I have had this Harbor Freight version of a Dremel tool for the past 8 years
and for the $10 I paid for it I think that I got pretty good use for my
money. Well, the chuck lock hole has 'stretched' making it hard to remove
tools from the collet because the pin can't get enough of a bite. I got to
a HF over the weekend and they no longer carry the variable speed control.
The choices are constant speed (12v) or four pre-sets (120v). I've looked
into Dremel but have noted a surprising number of posts on forums which say
that Dremel has lost it's quality and not in line with the price tag. Do
any of you know of an off-brand with fully variable speeds? If I find a
used Dremel how would I know/ suspect some issues - the smell of burned
electronics - the ability to stall the motor with hand power or using a
cutting tool that I commonly use and try it out? Anything else?