Is there any advantage to using a pin vise instead of a Dremel?
Ray, I feel there is an advantage with the pin vise on very delicate parts and small drill bits. You will develop a feel for how a bit cuts and have less brakage. It also depends on the material, but the pin vise can be pretty quick also.
The Dremel goes too fast, even at it’s slowest speed. While I do own a pin-vise, I now prefer the MicroLux variable speed drill available from MicroMark. It’s small and it goes slow enough to drill plastic without melting. It also has enough torque to not bog down like a Dremel.
I’m with Bruce…I feel that Dremels are extremely over rated. I have two motor tools which I never use in favor of the Mircro Lux minitools line. While being a little pricey, they are well worth the investment…
You’d have to fight me to take my dremel away, but I use my pin vice lots more.
I have a couple Dremel, and use them for lots of things; drilling isn’t one of them since I got the MicroLux. Can’t remember the last time I used a pin vise…no need any more…
I use a pin vise for all my drilling (being Microlux-deficient at the moment). I use my dremel for cutoff work and grinding, but thats it…
I habitually use a pin vise to start awkwardly placed holes , then follow through with either a Variable Speed Dremel , or if it is only low torque work , a drill that would normally run off a step down fixed voltage supply connected to a train speed controller . That way you can get speeds way down ,and if it’s only a teensy drill bit , it will be ok .
The main thing is to find something with which you are comfortable , then stick with it --practise makes perfect .
The pin vise that I use is a precision job that can be put into a normal drill chuck ,if you can get one like that , you’re made .
Mike
Ray,
I use my pin vise on materials where I don’t want to generate any heat, also for thin sheet. I don’t own a dremel, but do have a Foredom machine. It’s far superior to a dremel, it has an upgrade hand piece on the shaft, and the controller allows me very precise speed control.
Dave…
Thanks for the all informative replies! Sounds like a pin vise would be a good addition to my meager supply of tools.