Dremel 400-6/90 Variable Speed XPR Rotary Tool Kit With 90 Accessories Reviews

• Only for HOBBYISTS!

  
  By A3TX87LQTRC4U8 on 2005-05-16
  Keep in mind that this is not a heavy duty construction tool.
  
  This tool will NOT be useful for:
  a) cutting wood studs,
  b) cutting large numbers of nails (though a couple is ok),
  c) cutting large holes in drywall/sheetrock.
  
  You will want to
  a) avoid using in dusty environments. The internal parts are not sealed so that if you do not repeatedly clean it out after heavy use, you will kill the motor. (I should know. I killed mine after cutting through drywall for only 4 recessed can lights before it started smoking.)
  b) move slow. It works by high rpms and has almost zero torque. Bring it to full speed and THEN cut.
  c) use ear plugs. These suckers get very loud at the higher settings.
  d) check out alternatives if you want construction equipment. The Dremel is actually MORE expensive than its alternatives because you are essentially paying for its small size.
  
  What I like about the Dremel:
  a) It is small.
  b) It has more attachments and accessories than you can shake a stick at.
  
  What I hate about the Dremel:
  a) The documentation sucks. If you don't know the difference between a routing bit and a carbide bit, or what polishing creame is used for, then you're up a creek. The accessory packs are especially horrible. Nothing is labeled. You need to be able to tell what type of spindle goes with what type of gadget and the equivalent grit of the grinding stones by trial-and-error only.
  b) Has small range. Only really useful for finishing and polishing. Very very light duty. I've heard people talk about using Dremel for this and/or that. When I tried it, it didn't work. Then I read in the little amount of documentation there is, that its not meant for doing that. Lots of misperceptions. Basically, do all the rough cutting work using other tools and finish off with this.
  c) Accessory hell. Accessories are how they make the $$. Be prepared to pay through the nose for anything that doesn't come in the first box.
  
  

• A tool that feels like a toy...

  
  By A2ZQTHNXD9679U on 2005-03-08
  I have gone out of my way to review this Dremel under each of its listings (for the various kits it is included with) because I don't find any other reviews sharing my opinion.
  
  I have owned 2 other Dremels, and used at least a half-dozen. I looked forward to owning this one since first seeing it advertised. It looked to be a significant improvement.
  
  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. 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.
  
  
  

• What happened to the dremel I knew?

  
  By A2BUFIV1HKUTXA on 2006-09-11
  I have gone through 5, count them 5 of this model. 3 failed right out of the box! I had an older Dremel from about 1997 but sadly it was stolen from my shop. The basic design is flawed. The motor and switches get clogged and choked with dust and debris from everything I have tried to cut. The stop button to change the tips locks up. The on/off switch is so difficult to turn on and off I almost cut my hand off. I am saddened to see what has happened to the Dremel. Bosch seems to have taken a once great tool and ruined it. Same as they did for Skil. I am not trying to bash Dremel. I purchased the 3956-02 model and it works fantastic. Its just seems to be the 400-6 model. My recommendation is to skip this model and go for the less expensive Dremel 3956-02 model.
  
  

• Makes a great gift, for someone you dislike!

  
  By AFG9T5LSNZFCA on 2006-01-30
  The first time I held the Dremel 400 XPR I knew I was holding a real quality product, with its thin multi-colored plastic housing similar to a cheap chinese toy. I finally found the adapter needed to attach the snake extention and the 'single' fiberglass reinforced cutting wheel amongst the wide variety of practically useless accessories. It was nearly impossible to tighten the collet with the little blue push button that you would expect to find on a Pez dispenser. After about 15 minutes of light use, the Dremel 400 XPR began to emit copious amounts of blue smoke and smelled of burning plastic and epoxy. Not finished with cut I was making, I stopped the Dremel 400 XPR and let it cool off for a bit, thinking it may just be burning itself in. I took the snake extension off and resumed cutting, when all of the sudden, the Dremel 400 XPR started sputtering like an arc welder, and emitted a blue ball of glowing plasma from the air vents! I dropped that thing like a hot potato in fear of my life. It sat there on the ground sputtering and smoking until I unplugged it from the wall socket. It no longer works. Never again will I buy another Dremel product, I will look for a suitable American made, quality product to replace it.
  
  Pros: Cost.
  
  Cons: Emits smoke and glowing plasma. May catch you or your home on fire. Push button does not hold collet very well. Overall build quality extremely poor. Most of the accessories are cheap and not used very often.
  
