Dremel 400-2/51 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit With 51 Accessories

by Dremel

Product Description

Amazon.com

Dremel calls this "the future of rotary tools." Scoff if you want to, but they're right. This overhaul of the standard rotary tool incorporated changes Dremel users asked for, along with new accessories and a smartly redesigned storage case with mini-cases. We're glad to see Dremel designers separated the power switch from the speed control, something we'd certainly wished for in the past, letting you set the perfect speed for your project and not disturb it at shutoff. Its slick, gently curved new shape-—a far cry from the slightly clunky Dremel you're used to—-just feels good in your hand. Even the case is a new generation, with a molded place for everything (including that hard-to-store flex shaft). The small accessories all fit into mini-cases, which in turn snap into the main case. Bravo! And unlike kit cases in Dremel's past, there's even room for expansion: two bays for more accessory kits. We like the garden tool blade and the circle cutter particularly; you can save a bundle sharpening your own lawnmower blade, and the circle cutter is one of those little gadgets you'll find yourself using again and again. Another plus to this new Dremel is the super-cool attachments available separately, including a 2-1/4-inch wide planer and something Dremel calls the MultiSaw—a combination jig, recip and scroll saw in one. The only downside to this new Dremel is…figuring out what to do with your old one. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

From the Manufacturer

The Dremel 400 Series XPR rotary tool offers the performance, precision and control required to complete the widest range of projects of all Dremel rotary tools--from work, home or studio. Exclusive XPR attachments take advantage of the increased strength of the XPR's unique motor design plus it works will all existing Dremel attachments and accessories.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002QZ1OM
• Item model number: 400-2/51
• Average Customer Review: 1.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #48,077 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

  #15 in

  Home Improvement > Power Tools > Rotary Tools > Cordless

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A tool that feels like a toy..., March 3, 2005

By	lee280zx "lee280zx" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dremel 400-2/51 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit With 51 Accessories (Tools & Hardware)

I bought this Dremel because it is the only one that works with Dremel's new multisaw attachment. With that attachment, which is sold separately, you can use it like a miniature reciprocating saw (Sawzall). Just pop any "T" or "U" shaped jigsaw blade in, and you're in business. I don't know of another tool that can be used in this way, and for that reason and that reason alone this Dremel is worth owning.

I already own another multiple-speed Dremel, and I thought I'd sell it once I bought this. But I'm keeping both because this new Dremel simply feels cheap and poorly made. It seems like its plastic case is flimsier and it doesn't feel as balanced when it's operating. It certainly isn't ergonomic. Any Dremel user who buys this latest model will instantly notice the drop-off in quality.

On the good side, the multisaw attachment works well and the molded plastic case is designed to hold the Dremel, the multisaw and planer attachments, jigsaw blades, the included circle cutter and flex shaft. The kit also includes two bit sets that lock onto the top of the case, with room for two more on the sides.

There's no way I can tell if this Dremel will last. I've put a pretty good load on the motor, and it hasn't failed. But I think that if I drop it more than a few feet onto a hard surface, it will break. The shaft lock button feels particularly cheap and uncertain. I expect it to break first.

Despite all my concerns I'm keeping this Dremel. But I'll only use it when I need the multisaw or planer attachment (the planer attachment must be purchased separately...it only comes with the higher-priced kit). Any other time I'll use my other Dremel (model no. 3956-02).

It's extremely unfortunate that at the same time it has chosen to make the most versatile Dremel yet, the company also decided to cut corners on quality. Dremel doubtlessly wanted to keep the price down on this unit, but in doing so they've produced a multi-function tool that feels like a toy.

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointment, March 14, 2005

By	K. Kauffman (Herndon, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Dremel 400-2/51 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit With 51 Accessories (Tools & Hardware)

I have used the Dremel MultiPro for a LONG time. However, the XPR is a major disappointment. The only reason I purchased it was for the proprietary planer attachment that only works with this model. Before I did the planing work, I intended to cut some aluminum stock with a heavy cutoff blade. 1 inch in on a 2 inch cut the motor burned up and it died. Brand new pile of garbage. I've used my multipro to do this exact same job multiple times as well as much heavier gauge metals such as steel. This pile of garbage is going back and I'll find another way of doing my planing work.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poorly design tool, May 19, 2005

By	Sau Fai Wong "SF" (NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Dremel 400-2/51 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit With 51 Accessories (Tools & Hardware)

The tool heats up very quickly during short use. Air vent placement might account for some of the heat, older model have it on top not on the side. When holding this XPR model my hands sometimes block the vents. Have to hold down shaft lock bottom really hard to remove collet nut, the shaft keeps slipping. Took the tool apart and found that the shaft lock pin is a lot smaller than the opening on the shaft. Just does not feel like a sturdy well made tool the first time I held it. Very disappointed with this tool.