If i double posted this im sorry...i could have SWORN i poted it before but then i couldnt find it...so i figure maybe my inet messed up...anyways

i have a multi-speed dremel, its about 3 yrs old right now and i wanna upgrade..but i dont know whether to simply stick to dremel, or try to diversify my modding equiptment
1)Does the dremel xpr400 come with interchangeable drilling bits, so i can make quick painless holes for my fan screws
2) Is the jigsaw attachment worth it? I was thinking about getting a jigsaw all my own, but i do not have that much space (i like in a 15x15 room and i have a queen sized bed in it...im a college student..thats how i do)
3) If i were to buy a jigsaw or a drill, what should i look for while purchasing it.
4) Can i attach one of those circular hole making thingies to the end of a drill, or do i have to buy a completly different power tool for that

i am currently leaning towards the dremel xpr400-90 kit cuz it comes with the jigsaw set...but if the jigsaw set is worthless...ill probably go the other route..also...is the xpr400 a big step up from older dremels

Some folks have good or bad stories about the XPR400... I'm one of the folks with good stories... All the cutting work on my current project was done with it, in addition to other odd jobs here and there... Personally, I would forego the jigsaw set, just doesn't seem like it would have the power of a standalone jigsaw... I would look for the one with the Flex-Shaft attachment...

Jigsaws and drills, I would go for the best that you can afford... Depending on what stores are in your area, I would read and compare the stats on the boxes, and if you're still trying to decide, ask the sales staff or other customers in the section... They usually have first-hand experience with this or that model...

A hole saw is a good way to get nice circular cuts relatively quickly. I used mine with a cordless drill and it took a bit longer than it would have with a corded model, but the end result was still acceptable... Holesaws FTW because: they cut more "perfect" circles than a hand-held Dremel (at least I make better ones with my HS), and they don't cost but a fraction of a knock-out punch set...

Hole saws require a $15 thing that attaches various hole saw bits to the drill btw. I was kinda pissed when i found this out cuz i had already paid for the hole saw bit with the last of my money =O

well there goes the whole hole saw idea..thats WAY too expensive...i would wanna get at least2-3 sized and they seem to be about 40 bucks each...and the kit is like 300...unless im totally getting my info wrong, there is no way im gonna go hole sawin anytime soon...
so does the XPR have a drill bit mechanism so i can make exact holes...cuz as of now...it seems like a better idea to buy a jigsaw/drill or something combo than a new dremel

Quote: Originally Posted by ratchetfps Hole saws require a $15 thing that attaches various hole saw bits to the drill btw. I was kinda pissed when i found this out cuz i had already paid for the hole saw bit with the last of my money =O

I have a story to tell about hole saws, Maybe it was me that I used it wrong. Ive read on the net that you have to use oil on it if you cut metal. Well that day, I didnt. I grinded down the hole saw, the only thing its good for is cutting plastic. Even then, it jumps around and its heavy.

Dunno, Nerdz... I've used all three of mine on aluminum and plexi without oil or whatever and had no problems... Here's how I done it...

Mark out the template for the size hole you want to cut, then use the screw holes to figure out where the center is at. Use a metal punch to make a small dent in the center, so when you drill, the bit won't skip around. Use a bit about half the size of the one in the holesaw to start the center hole, then put the holesaw to work. Go slow, get the outline of the circle started, then gradually work the holesaw into the material, pressing down slightly, releasing, pressing, releasing, repeating until you get the hole cut...

I would spend the money on a few hole saws. I have the XPR and its fine for small or hard to reach places. The flex hose is use full. But mainly use the XPR to clean up the holes after the hole saw.

I used the hole saw for the plastic and the XPR for the metal.
The metal was to thin to use the hole saw.
http://gallery.filefront.com/coweater58//235900/1/

I used the 114mm hole saw to cut the ones on the side.

And i used the XPR for the one one the back.

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Use Coaxial Cable to hide some of your cuts, It will Look neater. Your Cut Doesnt Look Bad either.

oh yea...do you guys just buy coaxial cables and then strip them or do u actually just buy t...if so can i get some at xoxide?

Quote: Originally Posted by WuGgaRoO oh yea...do you guys just buy coaxial cables and then strip them or do u actually just buy t...if so can i get some at xoxide?