  Highly NOT recommended!
  
  

• Lightweight tool

  
  By A38GZ3EMC7R0SU on 2005-04-04
  This is probably a good hobby "tool," but the motor is really too weak for any medium duty work. I was using the circle cutting attachment (and spiral cutting wood/multipurpose bit) to cut a hole in some 1/8" plywood, and the motor started smoking and sputtering. I shut the thing off thinking it overheated (after less than 30 seconds of use) but it wouldn't turn back on. I used it a few times before it died to cut some protruding wood screws, and it seemed okay, but as mentioned above, the XPR is best relegated to lightweight work. It seems to me that Dremel is more interested in hocking a zillion attachments that you'll never use rather than building a solid performer. I'm going to Home Depot right now to pick up a Rotozip.
  
  Lastly, a gripe. Why do people post reviews on items (especially tools that people rely on for important tasks/work), with content that has nothing to do with the tool's functionality? Most of the reviews of this item don't tell you anything about the tool's functionality/durability, but instead deal with availability and cost! Dead giveaway that the users of this thing don't take their tools very seriously, which in turn suggests that XPR users are couch-warriors who watch a little too much Discovery channel.
  
  
• The Classic Switch-a-Roo!!
  By ARGYCU5SJ8RNM on 2006-01-05
  Be very careful! Apparently an Amazon supplier is attempting to pass off a Dremel 3/71+ XPR as a Dremel 400-6/90 Series XPR Kit (by overlaying the actual UPC code with a faux UPC code)
  but it does not have all of the required parts!!! I am sending the kit I received back in the hopes that Amazon will actually make good on the kit I purchased. If not, I will have to report Amazon to the Better Business Bureau for violation of the UCC rules of representations/warranties!
  
  
• Has it all, but one critical piece...
  By A2WYUBP5TQ0NQH on 2005-04-29
  I received the 400-6/90 a couple days ago. I just unboxed it and I must say that I'm looking forward to using it from all the included pieces and attachments. It's a more complicated device than I anticipated (due to its multi-function nature and the various methods of attachment that such a characteristic necessitates), but if one is going to be adding this tool to their arsenal, they'll most likely possess an ability to (at least attempt to) assimilate the unknown with a calm that should offset the likely layperson's "You need a degree in rocket science to use this" initial response. Oddly enough, while so many different bits and attachments are included, MY kit came devoid of the absolutely necessary 2.5mm allen wrench. Of course, I have a set of allen wrenches, but I don't want to have to go grabbing the toolkit with them in it in order to insert and secure a saw blade in the MultiSaw attachment. There's an indentation for it in the very well thought out storage/transport case just as there is one for the included collet wrench. Every spot for a tool is marked with where it goes (or a suggestion in the case of small piece options where multiple possibilities can be effected). It almost seems as if Dremel would prefer you not to be able to use the MultiSaw attachment to not provide such an essential item. The MultiSaw is the most impetus providing aspect of this kit (most people probably use it FIRST!). I rather think that my kit just happened to be skipped over with this item and I intend to contact Dremel to determine if this omission is by design or mistake. The quality of build is in line with what I expected (I'll pull out a full size Sawzall if I'm looking to cut a big hole in the wall). I'm sure it will suit the jobs it's chosen for quite well - detail oriented jobs, small size materials, etc... I'm very happy I got this kit from Amazon for $20 more than the inferior selection kit at Home Depot (don't recall the model # now). I just bought a keyless chuck on E-Bay (a no brainer given the extreme low cost and virtual elimination of the need for collet and collet wrench use). Sure, the replacement parts for bits and such are exorbitant, but with E-Bay and using the right tool for the job, you can pay a lot less than retail and go through them at an acceptable rate (unless you make a living with one of these things, in which case there are real heavy duty professional models available which you'll likely be more apt to possess... and STILL go through them like water).
  
  
• Dremel XPR 400
  By A1M9B5S54PV6X2 on 2005-08-05
  The XPR is a modest departure from the traditional Dremel Handle. Ergonomically, it may be a slight improvement, operationally I don't see a great diffence with the expception of the variable speed and the on/off switch being seperate, although I think some of the previous models have this feature as well. Dremel engineers tried a little too hard to make a compartmentalized "carry all" style tool box for this unit. I find it cumbersome, especially due to the difficulty in storing the power cord for the drill handle itself. All the little drawers are tedious to deal with. The "sabre saw" attachment works but I would rather use a conventional sabre saw. The Dremel really doesn't have the power to handle that kind of cutting. Overall a good product at a reasonable price.
  
