Dremel 4000 amps up its power potential

With a 1.5-amp motor capable of producing 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, the new Dremel 4000 rates as the company's most powerful version of its multi-purpose rotary tool.

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Gavin Jerome, the group product manager who led the development of the Dremel 4000, says the compact and lightweight corded rotary tool is ideal for heavy-duty applications and versatile jobs with its ability to hold multiple attachments. Uses include carving, engraving, routing, grinding, sanding, cutting, cleaning, polishing and more.

"Woodworkers will appreciate that extra performance that this tool's going to have over our other tools. Our other tools are still doing a great job, but this is going to perform more like a nimble router for detailed work," he says.

The 4000 boasts electronic feedback control that senses the tool's workload and maintains the specified speed, replaceable motor brushes to extend the motor's life, and a larger fan motor to keep the tool cool.

The 4000 is compatible with all Dremel accessories and attachments, as well as the MultiSaw and Planer attachments originally created for the company's 400 Series XPR rotary tool.

New attachments will debut with the Dremel 4000. They include the Detailer's Grip, a pistol grip, and the Sanding/Grinding Guide, which can be used with the rotary tool securely mounted or guide the tool along the edge of a flat or beveled surface.

The ergonomic design of the tool has been altered for more user comfort and stability. Jerome says the body is slimmer and more cylindrically shaped, and an additional pencil-grip nose has been added. A separate on/off switch and speed dial were strategically placed to not interfere with the grip. The speed dial features easy-to-read speed settings for accurate dialing. An innovative shaft lock mechanism lets users lock the output shaft quickly when changing accessories.

The Dremel 4000 will be available in October at most hardware stores and home improvement centers nationwide. Various kits will be available from $79 to $149.

Contact: Dremel, 4915 21st St., Racine, WI 53406. Tel: 800-437-3635. www.dremel.com

This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue.