I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please? Are
the budget/cheapie versions comparable with the top-end? How much
vibration is there when using these? I'm thinking of using it to clean
up soft-fired greenware (porcelain that ain't fully fired so is still
reasonably workable, but fairly fragile). I'm just wondering if they do
produce too much vibration, the SFGW might shatter, or pieces splinter
away.

--
wanderer at tesco dot net

Wanderer wrote:
I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please? Are
the budget/cheapie versions comparable with the top-end? How much

No.

vibration is there when using these? I'm thinking of using it to clean
up soft-fired greenware (porcelain that ain't fully fired so is still
reasonably workable, but fairly fragile). I'm just wondering if they do
produce too much vibration, the SFGW might shatter, or pieces splinter
away.

http://www.tooled-up.com/ (IIRC) do the basic dremel plus
a couple of basic bits for 34 quid or so.

Vibration of the workpiece isn't really much of an issue.
I suspect that what you want is solid carbide burrs.

I bought a couple of these at 6 quid or so each.

Wanderer wrote:

I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please? Are
the budget/cheapie versions comparable with the top-end? How much
vibration is there when using these? I'm thinking of using it to clean
up soft-fired greenware (porcelain that ain't fully fired so is still
reasonably workable, but fairly fragile). I'm just wondering if they do
produce too much vibration, the SFGW might shatter, or pieces splinter
away.

Get a bottom of the range Dremel; they are much, much better than
cheaper makes with more features.

One thing - when using cutoff discs, wear goggles. Always wear goggles.
They break apart and hit you in the face. It hurts.

--
Grunff

On Tue, 2 Nov 2004 20:54:41 +0000, Wanderer wrote:

I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please? Are
the budget/cheapie versions comparable with the top-end? How much
vibration is there when using these? I'm thinking of using it to clean
up soft-fired greenware (porcelain that ain't fully fired so is still
reasonably workable, but fairly fragile). I'm just wondering if they do
produce too much vibration, the SFGW might shatter, or pieces splinter
away.

B&Q do a dremel clone for a few pounds. It works well for a few hours
and then starts to vibrate, scream and the switch jams up.

You get what you pay for with these. Great tool though, if you pay the
price. You do not have to pay the dremel price for the accessories.
Search the web for them. The diamond saw blades are particularly good
for small cutting jobs. Those tubular sanding disks seem to last ages
and can tackle large jobs. You may find that applicable to your
specific need.

I would buy a B&Q cheapie as a test and get a decent one if it works.

On Tue, 2 Nov 2004 20:54:41 +0000, Wanderer wrote:

I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please? Are
the budget/cheapie versions comparable with the top-end? How much
vibration is there when using these? I'm thinking of using it to clean
up soft-fired greenware (porcelain that ain't fully fired so is still
reasonably workable, but fairly fragile). I'm just wondering if they do
produce too much vibration, the SFGW might shatter, or pieces splinter
away.


If you're going to go for this type of tool, it's worth getting a
decent Dremel. I've had a cheap clone in the past and the bearings
don't hold up.

In the end I bought one of the Dremels with electronic speed control
and it's very good. You can cut the speed right down for delicate
work.



--

..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

On Tue, 2 Nov 2004 20:54:41 +0000, Wanderer wrote:

I'm looking to buy a Dremel or similar. Any recommendations please?

Axminster's white one is rubbish. The chuck won't grip carbide bits.
Handpieces are retained on the flexi shaft by a rubber ring, which
breaks after a few months.

If you're serious about wanting one of these things, bite the bullet
now and buy a Foredom - despite the price.
--
Smert' spamionam