Re: Dremel alternatives

In the next month I will be joining those of you who have built their
own home brew, small CNC device. As a result, I am trying to decide
what tool to mount on the darn thing.

As I browsed the web, I noticed that most of the small ones I saw
used a Dremel, and had just about decided that was what I'd use.
Then I started reading this group, hit upon this thread, and it made
me start to re-think my initial plan.

So, I want you guys to help me decide what to purchase to do my
projects.

I realize you "high end, more power, Tim Taylor" guys will laugh at
me. So will you former professional, steel shaping, converted heavy
duty industrial mill guys. Just realize I'm at the bottom end of the
spectrum, and on a very small fixed income.

Firstly I'd better describe what I'm building. It will be a fairly
low end, bridge style machine, built out of MDF. It will be my "mark
1" version, hence using low end parts that are easy to obtain
locally. For example, the "screws" are going to be stainless steel
threaded rods available at home depot. Steppers for this one are
only going to be Nema 17 size, 12v (yea I know probably too small)
[Off topic question though - If I remember my high school physics, a
pulley makes 1/2 the force required to move an object. Am I correct
in assuming that gearing, or gear and timing belt type options
increase my torque forces similarly?]. I plan on very light "bites",
slow speed, and multiple passes.

Secondly, my applications. I want to try everything! :{) Well
really, a little circuit board milling and drilling. Routing some
signs and shapes in wood (pine, MDF & plywood probably). Cutting
some shapes and rear milling plexiglass. Oh yea - cutting some
shapes out of tin (roof flashing type of thickness). Basically very
light duty stuff. Eventually I might try a little glass engraving or
maybe even routing ice.

Thirdly, budget and choices. I want to keep the tool down to around
$100 Canadian or lower if possible. Listed below are some of the
choices I've seen around, along with some of the pluses and minuses
of each.

Dremel like
- 5 speed Dremel - $85 - 5,000 to 30,000 RPM - 5 year warranty
- Black and Decker Rotary Kit - $89 - 8,000 to 24,000 RPM - 55 pieces
and case
- Mastercraft Rotary Kit (Canadian Tire house brand) - $99 - 5,000 to
35,000 RPM
100 pieces + Case

Router
- Mastercraft plunge router - $99 - 30,000 RPM - 5.6 amp, 1.25 HP -
1/4" collet,
detachable body leaving nice cylindrical tool - 3 year warranty

Drywall Cut Out
- Porter-Cable Drywall Cut Out - $99 - 28,000 RPM - 3.4 amp - 1/4" &
1/8" bits
- Rotozip 4A Cut Out tool - $139 - 30,000 RPM - 1/4" & 1/8" collets
- DeWalt Cut Out tool - $129 - 30,000 RPM - 6 amp - keyless bit
changes
1 year warranty

Laminate Trimmer
- No-name Laminate Trimmer - $120 - 28,000 RPM - 3.3 amp - 1/4" collet
- Porter-Cable Laminate Trimmer - $143 - 30,000 RPM - 5.6
amp "industrial" motor,
1/4" collet

The "single speed" devices may make it difficult to handle the
plastics. Could possibly add a "router speed control" for about $40
to get lower speeds.

1/4" collet won't take the small, inexpensive Dremel bits (or maybe
can with an adapter?)

The Dremel type tools may be shorter lived than the bigger power
tools.

What is the expected single sitting running time for some of these
tools. For example are some of the bigger tools designed to be used
in short spirts? Dremel implies longer usage as in their "Wood
Carving" examples. Though I suppose the more powerful tools would
shorten the time to do a job.

Ok guys, have at it. Tell me what choice you think gives me the best
price/performance ratio. Pick my idea's apart. Just don't pick me
apart!

Ian C.