I've recently been using my dremel to cut plexiglass rather than score it, but I have a terrible problem. The day after I had cut a couple pieces of plexi, my dremel started acting weird. I have cut plexi before, so i'm not quite sure if it was the plexiglass that caused this. At first I was able to switch it up to speed 10, but it stammered while at full speed (it would start at full speed, then seem to throttle down for a second, then go back to normal speed). It was odd but I went ahead and kept using it anyway. Eventually that same day the dremel would not switch past two (it seemed jammed). I forced it to go past two, but anything other than 2 would not turn the dremel on, though if i set it to 2 it would work just fine. I just left it on two and finished what I was doing. After that I attempted to move the speed slide back and forth from 1 to 10 quickly to try and fix it, but that caused it to stop working!! Now my dremel wont turn on no matter what speed its on. I'm thinking there might be plexiglass melted inside that is gumming up something, but was wondering how I should go about cleaning this device. Thanks for the help.

Got a warranty still on it? Because it isn't an easy fix (even if it's what I think it is), and it'll void your warranty if you got one. 300 series or 400 series (400s are XPRs). I assure you, I'm an expert at this, as I am the official Dremel Killah.

Hmmm I might have a warrenty. I'm not sure, I purchased it a while ago and definatley don't have the reciept.

Quote: Originally Posted by ratchetfps Hmmm I might have a warrenty. I'm not sure, I purchased it a while ago and definatley don't have the reciept.

Warranty info should be in that mess of paper that was in the case when you got it. Because my last Dremel did what you described, my feeling you've toasted the speed control unit - and well.... you might figure out a way to clean it/ bypass it to a switch, but it's rather mickey mouse. Personally I just threw mine out, I hate dealing with Dremel's warranty coverage and it's not worth it to me anymore. I just bought an angle grinder with 4.5" cut off wheelZ.

Angle grinder + cut off wheels = 50 bucks... have spent over 300 dollars on Dremel crap.

Well I just ran out to the garage, and it appears all the papers (i assume you meant the ones shoved into that pocket on the upper lid of the dremel case) are gone. I just moved, so I can pretty much rule out ever finding them. I liked my dremel alot, and was finnaly starting to get use to it, I don't feel i'll get the same accuracy with an angle grinder. Thanks for the help =)

What's your model number? Where did you purchase it? Do you still have your receipt?

Do you know if the brushes are replaceable on your tool? I have an older dremel and there are two round covers on the side that can be removed to replace the brushes which I can buy at home depot.

Quote: Originally Posted by HoJo Do you know if the brushes are replaceable on your tool? I have an older dremel and there are two round covers on the side that can be removed to replace the brushes which I can buy at home depot.

Bingo, this exact thing happened to me, just replace the brushes, you can get em at Ace. Lowes doesnt have them.

Quote: Originally Posted by Wafflesomd Bingo, this exact thing happened to me, just replace the brushes, you can get em at Ace. Lowes doesnt have them.

Walmart has them too

In response to lateronmly I use a single speed dremel and a electric 1/4"bit die grinder.The two make a excellent pair!Jo

Well I just went out and bought some replacement brushes and the thing still doesn't work. Waaaaaa

Quote: Originally Posted by ratchetfps Well I just went out and bought some replacement brushes and the thing still doesn't work. Waaaaaa

Yah - when brushes fail you don't start losing speed settings from the top. At lest in my experiences.

should have just trusted you in the first place =O
Oh well, time to buy a new one...and maybe an angle grinder.

you might still be able to bring it to a local service center and have it repaired/replaced for free, as long as it is still under warranty.

i got the cheap dremel and alot of bits it does what i need it to do. if you have an air compresser you can get a cheap cuter for it too. (note you wanna have at a 30 gal. plus tank.)

Quote: Originally Posted by Iateronmly Warranty info should be in that mess of paper that was in the case when you got it. Because my last Dremel did what you described, my feeling you've toasted the speed control unit - and well.... you might figure out a way to clean it/ bypass it to a switch, but it's rather mickey mouse. Personally I just threw mine out, I hate dealing with Dremel's warranty coverage and it's not worth it to me anymore. I just bought an angle grinder with 4.5" cut off wheelZ. Angle grinder + cut off wheels = 50 bucks... have spent over 300 dollars on Dremel crap.

What make/model is your angle grinder?

Quote: Originally Posted by joecoin What make/model is your angle grinder?

It's a 4.5" DeWalt angle grinder (D28110), 7 amp motor. I got it for 39.95 at Home Depot a little over a week ago.