Dremel problem

[Whittled Thumb]

I have a variable speed dremel and it only runs one speed. Anyone know what the problem might be

[TreeWizard]

I'd look at the switch first, most variable speed switches are nothing more than a reostat.

[Eddy-Smiles]

What he said! Did it fail in high or low speed? How old is it? Dremel has a customer service number at 1-800-437-3635. If you're handy perhaps you can order a replacement switch, unless they're solid state and glued and screwed in place.

[John_C]

check the brushes if they look bad or have less then 1/8 inch carbon they need to be replaced. also you may have some metal filings in the switch just get some compressed gas and blow out the switch

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Whittled Thumb

I have a variable speed dremel and it only runs one speed. Anyone know what the problem might be

Ya, I'd bet it's the switch. Dremel is having problems with the switches, one of mine will have to go in again, to have the switch replaced.

Seems that it doesn't want to completely shut off. I shut it off, and lay it down, but then it starts up again.

Maybe they need to get some American made switches.

[susieq]

Years ago, I had a problem with one of mine...my husband opened it up and found that a plastic gear had shredded... I used it for many many years so I can't complain about it. But, I called Dremel (very nice folks by the way) and told them what happened. For $4.00 I ordered another gear, Mike put it in for me and it was as good as new. Brushes are a good thing to check too. So grab a screw drive and open it up. What ever needs replaced, I am sure Dremel can send it to you for a couple of bucks.

[bethc]

Like Susieq, I've had excellent results with Dremel service. I got a Dremel about ten years ago, but I never used it very much. When I retired last year and decided to really try carving some, I found that the bit was not spinning. I sent the tool to Dremel with an explanation of what was wrong and a check for the $30 or $40 they said would be the repair cost for a unit out of warranty. It came back repaired within a week along with the check I had sent and said there was no charge. I then hooked up my new flex shaft and let it hang straight down and turned the motor on high (as per the instructions). The motor promptly burned out. I sent the unit back with an explanation, and they promptly sent me back a newer reconditioned unit. Still no charge. It is working just fine now. My only cost was about $8 postage total.

Moral - if in doubt, check with Dremel service.

Beth

[Whittled Thumb]

I'll check the brushes. The tool is about 12 years old and its been a champ. I have used it from everything to refurbishing curbed rims to sawing off nails. I find that I use it atleast once a week for various reasons

[therenow]

I have a Dremel model 732 flex shaft with a model 236 type 1 handset. Works great. Had it for close to 20 years. That is until my Grandson (thats him with his hands on his hips..usual reaction when I ask whats up?) "misplaced" my collets. Now I am looking or hoping to find another compatible handset and collets that I can connect to the existing flex cable. Dremel says replacement colletts are no longer available for that handset. Any suggestions. I don;t think Santa has a new Foredom in mind for me this year

[susieq]

Hi Therenow,
is this Dremel, the big one that is very similar to the Foredom flex shaft unit? If it is, collets are probably interchangable between the two and you might just buy new Foredom collets. If the hand pieces are "quick change" meaning you just pull the handpiece off to put a different one on the shaft...the handpieces are interchangable too. I have a big old Dremel that is no longer made. They quit making it about 12 or 13 years ago. Mine runs like a champ (knock on wood) and is very comparable to my Foredom.

If you have a different Dremel that mine, then I don't know what to tell you. If you know someone with a Foredom, you might borrow a collet to see if it fits your unit. That would tell you what you need to know. Good luck.