It can be very confusing to find the right rotary tool that is powerful enough for your purposes without spending too much money. In the following article, we will help you choose between Dremel 4000 vs 3000, which are two of the most popular rotary tools from the well-known brand. Which one does give a better value for the money?
Continue reading below to read more about:
- Which one between Dremel 4000 and Dremel 3000 that’s easier to use
- The distinctive features on each rotary tool
- The power and performance of Dremel 4000 vs 3000
- The bundles and included accessories of each model
- Which rotary tool that is generally more recommended for the money
Design
First of all, let’s start by comparing the design of Dremel 4000 vs 3000. Here, we can find some notable differences between the two models. Dremel 4000 is a newer model. It is both easy to use and good-looking to see. Dremel 3000, the older model, is also good and comfortable to use, but not as great as the successor model.
The company was definitely very confident with Dremel 3000 when it was first released. They have described Dremel 3000 as the upgrade from their most popular rotary tool, the famous Dremel 300. In terms of appearance, Dremel 3000 does hold some resemblances with Dremel 300. However, the changes are also quite dramatic.
Compared to the predecessor, Dremel 3000 has a more streamlined torpedo-style shape. It features a trumpet-shaped nose that allows you to perform an easy one-handed grip. It is certainly easy to navigate. After all, one of the primary advantages offered by many Dremel models has always been the superbly easy handling. It is also quite slim and portable. (Read also : Dremel 200 vs Dremel 3000)
Dremel 3000 measures approximately 7.0 inches long. It has a weight of about 20 ounces, which is only about two ounces more than the predecessor Dremel 3000. The company claims that Dremel 3000 comes with a new ball-bearing motor that runs more cool, more smoothly, and more quietly even when working under load. Nevertheless, the weight increase is not really noticeable.
Dremel 4000, on the other hand, is actually an upgrade to replace the old Dremel 400 XPR. It has been made to be compatible with all of the company’s accessories and attachments, including their famous multi-saw and planer attachments which were specially designed for Dremel 400 XPR. However, there are also two new attachments that debuted together with Dremel 4000, the sanding/grinding guide and the detailers grip.
Dremel 4000 is even more streamlined than Dremel 400 XPR. The interesting part is that the body is able to fit very comfortably in the hand, both in the pencil grip position and the golf grip position. Note that the front end of the rotary tool features a 360-degree grip zone, which is incredibly convenient. You can immediately pick it up and start working immediately without trying to find the right position.
Dremel 4000 also comes with a new motor design that is said to be more powerful than the company’s previous motor designs. For sure, the build quality is excellent. In addition, it also has an electronic feedback mechanism to deliver more consistent power when working under load.
The layout is similar and quite consistent with the predecessor as well as other Dremel models. You can find the shaft lock button on the front end of the tool, so changing the bit should be easy and quick. Meanwhile, the other accessories including the collet wrench are put in a hard shell case, which is included in the bundle. Many people prefer to attach the case to the unit or power cord using a strong elastic band.
Features
Most of the features of Dremel 4000 vs 3000 are similar. Each of them comes with a variable speed control, a six-foot power cord, and the EZ Twist nose cap. In addition, both of the two rotary tools are compatible with all Dremel accessories. As the effect, you can use either of them to serve in almost any application.
The most significant improvement on Dremel 3000 compared to the older models is the EZ Twist nose cap. Dremel 3000 uses an innovative EZ Twist nose cap to unlock the collet. On previous models, you need a wrench to do that. But the EZ Twist nose cap has an integrated wrench on the cap, so you only need to unscrew the cap and use the same thing to tighten the collet nut. This is an incredibly convenient and practical feature.
The power switch of Dremel 3000 is integrated into the speed switch. It is placed near the tail end of the tool. It retains 10 speed settings, just like the predecessor. The difference from one setting to the next is about 3,000 RPM. On the tail end of the rotary tool, you can also find a hanging hook, which is useful for suspending the unit using the optional flex shaft attachment.
Dremel 4000 also comes with the EZ Twist nose cap. So, just like the more affordable Dremel 3000, it is very easy to use. You don’t need a wrench to unlock the collet, as an integrated wrench is available on the cap. Depending on the bundle that you choose, the set may include a selection of cutting, grinding, or sanding accessories, along with the multi-purpose cutting, sanding, or grinding guide.
The on/off power switch is placed near the front end of Dremel 4000. Meanwhile, the variable speed dial is placed near the tail end. You may be worried that this arrangement may make it difficult to adjust, but that probably will not be a problem because people usually just leave it at the highest speed most of the time. On the tail end of the unit, there is an integrated hanger, which is very handy for storing the unit.
Usage and Maintenance
In general, both Dremel 4000 vs 3000 rotary tools are very easy and convenient to use. However, note that Dremel 4000 is slightly heavier than Dremel 3000. As the effect, it may be a little more difficult to handle and navigate. This is especially true when working on a fine, intricate task that requires high precision and accuracy. However, if you are an experienced user, you probably will not find a real problem just because of the slightly heavier body.
Dremel 3000 has 3 kit formats, and each set is packed in a hard shell case which looks nice and durable. The set may include several accessories plus a multi-purpose cutting guide or a sanding/grinding guide. Both of those guides feature height adjustment scales, and they can be adjusted to approximately 0.75 inches.
