Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool: Dremel 225-01 Flex Shaft Attachment

Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool Remember how cool we all thought that first Dremel was? We're reliving the feeling with this one: lighter, faster, smarter, better, and stronger. The main improvement over the last generation is the battery source: lithium-ion. There are so many reasons to applaud. Lithium holds its charge up to six times longer in storage than nickel-cadmium batteries, so it's ready when you are. Remember the disappointment when you were ready and your battery was low? That won't happen with this one. It's got a battery fuel gauge that tells you how much life is left before a recharge, so you won't be caught without your Dremel, and if you choose to keep it on its charger, you won't cause memory and shorten the charge capacity. It's small, it's light, it's comfortable and maneuverable; it's everything the corded models are, but without the cord. We love it. One reviewer writes: I've used Dremel tools for over 15 years now. I've mainly stuck with the corded ones, as the battery-powered versions tended to run out of charge quickly, had less RPM, were generally heavier and usually had a lot less torque. The lithium version has none of these drawbacks. Because there's no cord it's more comfortable to hold (and much more convenient to use!), about the same weight as a corded model, and has plenty of RPMs and torque. Battery lifetimes are very good, and the "fuel gauge" seems to be reasonably accurate. (Exactly how long a charge will last depends greatly on what you're using it for--working on balsa wood uses a lot less power than, say, grinding metal.) Battery charge times are quite short, about three hours to charge a completely empty battery. (But thanks to a "smart charger" it should only take a few minutes to charge it after a typical job.) An added bonus is that lithium batteries hold their charges practically forever, so there's no need to "trickle charge" them; just charge it back up after you're done with it and put it away, and it'll be ready to use the next time you need it. The only nit I've found so far is the need to remove the battery to charge it. (This is probably for safety's sake.) It'd be slightly more convenient to just put the whole unit in the charger after use, but since it doesn't need charging that often this is really minor. I'd consider this to be an entirely practical replacement for a corded Dremel. For everything I use my Dremel for (mostly small models plus the occasional home repair task) this one seems more than adequate. It's a sturdy unit that should last a long time. My one concern about lifetime is how long the lithium battery will last; only time will tell. Get your Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool from Amazon.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dremel 225-01 Flex Shaft Attachment

Dremel 225-01 Flex Shaft Attachment

A true must-have accessory for all hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers, the Dremel 225 Flex Shaft Attachment has a flexible, 36-inch shaft that attaches easily and adds an improved level of versatility to your project capabilities. Easy to handle and hold, it fits Dremel tool models 400, 398, 395, 300, 285, 275, and 800, and works with the collet system and the Dremel chuck.

Fingertip Control for Polishing, Carving, Sanding, and Engraving
Designed to expand the use of your Dremel rotary tool, the 225 allows fingertip control for polishing, carving, sanding, engraving, and more. Adding this attachment to a corded rotary tool puts tight spots, nooks, and corners in easy reach--an especially important feature for intricate detail work that demands exceptional precision and control.
Handpiece for Long-term Comfort; Shaft Lock for Quick Changes
The 225 features a comfort grip handpiece that allows for exceptional fingertip control, and helps minimize wrist and hand fatigue during extended use. And when it's time to change accessories, the integrated shaft lock button simplifies the process so you can quickly return to your work.
Five-Inch Radius and 36-inch Length for Better Access to Tight Spaces
To help save time, the 225 attaches to your rotary tool in mere seconds, and its five-inch bend radius lets you work at different angles without having to constantly adjust your position or change accessories. Measuring 36 inches long with a 3/8-inch diameter, the cable lets you access tight, narrow spaces and confined areas.
Flexible Design for Intricate Work
The 225 is ideal for intricate, finely detailed work. Whether you're sanding a door on a miniature model train car, repairing a fragile musical instrument, polishing a silver tea set or a stone and metal ring, or engraving a delicate piece of glass, this attachment lets you get as close as you need to without having to work at awkward and uncomfortable angles.