  
• a good tool for small jobs or hobbies
  By A2RLIF60JKEVS9 on 2005-09-07
  Since I don't own a drill or reciprocating saw, I thought that this tool would replce those. I live in an apartment and need it only for small jobs. For the most part it had worked as a replacement for those. However, I still needed to buy quite a few parts not included in the kit - drill bits, blade for the saw, extra chucks. I realize that I'm not quite utilizing the tool for its intended use, but it has served my purposes. I've been fairly happy the few times I used it. Just note that the tool get very hot with extended use. Overall, this was a good package with the best variety of tool attachments, as for the bits themselves, they could have provided a better selection and slightly better instructions for their use.
  
  
• Dremel 400-6/90Update
  By AGD8H1AJ7T8HG on 2004-11-20
  Ordered mine October 1st. Was advertised in stock at that time. Have received an apology and a change of ship date almost every week since then. The latest "promise" is sometime after the first week of December. That was an "improvement" achieved only after I sent a complaint letter. Their ad states that we can save over $100 by buying from them. We actually save a lot more than that because we probably won't ever get it!
  
  Update to original post (11/22): Spoke with Barb at Dremel Customer Service this morning. According to Dremel, this product will go into production sometime in mid-December. It's kind of amusing that Amazon has been "selling" this item since July... Better have Santa pass your request on to the Easter Bunny!
  
  
• magnus's review 100%
  By A3FQOES73QHRNE on 2005-05-25
  i give magnus an A+ for his review and agree with him 100%..operation manual pieces and discription and the bits and accessaries are not label or coded for easy idenification. I had phoned customer service after opening and reviewing the poor discription for such a box full of loose plastic pieces that cost big bucks separately. more in the field of home improvements rather a wood carving hobbyist,i can tell you i bought this for trying to router than chisel the butt plates for 8 interior doors. Not one set of instructions did i find for use of bits intended for this job in the instruction booklet provided. i also broke two cutting disks trying to figure out which or what a madrel was all about. i got to say the 400 doesn't fit in the millcraft router converter i ordered along with this on amazon. so that was a waiste of return shipping charges. I smoked a 193 cutting bit that cost me separately (not included in this 90 piece set) which cost me 8 bucks + tax in a sears hardware store.. the only thing this did was help me save about 5 minutes per door. could have just been better off with my stanley chisels both 1 1/4 & 1 inches could have finished the job the old fashion for less
  
  
• Dremel 400-6/90 series XPR-The beat all/end all kit
  By AR51ZOKECUYW9 on 2005-09-23
  This Kit has everything you will ever need in a dremel kit and then some. The carrying case is fantastic holding everything in a well organized fashion with extra space built in for additional bits. The Dremel itself has a nice shape and a convenient on/off switch separate from the rpm dial which can be micro adjusted.
  
  
• Love / Hate This Drill
  By A2PL4KZQJ0VFOB on 2006-05-24
  I have 3 Dremels. 1 cordless and 2 corded including this one. There are only 2 reasons I keep using Dremel.
  
  1. The long warrnty.
  2. It does the job I use it for.
  
  This Dremel was sent in for repair shortly after I got it because it wouldn't hold a bit and it just stopped working. The other cordless was sent in TWICE for repair. And the cordless was sent in THREE times for repair, once for catching on fire. However, each time the tools were repaired and returned quickly.
  
  The other reason I keep using Dremel is because I have not found another tool that can remove grout as well as the Dremel. Of course, I break a lot of bits in the process. But is does the job.
  
  Even though grout removal is not a small job. I've found that the Dremel works best on small crafts and detail work.
  
  
• Great Tool, impossible maintenance
  By A1GM893ZZY39JU on 2007-07-13
  We have had this for about 5 months now. Other reviews I have read noted that it seemed to be made of "cheap" plastic. I haven't noticed any deficiencies there. (we've dropped it a few times). It has many usefull attachments and has been invaluable to myself for minor home repair, and my wife for sculpting stone (which she does alot).
  It has come time to replace the carbon motor brushes (recomended about every 40 to 50 hours of use) and can't find them anywhere online or in local stores. The XPR takes a new kind of motor brush and no one carries it! We're looking at about 150 hours on it now and the motor is showing signs of needing the brush replaced (inconsistant speed and power) so it sits USELESS until this item becomes available.
  
