By Andrew Liszewski
The first tool any DIYer should add to their collection is the Dremel. It’s really amazing how many applications you can find for what is essentially a ridiculously fast drill. However I’ve never really been 100% happy with the ergonomics of the Dremel and have had it slip out of my hand a few times leading to some close calls.
The Stylus is a slight upgrade to the Dremel design and gives the tool an actual pistol grip like a standard drill has making it easier to hold onto. Of course the grip also provides a place to store a 7.2V lithium-ion battery allowing the Stylus to go cordless. Unfortunately I can’t find any info on the Dremel site as to what the battery life is actually like but given the Stylus’ variable speed motor that can reach 25,000 RPM I assume it doesn’t last that long. Of course I haven’t had a chance to play with one yet so hopefully I’m wrong.
The Dremel Stylus base kit includes a charging cradle plus an assortment of tools and is available at Amazon.com for $66.85.
I recently got a Stylus, the functionality is really great. You are right about the battery length at high speeds. Full blast cutting on steel I get about 20 minutes of usage, which then takes three hours to recharge fully, that is the only draw back I have found. That and the charger base is a bit finicky, that could just be mine though. Other then those two things the Stylus is a great tool.