You’ve probably been familiar with the traditional “Dremel tool” for a few years. Now, it’s time to check out their newest offering. The latest rotary tool, the Dremel 400 Series XPR, is “the next generation.”
One big change is the motor: a new permanent magnet type allows the 400 Series XPR to maintain its full motor performance at both high speeds for routing and low: for precise cuts and intricate projects. You set the speed of the tool with a numbered speed control dial, separate from the on/off switch, which goes from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm. Yes, you can stop and start the tool at the same speed setting, without need to change the dial again or to work back up to the speed you wanted.
The Dremel 400 Series XPR accepts all attachments and accessories that worked on previous versions of the rotar tool, and it also comes with two new ones of its own. (Sorry, current owners: it doesn’t work both ways. The two new attachments do not work on the previous tools.)
The XPR Planer allows you to perform, well, planing tasks: the high-speed steel rotary cutting bit will produce a smooth surface on materials up to 21/4″ wide. It’s a wide-fluted cutting bit to hold its sharpness, and comes with a 90° fence guide to ensure square and uniform cuts.
The XPR MultiSaw attachment lets you cut anything from 2×4’s to small branches (or copper, or laminate, if you insist on working with something that isn’t wood). It reaches cutting speeds up to 3,900 strokes per minute and can cut material up to 11/2″ thick. The XPR MultiSaw attachment cuts in tight places, too: a pivoting foot provides control, stability and a tight turning radius to cut scroll patterns, while visual sight markings aid in making straight cuts. The universal blade holder accepts standard U- and T-shank jigsaw blades.
The 400 Series XPR also comes with a newly redesigned storage case. The rotary tool itself, and its attachments, have labeled locations, while small containers for additional accessory kits snap into the case or out of it, if you want to carry them around to your project.
The Dremel 400 Series XPR has a suggested retail price of between $80 and $100. For more information, call 800-437-3635 or visit http://www.dremel.com.
