gives better performance.

Budget's a consideration, of course, but I'd happily pay for quality rather than some Chinese knockoff that's going to burn out in 6 months.

May I solicit recommendations, both for the tool and tip sets?

Thanks.

[Valerie Adams]

I've got an old Dremel (which is corded) and bought the flex-shaft attachment. The Dremel hangs out of my way (and away from water). The flex-shaft gives easier handling and performance. I buy my tiny diamond drill bits on Ebay; they're are lots of cheap sellers. For bigger holes, I buy the bits at HIS Glassworks.

[Fiona Collins]

I upgraded from a dremel with flex shaft to a foredom a couple of years ago and can highly recommend the foredom. Great for drilling, carving and small cold working jobs with the 3M diamond disks, comes with foot pedal control

[peter cummings]

Definately save, beg or borrow for the foredom. You wont regret and you'll grow with it.

[Buttercup]

Does anyone have experience using this rotary tool? It's available in Oz and is $140.00 AUD less expensive than the Foredom. It comes with accessories , flexible shaft and a foot control. It's available at CarbaTec, the Oz version of lee Valley. (CarbaTec, too, carry the Veritas line of tools to drool over.)

I'd appreciate any input as my Dremel is 110v so has to be used with a converter and its flexible shaft has fallen apart and I'm thinking it's time to get something more suitable.

http://www.carbatec.com.au/archer-power ... kit_c13150

Appreciate any input. Jen

(PS Didn't mean to hijack the thread, just thought it may be an appropriate place to ask.)

[Kevin Midgley]

I might question why they are putting the chisel attachment for the unit you are asking about on clearance.http://www.carbatec.com.au/main_page/sp ... ce/page/24
It seems cheaper however than the chinese site I look at for such units.
Greasing up the dremel and putting it back together is way cheaper.

[peter cummings]

I bought an "archer" years ago, before I got the foredom. Only problem I had was the speed control failed after a fair bit of use. Had trouble getting the replacement bit and ended up with a part out of another tool. So now there's little control over speed. I think it's easy to get parts now, cheap, and carbatech has it's wharehouse in Q'land. Uses same handpiece connection as foredom, different to "faro" and europeans. You can get quick release and collet handpieces much cheaper than europ. types. Collet types take all sizes of burrs up to 6mm which can be very handy. You can get 6mm diamond burrs fairly cheap now and I use 6mm wood dowell for polishing sometimes. Another story. I think the wood carvers chisel is included because they are a wood work specialist. ps foot speed control is terrific, and if anyone says it's too much don't let them drive a car.

[Buttercup]

Thank you, Peter and Kevin. I just called to ask about availability of spare parts for the Archer and was assured they are readily available. Apparently the handpiece/flex drive is on special as they seldom sell by themselves. Most people buy the whole unit but they could be ordered if required.

The foot control, the more powerful motor and the fact that it's a 230v tool that can be plugged in anywhere in the woodwork or glass workshop or house, as it won't need a converter, makes the Archer more attractive than repairing the Dremel.

I've bookmarked a few sources for accessories at very reasonable prices. Thanks again for the input. Jen