Customer Reviews

Dremel 3981-01 Professional 1.15 amp Digital Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 50 Accessories

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What seperates this Dremel from the others you ask? Well for starters it allows you to control the RPM's electronically. From 5 to 30k RPM's you can finally gain a sense of complete control over any situation with this tool. Using it primarily to Modify my computer cases and other strange little nuances of mine I can go from plastic to steel in the touch of a button without having to worry about melting plastic or taking forever to cut through metal.

However my dremel has found very other useful activites as well. The grout attachment works wonders in the bathroom and kitchen and I fixed the gate on my wife's horse's stall with it as well as modified my desk with it (I needed a couple extra slots for my computer cables).

I guess the only downside to this Dremel is the flimsy control switch. Well its not really flimsy but it does rattle when you bump up the RPM's.

Overall I am very pleased with the many different uses the Dremel finds itself in while in my hands. The addition of the electronic control switch for manipulating the RPM's is a godsend as it offers so much more flexibility than the older Dremels. This particular case comes with an assorment of goodies (including the universal chuck) so you really shouldn't have to buy any other accessories with the exception of some of the other specialized tool sets or the flex attachment.

Well in conclusion this little tool is BIG enough to handle most any application a hobbiest or tinkerer can put it through. Its uses are infinite and is simple enough to be operated by anyone...with the exception of the little tikes wandering around the place...and is a very useful tool to have around the house or shop.

If you appreciate quality tools, and want the most out of whatever tool you use, go with the Pro model. The electronic speed control is great for selecting, and more importantly, holding, precise speeds. It has more power than the other Dremels too. It's comfortable to use, has a long cord, and the standard accessories fit.

I had a Dremel Model 280 for many years and it served well. It was a single-speed model, so I had to buy a separate speed control for it. Two years ago, it suddenly blew up in my hand when a commutator section dislodged. Fortunately, the 3981 was on sale in a kit that included the flex shaft and a lot of attachments. As soon as I used it, I was happy the old one blew up! I love the soft-start, integrated speed control that doesn't bog down at low speeds, and it gives you a readout too. The biggest improvement is that it doesn't get too hot to hold after a few minutes of hard use, like the 280 did even when it was new. I used the 3981 with the grout removal attachment to take up some irreplaceable mosaic tile. It burned up a few bits, but not my hands.

The only downside is that I had to purchase all new attachments to fit the nose piece. Dremel even helped out there, by making up a new support arm for my D-Vise base to fit the new tool at a moderate cost. That allows the tool to be stationary while working on small pieces. This is the best rotary tool I've ever used!

I bought my first Dremel (a Model 2) in 1947. It finally gave up in 1993. Since then I have added the single speed and multispeed Multipro models to my tool box. Now the digital model comes along and is the best of the best. Its soft start, dependable speed control, and high power make it equal to any job. It fits all the Dremel attachments making it every bit as adaptable as the others. It handles all the cutting, shaping, finishing, and polishing tasks involved in my construction of miniatures and architectural models.

This is by far their best. I read the reviews here then bought it. You Want This One. Not sure if other reviewers mentioned, but the nose unscrews to reveal the standard thread for things like router bases.

I've had many Dremels over the years. I've even picked up a few "antique" ones from their early years. Cute for a few quick jobs like rubber wheel to polish carving tool edges, and nice to know they still run, but for hours of routing, get this one. Dial in just the right speed for bit and material and away you go. With much less noise too.

Now, as for dating your Dremel .... well

..after reading many positive reviews first. I've had my 3981 for 2+ years and it's been handy for things I can and can't do with my other tools. Quality is very good, feels solid and like it will last. I like the electronic variable speed control and the soft start. Don't have the shaky switch problem that another reviewer had mentioned.

So far I use it to sharpen the lawn mower blade, make drywall cutouts for electrical outlets, trim the dogs nails, and probably half a dozen other little tasks.

The only drawback is that is has a cord(!) so we've decided to get the lithium cordless version as well.

Purchase to receipt, I have no complaints with this transaction. This is my second Dremel, gave the first to my son. It has functioned without a flaw.

I use this tool frequently. It is very durable, easy to operate and do the job well. It came with 50 or so accessories for the common tasks. However, it doesn't include some accessories which maybe are important to you, such as shaft, mini saw attachment, or blade sharpener attachment. For those things, you have to buy separately.

After you buy this gadget, you'll discover that they make most of their profit in the endless attachments you have to buy to get it to do what you want. Definitely don't buy it for heavy-duty projects like routing. It did help me cut through some aluminum bars, though slowly.

Feels like a good quality tool. I gave it 4-stars for two minor reasons;
1. it would have been nice if it had a variable thumb roller for varying speeds during operation (not a big deal though).
2. the precision of the motor is just not quite what I would call "harmonically balanced". It has a ever so slight crunchy/crackling sound to the motor (at least mine), but, it does not appear to impede the utility of the device.

A worthy purchase.