I am going to purchase a Dremel multi tool or a cheaper alternative
for a range of general DIY work. A number of these multi tools are
available made by different manufacturers not just Dremel. All models
looked at so far come with a Flex Shaft attachment so that tool can
be usefully held like a pen for doing addtional stuff like engraving
etc.

Electronic speed variation appears to be the main consideration as
some tools have variable speeds starting from 5000 RPM going up to
35000 RPM. Alternatively, some tools have a higher start speed at
17000 RPM going up to 33500 RPM. Why the different speeds and how
important is the lower speeds?

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Many thanks for any comments
DC

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 02:48:49 +0000, DC wrote:

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Bear in mind that a tool like a Dremel is fine for small intricate
work but it won't be up to the job of doing general DIY work.

Basically a Dremel is a small router, and to provide something
suitable for general DIY really needs a range of routers. From small
to large something like the following would be ideal:

Dremel
Rotozip Rebel
Router 500W-800W
Router 1200W
Router 1800W

You could skive on some in the middle of that range if you needed to.

PoP

-----

My published email address probably won't work. If
you need to contact me please submit your comments
via the web form at http://www.anyoldtripe.co.uk

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In article ,
DC wrote:
I am going to purchase a Dremel multi tool or a cheaper alternative
for a range of general DIY work.

DIY? It's got virtually no uses for DIY. Hobbies, etc, possibly.

--
*Work is for people who don't know how to fish.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

the flexi shaft gets hot and falls apart,as found out.lol
I use two different types and there good.
the bits I buy cheap(workzone) there all the sameIMO.

watch the cut off, red, disc as they brake off very easy and if like me your in the was with your
face, they stick in your cheek. the wire brush spits out bits of wire as well. so all ways use
these, safety glasses.


All the best.
Phil.

member of the new wanky workshop.


DC wrote in message ...
I am going to purchase a Dremel multi tool or a cheaper alternative
for a range of general DIY work. A number of these multi tools are
available made by different manufacturers not just Dremel. All models
looked at so far come with a Flex Shaft attachment so that tool can
be usefully held like a pen for doing addtional stuff like engraving
etc.

Electronic speed variation appears to be the main consideration as
some tools have variable speeds starting from 5000 RPM going up to
35000 RPM. Alternatively, some tools have a higher start speed at
17000 RPM going up to 33500 RPM. Why the different speeds and how
important is the lower speeds?

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Many thanks for any comments
DC

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 02:48:49 +0000, DC wrote:

I am going to purchase a Dremel multi tool or a cheaper alternative
for a range of general DIY work. A number of these multi tools are
available made by different manufacturers not just Dremel. All models
looked at so far come with a Flex Shaft attachment so that tool can
be usefully held like a pen for doing addtional stuff like engraving
etc.

Electronic speed variation appears to be the main consideration as
some tools have variable speeds starting from 5000 RPM going up to
35000 RPM. Alternatively, some tools have a higher start speed at
17000 RPM going up to 33500 RPM. Why the different speeds and how
important is the lower speeds?

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Many thanks for any comments
DC

I have one of the Dremel Professional tools and use it quite
regularly. Main applications are for cut off using the miniature
grinding wheels, fine drilling, fine routing in confined spaces,
grinding and clean up on small things.

It is relatively specific because of its size, but when I do use it
it's because a larger tool won't do the job. THe speed control is
certainly useful because some of the finer drilling applications work
better at lower speed, whereas others like routing are better done at
high speed.

However, I wouldn't describe this as a general purpose DIY tool
because although useful for the range of jobs it does, it won't tackle
larger things at any useful rate of work. If you are mainly thinking
about small size jobs then I think it's ideal.

For larger jobs where an adaptable and more substantial tool is
needed, I have a Fein Multimaster.

This is a much more substantial tool with a 180W motor which delivers
an oscillating motion at the head. There are dozens of accessories
which make it useful for detail or even more substantial sanding jobs
as well as cutting of various materials, scraping etc. I tend to use
this more than the Dremel, although it varies according to the jobs
that I am doing.

http://www.fein.de/fein-multimaster/...ter/index.html

These start at slightly north of £100, but well worth the cost.




..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

For larger jobs where an adaptable and more substantial tool is
needed, I have a Fein Multimaster.

This is a much more substantial tool with a 180W motor which delivers
an oscillating motion at the head. There are dozens of accessories
which make it useful for detail or even more substantial sanding jobs
as well as cutting of various materials, scraping etc. I tend to use
this more than the Dremel, although it varies according to the jobs
that I am doing.

http://www.fein.de/fein-multimaster/...ter/index.html

These start at slightly north of £100, but well worth the cost.

I was thinking of mentioning that one as a more GP tool. I too have
one, with all the extra bits. Can't fault it at all, it's got me out
of allsorts of tricky situations - well recommended.
My Dad uses a Rotozip, apparently that does quite well for getting out
of tricky situations, and slightly larger than the Dremel powerwise.
Definitely more useful for DIY than a Dremel.
...

