Whether you need to do some cutting, polishing, or engraving, a rotary tool is your best choice. That being said, Dremel is one of the most popular rotary tool manufacturers in the US. They make all kinds of attachments and accessories. And in this sea of Dremel products, it’s hard to decide which one you should buy.
In order to help you choose, I’m going to present four different rotary tools kits from Dremel and compare them.
Dremel 3000
The Dremel 3000 is the least expensive product on this list, but don’t let that fool you. Although it does have fewer accessories, it’s not that different from the other models. It’s a great tool kit for beginners who want to start DIY-ing at home.
You can use this tool for all types of applications — from sanding and polishing to cutting and engraving. And much like all the other models on the list, it’s compatible with all Dremel attachments.
Design
It’s apparent that Dremel paid attention to ergonomics when designing the 3000. The main rotary tool is symmetrical and sleek. Moreover, its shape ensures a tight and comfortable handgrip, almost like a pencil.
Aside from all that, the EZ Twist nose cap and wrench allow you to switch accessories quickly and efficiently.
Speed
Unfortunately, Dremel 3000 is powered by a 1.2-amp motor, which is not that impressive in comparison to 1.6 amps that other tools on this list have. Still, the Dremel 3000 can easily go from 5000 to 32000 RPM, which is quite impressive. Because of that, you have full precision control of your tool and you can adjust the speed however you want.
Dremel 4000
Dremel 4000 is a new and improved version of the 3000. It has more features and accessories, and it has a faster motor. And obviously, all that reflects on its price. However, if you don’t need as many as 50 accessories, you can get this tool for a lot cheaper.
The 4000 can also be used for thousands of applications, from sanding to cutting and engraving. All in all, it’s just full of innovations. Aside from the new motor, which I’ll get to in a bit, Dremel introduced a new airflow system with the 4000. This mechanism should prevent overheating and keep things running smoothly.
Design
The Dremel 4000 features a smaller, more subtle design when compared to the 3000. The 4000 is mostly marketed towards DIY users.
However, this new design is a part of the enhanced cooling system, which keeps this small device cool during high power loads. In addition to the airflow system, the improved design also gives you a better grip on the device. That’s great because you do need a good grip to keep the device in control at full RPM.
Speed
Speaking of RPM, that’s exactly where the greatest feature of the Dremel 4000 lies. The 4000 has a high-performance motor which can spin at up to a remarkable 35000 RPM. That’s 25% stronger than the motor on the 3000. Such speeds allow for incredibly smooth cutting. However, be careful — it takes a lot of strength and skill to keep a Dremel in control at 35.000 RPM.
Dremel 4200
Dremel 4200 is the most expensive product on this list. However, you should keep in mind that it is a full-size rotary tool, after all. It’s marketed towards construction and metallurgy professionals. The 4200 is bigger than the other Dremel models, which also means that it has a bigger cooling surface area. In addition, both the motor and cooling system use ball bearings to ensure smooth operation and no friction heat buildup. As far as accessories are concerned, the 4200 has got plenty of those, too.
Design
Aside from having that standard ergonomic design that ensures a tight grip, the 4200 also has the EZ Change Mechanism, which allows for quick tip replacement without any tools needed. Don’t get me wrong, the EZ Twist nose cap worked fine, but it did require some effort. With this new mechanism, now it’s as easy as pulling a lever.
Speed
The Dremel 4200 features the same motor as the 4000, and it’s more than capable of cutting through the hardest of steel. Of course, you should always use appropriate tips when working with hard steel. But with 4200’s motor, cutting steel has never been easier.
To help you through high workloads that require constant power, Dremel 4200 has an integrated Electronic Feedback System. This system enables sustained and constant speed during high power work, such as working with hardened steel.
Dremel 4300
The 4300 is one of the best rotary tool models that Dremel currently has to offer. If you’re looking for a reliable and incredibly precise tool, look no further. Although its cost certainly matches its quality, those who make a living using these types of tools won’t mind investing in such a powerful machine.
Design
At first glance, it’s clear that Dremel put in effort when designing the 4300. The brand new three-jaw chuck tip replacement system makes tip replacement just as easy as it was with the lever, but with a much greater capability of sustaining high workloads. In addition to the three-jaw chuck, the 4300 also has a handy little Pivot Light.
Speed
The 4300 has the same high-performance motor as the 4200, but it has a much better cooling system. This new and improved cooling solution ensures cool handling under incredibly high workloads.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you’re an aspiring DIY enthusiast who wants to do crafts, your best choice is the Dremel 3000. It will do just fine for most applications. Also, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
However, if you’re a professional and you require a larger, sturdier tool for more intensive workloads, you should go with the 4200. Even though it’s quite a markup from the 3000, it’s totally worth the investment. So, if you have a few bucks to spare, you should definitely consider getting the 4200.
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