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I figure some modellers here probably use rotary tools like dremels etc. I've wanted to pick one up for a while as they are damn useful. I'm looking for one thats a good size for modelling, but can also perform other craft or household tasks.

I'm a stickler for quality brands, so I'm immediately drawn to the big name..that being Dremel, I figure they must be good quality, and the quality of the attachments appeals to me. however, I want cutting disks to cut some plastic to make a poster frame, and it looks like I'd have to buy these separately, or invest in a more expensive model.

The other part of me enjoys getting value for money, and there are some cheaper brands available.. vonhaus, tacklife etc. does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations?

Thanks

I have gone through many over the years and while there are the discount ones you can get from the freight stores, Dremel does make a darn good product with a number of models that can suit about any need.

Beware the cordless ones, as they seem to lack the power of a corded model. And I would highly recommend one with variable speed, instead of a low-med-hi option.

The one I am using now is a cheap version from Amazon, Teccpo, which has been surprisingly powerful and reliable. The main feature I was looking for was a chuck to fit any size instead of the large or small collet most have, since I use tiny drills often.

Yeah, I'm being drawn to the Dremel 3000 right now.. its £70 GBP which is fairly pricey, but easily within my price range, and I'm more than happy to pay extra for a quality product. I'll give it a day or two to see if anyone gives me any other recommendations, but I think that one might be the winner.
Can you get small drill attachments for them? I like to pin my models, and my manual pin vise is fine for resin or plastic, but metal is a different story.

I use the dremel 3000 200 only because I already had it in my tool box.

The only drawback I would bring up is that the dremel is very back heavy lending to its unwieldiness (so take that -1 to hit). Another thing is that this is a rotary tool made for non-miniature uses, and sometimes the rotation does feel a bit too 'robust' for when you need precision.

What I would've recommended was dremel stylus 1100, but it seems like this model is discontinued.

It does have a mechanism similar to standard drills to accommodate different bit sizes, but do note cheap drill bits do snap.

EDIT: So i checked my toolbox, and it looks like its the two-speed dremel 200. It's first speed setting @15,000 rpm feels too strong most of the times - if the dremel 3000 model can start at 5000 rpm it may be worthwhile checking it out.

Yeah. To be fair, I'd mainly be using it to cut, sand and shape larger items for display bases and such, rather than on miniatures themselves. I've seen videos of people carving designs into wood and thought that might be fun to try too.

I've got a Dremel 3000, it's been very handy. Certainly it's overpowered for most miniature uses, but the speed control works well, and if you say it's mostly for bases and similar then I think it'd do you well.

£70 sounds steep though - when I bought mine a few years ago it was £32.

jeez, that was on amazon. maybe I'll do a shop around before I buy haha

I've used a Clarke CRT40 for nearly two decades now. Cheap as chips, and has always done everything I've asked of it. IMO, Dremels are overpriced nonsense.

I have a cheapo version as well, and it's done it's job pretty well for a few years. It was cheap and came with the flexible hose + holder post standard. The hose is pretty practical, as you don't have to handle the whole weight of the tool.

I'd say start with a cheapo and see how much use it gets. I don't think Dremel adds much value. You will most likely get your money's worth out of the cheap ones, even if they would bite the dust within a couple of years.

Rather put that money into getting decent quality bits. Dunno if the huge bit kits are worth it either, usually you end up using a few specific bits all the time and the rest mostly sit in the box.

Yeah see you make good points, but then if the dremel will last longer and be better quality and I can afford it, then surely that makes sense? It's not like an airbrush where I need to learn the techniques and stuff so it's best to start on a cheaper one, I already know how to use rotary tools, I've used them to cut, sand, polish, drill already, and I have some basic engraving experience too. I'll think on it for a day or two.

I've gone for this dremel 3000. I've found somewhere that sell this for a similar price to those selling the same tool but with fewer accessories. Once I've had a go with it I'll look into buying some more specific accessories.

Thanks for everyones advice!

Just beware of cheap accessory kits with bits and stuff. Most of the stone-types will shatter and the 'diamond' coated stuff is gak. Just buy the bits you need and it won't break the bank.