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd.

Sorry, prehaps I was a little misleading with my original post in that
when I said General Purpose DIY work, I actually meant the more
smaller DIY intricate DIY jobs.

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 02:48:49 +0000, DC wrote:

I am going to purchase a Dremel multi tool or a cheaper alternative
for a range of general DIY work. A number of these multi tools are
available made by different manufacturers not just Dremel. All models
looked at so far come with a Flex Shaft attachment so that tool can
be usefully held like a pen for doing addtional stuff like engraving
etc.

Electronic speed variation appears to be the main consideration as
some tools have variable speeds starting from 5000 RPM going up to
35000 RPM. Alternatively, some tools have a higher start speed at
17000 RPM going up to 33500 RPM. Why the different speeds and how
important is the lower speeds?

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Many thanks for any comments
DC

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 14:05:29 +0000, DC wrote:

Sorry, prehaps I was a little misleading with my original post in that
when I said General Purpose DIY work, I actually meant the more
smaller DIY intricate DIY jobs.

In that case, yes, it will be useful.


..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

Ones I've looked at so far come from Dremel with cheaper alternatives
coming from Clarke and Draper. Can anyone comment on the above or
recommend the particular tool their using and why?

Many thanks for any comments
DC
The B&Q Performance Power one is OK.
About £30 quid as a set with flex shaft, "stand" and loads of cutting
discs, saw blades and sanding drums.

We had one at work, then I've bought another for home use. Does the job
just fine.

--
Steve

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:11:33 +0000, PoP wrote:


Basically a Dremel is a small router, and to provide something
suitable for general DIY really needs a range of routers. From small
to large something like the following would be ideal:

Dremel
Rotozip Rebel
Router 500W-800W
Router 1200W
Router 1800W

[T] Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

I have had the Dremel for many years (with variable PSU) and when I
need it iit's invaluable ..

All the best ..

T i m

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 21:11:13 +0000, T i m wrote:

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:11:33 +0000, PoP wrote:


Basically a Dremel is a small router, and to provide something
suitable for general DIY really needs a range of routers. From small
to large something like the following would be ideal:

Dremel
Rotozip Rebel
Router 500W-800W
Router 1200W
Router 1800W

[T] Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

They are generically fairly useful for the kind of job you describe.

I have a Senco battery powered one which came as part of a deal with a
collated screwdriver.

I wouldn't pay a lot for a tool like this but realistically a Dremel
is not quite substantial enough for plasterboard cutting.


I have had the Dremel for many years (with variable PSU) and when I
need it iit's invaluable ..

All the best ..

T i m

..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 21:11:13 +0000, T i m wrote:

[T] Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

I paid £25 on ebay. It's a bit bigger/more powerful than the dremel.

PoP

-----

My published email address probably won't work. If
you need to contact me please submit your comments
via the web form at http://www.anyoldtripe.co.uk

I apologise for the additional effort, however the
level of unsolicited email I receive makes it
impossible to advertise my real email address!

In article ,
T i m wrote:
Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this sort
of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

--
*Women who seek to be equal to men lack ambition.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:01:35 +0000 (GMT), Dave Plowman
wrote:

In article ,
T i m wrote:
Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this sort
of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

[T] Damn (I was looking for a 'need' for the Rotozip) ;-)

So, if not the Rotozip I could use the Bosch sabre saw for
plasterboard boxes? (say 'yes' please as I've not had chance to use it
yet!)

All the best ..

T i m

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:10:29 +-0000, PoP wrote:

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 21:11:13 +-0000, T i m wrote:

[T] Just out of interest, what is the Rotozip tool like? I thought a
use might be cutting electrical box holes in plasterboard? How much
should I pay for one?

I paid +AKM-25 on ebay.

[T] Ok ..just Woolies had one lonely one in a scruffy box the last
time I was in there ... I think it was 'reduced' to +AKM-29.99 (with
some extra bits or summat) might have taken a score (or even +AKM-25) for
it .. ?

All the best ..

T i m

In article ,
T i m wrote:
It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this
sort of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

[T] Damn (I was looking for a 'need' for the Rotozip) ;-)

So, if not the Rotozip I could use the Bosch sabre saw for plasterboard
boxes? (say 'yes' please as I've not had chance to use it yet!)

I'd say of all the power tools if you must use one to cut out a hole in
plasterboard, an ordinary jigsaw is as good as any. I'd break off a blade
so it only cuts slightly beneath the thickness of the board.

--
*Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:01:35 +0000 (GMT), Dave Plowman
wrote:

It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this sort
of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

I recently had to cut a large oblong hole in a plasterboard wall
because a new bath was slightly longer than the bathroom, and this
required one end of the bath to poke into that wall.

This job could not have been done easily with a padsaw because there
were a couple of buried vertical wooden struts buried in the wall. The
Rotozip did the job perfectly well.

I had to fix a batten to the wall first and then run the Rotozip along
the batten to make a nice straight line. I surely wouldn't have
relished that job without the Rotozip!