  
• Where is it??
  By A38C6RMAUBLFU6 on 2004-11-17
  I could not agree more with the previous reviewer. I too ordered this item in mid October and am still waiting the "1 - 2 weeks". If Amazon cannot get this item, then let them be honest with the shopper and tell us it is just not available.
  
  
• The utility man of your toolbox
  By A15R1X6HP6TZSI on 2005-03-07
  What a great little tool! Though I wouldn't use it for big jobs, it is an extremely versatile tool to manage all your small projects around the house. I've already used it to cut through wood & drywall to install outlets in my basement and used another attachement to easily saw through metal.
  
  At its highest setting, it will give you an earful, so be sure to wear protective gear (ear & eye protection). And it won't cut very deep, so anything over 1 1/2", use something else. But for anything else, this Dremel tool is a time-saver.
  
  Like every new tool, it will take a little while to get used to it, but once you do, you may find yourself going out of your way to use this little wonder.
  
  
• wrong item shipped
  By A3EMVNSG6QMT4X on 2006-01-07
  The Classic Switch-a-Roo!!, January 4, 2006
  Just as stated on this review i also recieved the dremel 400 xpr 3/71 instead of the 400-6/90. Amazon has done its part by paying for the return shipping and stated they will ship the correct one. The only thing is that its out of stock now and wont ship till feb. The bonus engraver offer expires 1-18-06, so im out of luck. I email amazon and all they said is, if i would like to cancel my order. Would be nice to include an engraver themselves when they ship my correct order but i guess im asking for to much now. And yes i know this is not a review but its better to let people know so they wont get taken by a mistake. Still taking the 129.00 price thou.
  
  
• POOR TOOL will BREAK
  By A3R0DONUA0JGN3 on 2006-02-18
  This tool is poorly designed. Lasted about 2 weeks before burning out. Even the more expensive fiberglass cutting discs do not last for a decent amount of time when cutting 20 gauge sheet metal. Lacks Torque. Might be good for a small job that you only need to use it 2 to 3 times very lightly.
  
  
• Top of the line Kit
  By A1ISK2KL9HINY9 on 2006-11-04
  When my old dremel finally gave out, I needed a quick replacement to finish a project I was working on at the time. This kit had all the attachments I needed for the project and then some. This dremel is a lot better than my old one. Seems to not bog down as much under load like my old one did. The tool box is well designed and now holds all the little bits I had from past projects.
  The only problem I have with the dremel is that it gets quite hot when running at high speed.
  
  
• Great tool if you use it for what it is intended for
  By A397261LMW2KTQ on 2007-05-24
  I've been using Dremel tools for years and made the mistake of buying the cordless model a few years ago. I decided to make it right and buy this corded model with all of the goodies.
  
  The reality is that I don't need all of the extras that came with this kit. But who cares? I experienced a certain level of glee when I opened the box and found lots and lots of attachments to play with. That in itself makes it worthy.
  
  Moving on to the performance of this tool. It's the most powerful Dremel at 2 amps. It has worked well over the last week that I've owned it. I've ground metal, polished, cut and sanded with it. The tool doesn't slow down significantly when pressure is applied like the cordless model does.
  
  So overall, I'm happy with my purchase. Bear in mind, you shouldn't use this tool for any "monster" project. I'm guessing that it will slow down, burn out or just plain disappoint you. I find that trying to substitute one tool for another when you know you shouldn't usually doesn't work out. So use common sense when deciding what projects the little dremel will be good at.
  
  Oh, and one more thing. That little jigsaw attachment seems like a piece of junk at first. But I used it. While it can't compare to my 6 amp Bosch, it will cut 1/4" plywood just fine!
  
  
• May Not Be Perfect
  By A2LT1OAGRQ5P4N on 2007-07-04
  ...but it's pretty close. I may have gone with 4.5 but none is available so I had to go with 5 stars. This kit has just about everything anyone could want for detail work in and around the home. This new unit has more power than previous Dremel's I've owned, enough to even cut through 5/16" hardwood plywood using the mini-saw attachment. I was able to custom cut a number of strange angles sitting on the roof of my house to make each siding piece fit perfectly. This saved me going up and down the ladder or lugging larger tools to the roof, also allowing me to make minute adjustment trims realtime while being able to test fit each piece.
  
