8 May
2013
8 May
'13
12:28 p.m.
On May 8, 2013, at 3:19 PM, Fred Cisin <cisin at xenosoft.com> wrote:
On Wed, 8 May 2013, David Riley wrote:
Well, I haven't tried them. But I still use my cordless drill which
uses NiCd batteries, and I'm on only its second pair of batteries in
about 10 years. I'm willing to believe that the cheap charger that
comes with the Dremel was murdering the batteries, just like the cheap
charger that came with my drill was (getting DeWalt's higher-end
"smart" charger made a world of difference and even revived the dead
ones for about a year).
A Dremel is a very effective tool for modifying
bits of metal and
plastic to fit things. Sometimes a little crude, but if you're
just looking for something functional, it is handy to have around.
I've been meaning to get a new one for a long time; I'd definitely
recommend getting a corded model, because at least 10 years ago
they ate rechargeable batteries like popcorn.
10 years ago??!?
10 years ago, they were using NiCd batteries. Assume less than a minute
of full power per charge.
NOW, they use Lithium Ion. If you don't think that there is a difference,
then you haven't tried them. Besdies Dremel themselves, there are as many makers of
imitation dremels
as there are PC makers. Most are a bit more awkward and clumsy
than the real thing. Consider Craftsman Nextec (lithium Ion), or even
Harbor Freight ($24.99 on sale for either corded or Lithium Ion imitation
dremel with battery and flex shaft accessory!)
I still prefer having a corded model available. For drills, I have
both, because there are plenty of circumstances where a cordless
drill is just essential. I suppose you could make the same case for
the Dremel, but I only ever used it at the workbench, so not for my
use cases. I probably should have led with that.
- Dave