 Quantum Leap Forward |
| Review Date: May 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: P. Scott Pope, Chicago, IL |
After being somewhat disappointed with the 10.8v version of the Dremel Rotary tool, I have been extremely impressed with this latest offering from Dremel. Smaller rotary tools have limited utility in my opinion due to the lack of power and low rotary inertia. The tradeoff, of course, is the need for compactness leads to smaller batteries and motors. The Dremel 8200 is a nice balance. If you have medium to large hands this product should allow you sufficient dexterity for most applications. However, using the product like a writing instrument or dental drill would be tricky for most users.
The striking difference between the 8200 and smaller alternatives from Dremel and other companies is the raw power that is quite surprising for a cordless product of this size. If anything, the 8200 demonstrates how far battery and motor technology has progressed. Some of my early tests include cutting through stainless plate and thick plastic. Upon contacting the stainless steel, the cutting wheel emitted a massive shower of sparks while tearing through the metal. The thick plastic cut test was a piece of cake despite the melting of the plastic that would have significantly impeded cutting with the 10.8v version.
Certain design elements of the 8200 are especially nice. The spring loaded/twist spindle connect mechanism that holds the cutting wheel in place is vastly superior to the screw-on fastening approach on other models. There is also a nice pop-out lithium battery and quick charger, which is especially useful for heavy users.
There are very few limitations. I was quite disappointed with how parsimonious Dremel was with the replacement cutting tools, which included a single large (spring loaded/twist) cutting wheel. Apparently, they are making an attempt at the pay-as-you model popularized by printer manufacturers selling inflated ink cartridges. Even so, the Dremel 8200 is bargain.
Pros
Powerful motor and significant rotary inertia
Removable battery fast charger
Novel spring loaded attachment
Variable Speed
Cons
Few additional replacement cutting tools/accessories included
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Best Cordless Dremel Ever!
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| Review Date: June 20, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Gary Steiner, San Diego, California |
I have been using AC corded Dremels for about 20 years, and always wanted a cordless model that had all the horsepower of a typical Dremel. Well, this is it! This 8200 model Dremel is actually more powerful than my older corded model. The potential applications of this tool are awesome. It does everything any Dremel could do, but without a tether to a wall outlet. I can now cut through steel, grind, sand, polish, brush, and engrave - all outdoors, anywhere. It's like having small portable machine shop.
The 8200 was well spun balanced, with very little vibration even at high speeds. It also seems to be quieter than the AC model.
Plenty of torque, more than my AC Dermel model.
The speed control can take it down to a very slow crawl for polishing to blistering fast for cutting.
The case is rubberized over plastic. Looks like it could withstand impacts well.
The battery fits tightly (an issue on some previous wireless models), and is easy to remove.
The controls are smooth, tight, and feel high quality.
The case has plenty of room for additional attachments. It also comes with a nice starter kit.
The battery seems to last very long and has not been a problem for any of the jobs I have done.
Not made in China, but is made in Mexico.
I strongly recommend this product.
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