Dremel/Rotary Tool

[qwertycopter]

Looking to get a dremel/rotary tool for cutting fan holes, etc. Could someone recommend me a good one that isn't too expensive? I've heard you shouldn't go with battery-operated because they aren't consistant. Thanks!

 

[RichPLS]

Dremel is a brand, and of generally good quality... Cordless ones are getting better today, but cost more than plug in types...

 

[1Tanker]

Looking to get a dremel/rotary tool for cutting fan holes, etc. Could someone recommend me a good one that isn't too expensive? I've heard you shouldn't go with battery-operated because they aren't consistant. Thanks!

Cutting holes in cases isn't real stressful for a rotary tool, so you can probably get a cheaper brand, as Dremel brand is expensive. I'm not much of a Black&Decker fan, but they probably make something that will fill your needs, without breaking the bank. If you plan on doing a lot of modding, or for professional use, the better brands would be wiser.

 

[qwertycopter]

I won't be doing heavy modding. How are they for cutting plastic?

 

[waylander]

They are fine for cutting plastic but the high speed rotation will actually melt it as well. When you use one make sure that you cut a slightly smaller hole than required and use the grinding bit to enlarge to size.

I've actually got a corded and cordless dremel. The corded one is great for the rough stuff like cutting the hole but the cordless is easier to get into tight spots and no cord to get in the way.

 

[sailer]

Want something that's not expensive? Try an old fashioned hacksaw. Follow with a file to get rid of the rough edges. If you're cutting plastic, an old fashioned soldering iron with a cutting blade will do.

Of course, if you want to live in a modern world, a good dremel tool is worth its cost. Avoid melting plastic parts by keeping the speed down and making quick cuts followed by a few seconds of no cutting so the plastic can cool down. All the foregoing is only an opinion of course, and opinions are cheap and not necessarily what is desired.

 

[qwertycopter]

Thanks for all the advice. By cheap I'm thinking around $30 rather than, like, $100. I'll be cutting plastic for a blowhole but probably also some metal later on for better airflow. My soldering iron is actually gas-operated and I don't have a cutting blade. Maybe I'll pick one of those up too.

A hacksaw, lol! I prefer power tools.

 

[Pain]

I got a B&D for $20 at Home Depot and it works fine for medium use, and the basic kit has enough stuff to cut plastic. If you want to cut metal you might want to get an attachment for that.