  I use every accessory that comes in this kit and can't believe the number of tasks I'm able to complete on my 45 year old house. For those that don't understand the numbering of this kit, the 400 is the new hand held unit with more power although it does run a bit hot so be sure to cool it off when working it hard - the 6/90 represents 6 external attachments and a total of 90 pieces. I usually throw the plastic storage cases away that come with other tools but the one Dremel provides with this kit is a keeper. Dremel is American made and they do stand behind their products, in my own personal experience. Just remember not to burn this or any other power tool out when working it hard. I just burned out a heavy duty drill I've been using to mix cement and epoxies by letting it overheat and not backing off - then next thing I knew was it sparked, smoked and quit working. Time for a new drill! I did the same thing once with a Dremel and after describing the issue via their web site, they sent me a new unit, no questions asked.
  
  I'm happy with this kit and think most people will be too, just remember to follow the rule of the right tool for the right job and you shouldn't have any issues with this Dremel tool.
  
  
• Dremel 400-6/90 Series XPR Kit
  By A2XRQJJF78SXYW on 2005-09-11
  As a builder of giant scale model airplanes, this tool is a great enhancement to my hobby. I bought at a tremendous savings, which is very important to me as a retiree.
  
  
• great for the do it yourselfer
  By A3TT6BLOXVM2I6 on 2005-12-14
  I have had this tool for some time now and it has repeatedly impressed me by it versatility and ease of use. It really continues to amaze me. Of course I am not a professional person but I am a regular do it your selfer and I use it time and time again to wow my wife as i complete my little projects around the house in record time using it.
  
  
• Lowe's Price Match
  By AG0CY6D89CGPM on 2004-11-26
  If you print out the page with the price and description of the Dremel 400-3/71 Series XPR Kit. Take it to lowe's they will match Amazon's price which is $10 cheaper. They will also match it online too. Goto Loews.com and search Price Match to get more info.
  
  
• crap kit
  By A3BFKH624FBWME on 2005-08-03
  what can i say? my kit didnt come with any collets,so it cant be used untill i get some. and beware of "roto tool" excessorys that arent dremmel, i got a bunch from ebay,different grinders and such,,none fit the hole. so they are useless to me, except maybe in a full size drill .
  
  
• "soon" is NOT
  By A2IAUZQST5WE2N on 2006-02-22
  I believe I placed my first Amazon order in May 1997 and have been a regular customer since that time. I rarely write reviews, but I am so angry this time that I am submitting this unfavorable review. I ordered one of these units--I accepted the light duty, and cautions of the other thoughtful reviewers and clicked "order."
  
  What I find unconscionable is the Amazon description of "Availability: In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served." And now I see that their definition of "soon" is over 30 days off. That is not "soon," not by any reasonable definition, and I will be cancelling my order. I just want the truth. If they can't tell me the truth on "soon", how can I trust any of the remaining description?
  
  
• No chuck included -- can't use it without one
  By A21R19SBX1YU1R on 2006-02-24
  The drill arrived without a chuck. Please send it. When that arrives, I'll use the drill and write a review.
  
  
• IGNORE Prev reveiw by HRVATS ...
  By A1T4XYVDNGFGI6 on 2004-12-28
  The Foolish comment made by HRVATS in a previous reveiw is completely wrong.
  Home Depot does not sell this set for $99.00 -
  they sell the Model (400-4/70H) which is the smaller 70pc. set - NOT THIS (400-6/90).
  Thanks for comparing apples and oranges - VERY INTELLIGENT ?
  Some people should learn how to read before leaving reviews.
  
  
  
• Pimp my gear!
  By A2WU63KH85BPZE on 2006-08-26
  This is an awesome kit...though I think I might have over-bought. The tool itself is great, and the flexible grip is VERY useful. I have yet to find a use for the planer, though. The saw I can take or leave. If you're just doing hobby stuff, you could probably get something less fancy and still be satisfied. I would recommend this one, however, for home repair tasks.
  
  
• Delightful Dremel
  By AT3AQLZ41SG7I on 2005-02-19
  I have ordered may items from Amazon.com, but this kitis "hands down" the best buy for your money. I searched through all of the major building supply stores in my area and the item was not even available. Amazon had it, and got it to me three days after I ordered it. You can't beat that for service.
  
  I figured that I would have to go out and buy additional bits, etc, but when the item was opened, EVERYTHING was there! What a refreshing supprise not to have to take a trip to the store before I started a project.
  
  Thanks Amazon for a superior product at an amazing price.
  
  

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