PoP

-----

My published email address probably won't work. If
you need to contact me please submit your comments
via the web form at http://www.anyoldtripe.co.uk

I apologise for the additional effort, however the
level of unsolicited email I receive makes it
impossible to advertise my real email address!

In article ,
PoP wrote:
I recently had to cut a large oblong hole in a plasterboard wall
because a new bath was slightly longer than the bathroom, and this
required one end of the bath to poke into that wall.

This job could not have been done easily with a padsaw because there
were a couple of buried vertical wooden struts buried in the wall. The
Rotozip did the job perfectly well.

I had to fix a batten to the wall first and then run the Rotozip along
the batten to make a nice straight line. I surely wouldn't have
relished that job without the Rotozip!

A jigsaw? If you only have a Rotozip then of course that will do it too,
but it's not the only way. I do have a B&Q 'Rotozip', but it's not come
out of the box often. Perhaps I should play with it more.

--
*Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

On Fri, 27 Feb 2004 01:13:13 +0000, PoP wrote:

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:01:35 +0000 (GMT), Dave Plowman
wrote:

It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this sort
of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

I recently had to cut a large oblong hole in a plasterboard wall
because a new bath was slightly longer than the bathroom, and this
required one end of the bath to poke into that wall.

This job could not have been done easily with a padsaw because there
were a couple of buried vertical wooden struts buried in the wall. The
Rotozip did the job perfectly well.

[T] Good news ..

I had to fix a batten to the wall first and then run the Rotozip along
the batten to make a nice straight line. I surely wouldn't have
relished that job without the Rotozip!

[T] Ok, Woolies .. here we come ;-)


All the best ..

T i m

On Fri, 27 Feb 2004 08:21:30 +0000 (GMT), Dave Plowman
wrote:

In article ,
PoP wrote:
I recently had to cut a large oblong hole in a plasterboard wall
because a new bath was slightly longer than the bathroom, and this
required one end of the bath to poke into that wall.

This job could not have been done easily with a padsaw because there
were a couple of buried vertical wooden struts buried in the wall. The
Rotozip did the job perfectly well.

I had to fix a batten to the wall first and then run the Rotozip along
the batten to make a nice straight line. I surely wouldn't have
relished that job without the Rotozip!

A jigsaw? If you only have a Rotozip then of course that will do it too,
but it's not the only way. I do have a B&Q 'Rotozip', but it's not come
out of the box often. Perhaps I should play with it more.

[T] Josing aside here Dave I do have and use a couple of padsaws. One
has a fairly course 6" blade and is great for plasterboard or taking a
bit off a sticky out piece of oood etc. The other has a hacksaw blade
in it for getting to that akward pipe or nail ;-)

I recently helped a mate replace 8 wooden framed ally 'Crittal' (sp?)
windows with UPVC ones.

We used his 800W sabre saw to 'gently' cut out the old frames whilst
doing little / no damage to the overlapping exterior render and
internal plasterwork.

All the best ..

T i m

"T i m" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 27 Feb 2004 01:13:13 +0000, PoP wrote:

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:01:35 +0000 (GMT), Dave Plowman
wrote:

It's hardly worth the bother of using any power tool for making this
sort
of hole in plasterboard - it cuts so easily with a padsaw.

I recently had to cut a large oblong hole in a plasterboard wall
because a new bath was slightly longer than the bathroom, and this
required one end of the bath to poke into that wall.

This job could not have been done easily with a padsaw because there
were a couple of buried vertical wooden struts buried in the wall. The
Rotozip did the job perfectly well.

[T] Good news ..

I had to fix a batten to the wall first and then run the Rotozip along
the batten to make a nice straight line. I surely wouldn't have
relished that job without the Rotozip!

[T] Ok, Woolies .. here we come ;-)


All the best ..

T i m

I recently had to cut a hole in a tiled bathroom wall to fit a flex outlet
for a towel rail. The ceramic cutting tool went through the tile and
plasterboard like butter (really hard, straight from the fridge butter but
you get the idea) and made a neat, chip free hole for the fastafix backbox.
It's not a daily use tool but it comes in handy for that kind of job.
Regards,
Richard

On Sat, 28 Feb 2004 11:48:05 -0000, "Frisket"
wrote:



I recently had to cut a hole in a tiled bathroom wall to fit a flex outlet
for a towel rail. The ceramic cutting tool went through the tile and
plasterboard like butter (really hard, straight from the fridge butter but
you get the idea) and made a neat, chip free hole for the fastafix backbox.
It's not a daily use tool but it comes in handy for that kind of job.

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the update.

You have remonded me there could be a similar job I could do (ceramic
cistern lid wont fit propery due to tiles over tiles ... use Rotozip
to trim tiles back g)

Woolies had sold the last one (@ +AKM-29.99) so I might go to eBay (there
are a few up there).

Less anyone knows where you can get them from cheaper?

All the best ..

T i m