The multi-purpose cutting guide is handy when you need to hold the tool 90 degrees from the work surface. This usually happens when you want to use the tool to cut something. The multi-purpose guide has a wide base that measures 2.375 inches. It provides a very stable support. You don’t need to worry that the guide may block your sight, because the large opening allows you to easily see what you are cutting.
The sanding/grind guide only has a base that measures 1.75 inches, so it doesn’t provide as much support. However, it can support the rotary tool at 90 degrees or 45 degrees.
Dremel 3000 requires very minimal maintenance, so it is incredibly convenient. You only need to check the brushes every about 50 hours of use. When they begin to wear down, make sure to replace them. You also need to replace the brushes immediately if there is more sparking than usual, if the unit runs more slowly than usual, or if the unit fails to start. The brushes are sold in pairs.
Dremel 4000 is also very easy to use, but it is a little bit heavier than Dremel 3000. Well, it is not excessively heavy, but you should be more careful when handling it on an intricate work. This is not a problem for trained hands.
Also, although a rotary tool is very easy to use, you still have to treat it with respect. Do not over-abuse the unit and the bits. You see, the bits do have small shanks, which can break if exposed to too much lateral pressure. In other words, let the unit do the work. You should never push or force the rotary tool.
These rotary tools also don’t have guards. This is not a problem when using the unit with router, carving, or drilling bits. But this may be a potential problem when working with cutting wheels. At a speed of 35,000 RPM, the cutting wheel will become almost invisible. So, use it with great caution.
Similarly, Dremel 4000 requires minimal maintenance. In general, you only need to check the brushes every 50 hours (or every 40 hours if you often use it for heavy-duty tasks). Replace the brushes when they begin to show signs of burning, pitting, or cracking. Since the brushes are inexpensive, you should not wait until the current ones are completely worn before replacing them. The rotary tool may get damaged if you wait too long.
Power
The most significant difference between Dremel 4000 vs 3000 is the power. Obviously, Dremel 4000 packs more power than Dremel 3000. However, if you only need a rotary tool to handle light tasks, you probably don’t need too much power in the first place. But if you want a versatile tool that can handle heavy-duty tasks when needed, then choose the model with the higher power.
Dremel 3000 is armed with a 1.2-amp motor. It is quite powerful. The speed range goes from 5,000 RPM to 32,000 RPM. Even though the maximum speed is not as high as Dremel 4000, it already offers enough power to handle a wide range of cutting, grinding, and sanding tasks. It has ample power to be useful in the home as well as in the shop.
On the other hand, Dremel 4000 comes with a 1.6-amp motor. The higher amperage translates into a higher maximum speed. The speed range of this unit goes from 5,000 RPM to 35,000 RPM. The extra power and higher speeds are useful for taking care of heavier tasks more quickly. You should consider this model if you often work on heavy-duty tasks.
Available Starter Kits
Finally, the difference between Dremel 3000 and Dremel 4000 is that they are available in different starter kits. Dremel 3000 has fewer options available. Dremel 4000 has more options for a starter kit, some of which do come with more parts and accessories.
Here are the starter kits available for Dremel 3000.
Dremel 3000-1/25
It includes 1 shield attachment and 25 accessories (2 for cutting, 3 for grinding/sharpening, 6 for polishing and cleaning, 10 for sanding, and 4 miscellaneous accessories).
Dremel 3000-2/28
It includes 2 attachments (which are the guides for cutting and sanding/grinding) and 28 accessories (3 for cutting, 4 for grinding/sharpening, 8 for polishing and cleaning, 6 for sanding, 3 for carving/engraving, and 4 miscellaneous accessories).
Here are the starter kits available for Dremel 4000.
Dremel 4000-2/30
It includes 2 attachments (for circle cutter/straight edge and for sanding/grinding) and 30 accessories (5 for cutting, 3 for grinding/sharpening, 4 for polishing and cleaning, 15 for sanding, 1 for carving/engraving, and 3 miscellaneous accessories).
Dremel 4000-3/34
It includes 3 attachments (the detailer’s grip, the cutting guide, and the sanding/grinding guide) and 34 accessories (5 for cutting, 4 for grinding/sharpening, 8 for polishing and cleaning, 12 for sanding, 2 for carving and engraving, and 5 miscellaneous accessories).
Dremel 4000-4/34
This is the same as Dremel 4000-3/34, but with the addition of the attachment for circle cutter/straight edge.
Dremel 4000-6/50
It includes 6 attachments (cutting guide, sanding/grinding guide, shield attachment, circle cutter/straight edge, flex shaft, and lawn mower/garden tool sharpening) and 50 accessories (12 for cutting, 5 for grinding/sharpening, 9 for polishing and cleaning, 15 for sanding, 3 for carving and engraving, and 7 miscellaneous accessories).
Dremel 4000 vs 3000
Conclusion
All in all, Dremel 4000 is more recommended. It will give the best value for the money. It has a more powerful motor, which allows the unit to provide higher speeds up to 35,000 RPM. It is versatile and robust, suitable for a wide range of tasks. In addition, it is also available with more starter kit options, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.