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I need to do the dremel tool mods to my Apex light and figure I'll go ahead and get one for myself as a Christmas gift. What model and tool kit do y'all recommend getting? Are the cordless ones lame or worth it, and do I need multi-speed?

I have a cheapo, corded Craftsman rotary tool (Dremel knock-off). I've used the heck out if it for the past 6 years. I use the multi-speed function occasionally, but 95 percent of the time it's on full blast. That said, I think multi-speed is a worthwhile option. The bits are another issue. I buy them individually or bulk packs of the same bit. Those giant variety packs with 214 pieces look like a great deal, but they are not. I got one for Xmas a few years ago. The case is huge! I chucked the case and the pieces that were worthless and condensed the rest into a little drawer. I use the bullet shaped grinding stone and the cut-off tool for almost everything.

The cordless option would be nice, I think.

I doubt the cordless option would give you enough torque and longevity. The multi speed option is very useful when you first start. At high speed you can take a lot of material off real fast. I agree with Scott to just buy the bits you need/use routinely.

Actually, I've had a 2-speed cordless cheap-ish Black and Decker Wizard for probably about 6 years now - and it's lasted really well. Plenty of torque for engraving, light grinding work, etc, and surprisingly good battery life too.

I got an authentic Dremel as a gift, but I should think that the cheaper knockoffs are just as good - after all. it's just a motor in a handle that makes the end go round and round... I buy the cheap non-Dremel cutoff wheels by the barrelful; that's what I use most and they typically only last thru a single useage each. It's a versatile tool, and a great Christmas gift!

DJ, is that a tuxedo cat in your new avatar? We've got one too...

Yep, it's my friend Kathy's cat Tessa. However I have two tuxedo cats of my own - Clare and Luna, sisters.
I just like the Tessa kitty pic because she got in the wastepaper basket. Tessa is small sized.

Tuxedo cats are my preferred model. I have had three now and find them a reliable kind of cat for mischief.

I got a corded Dremel for Christmas years ago. It has two speeds, 'Holy S***! That's Fast!' and 'Stop'. I opened a coconut with it once. I think that's the only time I have ever used it.

Komebeaux wrote:I got a corded Dremel for Christmas years ago. It has two speeds, 'Holy S***! That's Fast!' and 'Stop'. I opened a coconut with it once. I think that's the only time I have ever used it.

Note to self - remember to bring rotary tool on tropical vacations.

NZcaver wrote:

Komebeaux wrote:I got a corded Dremel for Christmas years ago. It has two speeds, 'Holy S***! That's Fast!' and 'Stop'. I opened a coconut with it once. I think that's the only time I have ever used it.

Note to self - remember to bring rotary tool on tropical vacations.

Pretty sure Les Stroud done it that way.

Komebeaux wrote:Pretty sure Les Stroud done it that way.

Actually, Les told me he just copies whatever Bear does.

Hey Judy don't forget the safety eyewear. Don't wan't to spend Christmas morning in the ER like I did once (stabbed my own hand with new leatherman while trying to open another present).

NZcaver wrote:

Komebeaux wrote:Pretty sure Les Stroud done it that way.

Actually, Les told me he just copies whatever Bear does.

Only when Survivorman starts to suck, I'll know that's true.

I know it has been a while since this post, but I thought it was worth adding to the thread. Most of the Dremel knock-offs are about the same. If you want a high quality tool that will last forever, get a fordom:
http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundation ... tegory=161
They are made for doing jewelry, stone carving, wood carving, etc. and they do all of it better than the dremel. You can find them for significantly less than the list price too. If you rarely use it, get a dremel.
Peace, Eli