Lol, My bad. If you werent going to order from xoxide, then you can get the real stuff (but I forget what its called) Its for hiding cuts and such. But Yes, if you had some you cut it down the middle and use the plastic part. It just slides right on the case.
EDIT-OPPS wrong thread..lol

Quote: Originally Posted by Nerdz Lol, My bad. If you werent going to order from xoxide, then you can get the real stuff (but I forget what its called) Its for hiding cuts and such. But Yes, if you had some you cut it down the middle and use the plastic part. It just slides right on the case. EDIT-OPPS wrong thread..lol

awww..xoxide stoppped the sale of its edge molding

oh and if i buy a drill...do i have to buy anying else to actually drill into my case..also what size bit should i use while making fan screw holes... i'm sorry if i sound like a newb but up until now i have been doing this very hap hazardly or with my dads tools..which either way it was haphazardly though

A 3/16 Cobalt Drill Bits should be fine.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nerdz I have a story to tell about hole saws, Maybe it was me that I used it wrong. Ive read on the net that you have to use oil on it if you cut metal. Well that day, I didnt. I grinded down the hole saw, the only thing its good for is cutting plastic. Even then, it jumps around and its heavy.

You probably made the same mistake most people who have that complaint did. You didn't get bimetal teeth saws. All my holesaws are DeWalt, done well over 50 holes with it, and still sharp. But I've also recently bought a drill press, and frankly, using a corded or cordless drill again would be uncivilized. 100 dollar POS made in China Ryobi 10" drill press has made my life a lot easier.

For Dremels, I think the 300 series is still better than the 400 in terms of length of life, and they're the cheaper of the two, and take all the same accessories. Me and GK have both toasted our XPR 400s very well.

trust me you definately want to invest in a hole saw. For about $25 I got the mandal (the drill bit part) and the I believe 3" hole saw all at home depot. They also have the kits but the only sizes u should use a lot are 3" (80mm) and the 4.5" (120mm). Make sure to go slow and let the bit cut you dont need too much pressure at all or you will grind down the bit. oh yea HOLD ON TIGHT because if that thing stalls it'll start to spin the part creating a very hazardous weapon

For dremel either 300 or 400 series. Make sure its a variable speed (different speeds for plastic, acrylic, and metal). And get the reinforced cutting bits because those last soo much longer.

For a drill you can get a cheapy one but know that it might not last more than a year. If you want to have a nice one for a long time spend the money and make sure you dont burn the motor out although that may be covered under warranty not sure really.

Good luck with you endeavors with school and modding especially since im a college kid myself. and dont mod in your bedroom do it outside or somethin because the debris from cutting will be everywhere.

I just bought the Dremel quick change kit for the 1.5" reinforced cutting disks. The disks last a very long time but because of the quick change mechnaism it wobbles a little bit and it causes the whole tool to vibrate. I have the Craftsman brand Dremel and it works great. BTW if you do not have the flexible shaft attachment that should be the first item on your list.

Quote: Originally Posted by Iateronmly You probably made the same mistake most people who have that complaint did. You didn't get bimetal teeth saws. All my holesaws are DeWalt, done well over 50 holes with it, and still sharp. But I've also recently bought a drill press, and frankly, using a corded or cordless drill again would be uncivilized. 100 dollar POS made in China Ryobi 10" drill press has made my life a lot easier. For Dremels, I think the 300 series is still better than the 400 in terms of length of life, and they're the cheaper of the two, and take all the same accessories. Me and GK have both toasted our XPR 400s very well.

Nope It was Bi-Metal, and I first used it on a drill press. It just grinded against the case making lots on unpleasant noises.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nerdz Nope It was Bi-Metal, and I first used it on a drill press. It just grinded against the case making lots on unpleasant noises.

Bosch/DeWalt/Milwaukee are the only true bimetals I know of, there's a lot of cheap junk from China that claims it's bimetal.. which is probably true, mostly aluminum and a little bit of cheap steel on the teeth. Did you also make sure to put the piece down with clamps?

Also they always make unpleasant noises, it takes me up to 2 minutes to dig through 1/8" aluminum if it's high quality aluminum too. Regular SECC steel used on side panels takes about 15 seconds though with my 4.5 (120mm).