Dremel recommendations?

[Dilettante Gamer]

Hey there!

I'm considering taking the plunge on getting  Dremel tool. 

I like the cordless, pistol grip style but don't know if there are any disadvantages compared with the traditional pen-style corded version.  Power/torque?

Any experience based recommendations?

Thx!

Wade

[Glitzer]

The pen styled one's power supply won't get worse over time, and you can always add the "Flexiwelle" cable for less weight in your hand (I work with a pen style one and the "Flexiwelle"and think it's quite comfortable to work with). But I have no idea about the technical details.

[Mitch K]

I currently have a Black and Decker version, and in the past I had a Minicraft tool for many years.

I would look at Minicraft. It was an extremely good tool and I regret parting with it. Whatever you end up with, I would make two suggestions:

Get a conventional three-jaw chuck to supplement the collets that will be provided. It makes it much more versatile in terms of bits and tips.

Look into a flexi drive and handpiece. I have found that for model making the hand-held body is too large for very precise work, unless you get a micro-sized one.

Just my two pennyworth.

[Billchuck]

The cordless ones run slower and have much less torque.  If you're working in plastic it won't affect you much, but if you're going to use it on wood or metal (and you will, eventually) you'll find it lacking.  I have both, and only use the cordless one for real quick jobs away from my workbench where I don't want to pull the corded one down from it's hanger.

In addition to the flex-shaft attachment and a jawed chuck, I recommend getting a variable speed switch pedal. You can get them cheap from places like Micro-Mark.

[zizi666]

I have a proxxon myself, and wouldn't recommend it. I find it lacks the power for some jobs when compared to my fathers dremel.

[snitcythedog]

Get one with the cord.  The battery will not fail on you in the middle of a project.  They also have a much longer life. 
Snitchy sends.   

[Captain Blood]

I love my Dremel. Best Christmas present the wife ever bought me 
Handheld, corded, use it for all sorts, works a treat.