Dremel has really upgraded with this new plunge router attachment for the rotary tool. It fits all the usual corded tools and even the new Li-Ion cordless!Great new features like: Plunge capability, clear base, bigger base, rotary tool mounting is very sturdy and rigid, depth stop, big edge guide that goes all the way to the bit.The locking handle takes a little getting used to. Because it locks with one handle and plasic was used for the base there is a little flex back after locking. Plastic for the base to be clear is a benefit, but the plastic for the top plate was probably to save cost so they could price it closer to what the old router was. Anyway, when I really want to be accurate with my depth, I make sure to measure the distance from the bottom of the base to the bit with a metal scale. That way I know the depth is what I want. If it was all metal I'd give it a 5, but then the cost would probably keep me from buying it. It's great for the small router jobs I do(signs, door striker plate installation etc.) and I would recommend it! Dremel 335-01 Plunge Router Attachment
Fine tool for "small delicate projects" mainly because the wing nuts used to tighten the guide bar (for straight and circular routing) are made of plastic with a metal screw. It is impossible to tighten them enough to keep the tool working straight. On a solid wood project the tool jumped around because of the way it loosely sits in the plastic base. Because of the vibration the screws that are meant to retain the depth of cut unscrew them selves, changing your settings unless you really lock them in place. Yes; for small delicate projects, but be ready for a lot of troubleshooting and make sure you practice on some scrap so you totally know what you are getting yourself into :)
Making a plunge cut is chancy without a base of this nature. A Dremel tool is a petite router great for delecate operations. The base on this attachment is as large as one used in 1/4hp routers, negating an asset.
The attachment points of the router to the base are close together near the bottom end of the router. It is easy to wiggle the tool even when screws are firmly tightened.
This is a useful concept; it can do what it is supposed to do, but is less than ideal.
I almost didn't buy this thing because of Frederick Jurewicz's review saying you have to completely remove the Dremel each time you need to change a bit. But I did end up buying it and now I don't know what that guy was talking about. You can easily remove and replace bits on the tool without having to detach everything.
This is a great product for small applications. I am using it to route guitar cavities. Pickups, neck pocket, control cavity, etc. I can see what I am doing and can go slowly. Yes it takes more time than a huge router, but this works for me. It fits my dremel perfectly and you can see and have access to change the bit. I read another review that said you needed to remove the dremel to change the bit. That doesn't apply and is not correct unless the person had a mis match with the dremel. It specifies which dremels fit this rig. Be sure yours is on the list.
I love this thing. If you are doing small jobs try it. This is also the best price I found including ebay.
The Dremel plunge router base is a great accessory, but you have to recognize its limitations and live within them.
Rotary tools work at high speeds, but they produce low torque. This means they just won't chew through lots of hard materials very well-- or at all. The trick is to let the bit shave away the wood. This means routing in a series of passes, not all at once. When you use it this way, this plunge router base is a real winner. You can do decorative work with a Dremel freehand, but this base is the only way to achieve consistent depth in straight lines. With a little practice-- and some good luck-- it's even possible to "write" cursively with it on wood.
A real issue is the price of the bits. Dremel brand bits are very high quality, but they're also pricey. Brand X bits are cheaper, but they tend to wear out more quickly. Of course, this is an issue with all Dremel tools and accessories, not just this plunge base, but it is something to think about.
So, as is the case with all tools, you have to understand and live within its limitations. I'm very happy I bought this accessory, and I'd gladly do so again.
I do a lot of solid guitar body work and this attachment works very well for the tremelo cavities. Sturdy enough for my application but a little too much play between the two vertical posts and their sleeves for real detailed work, but that's probably not what this was designed to do. I am very pleased with the performance here.
The Dremel 335-01 plunge router base does work as advertised, up to a point. It does turn the Dremel tool into a small lightweight router. Side to side motion is easy to control, and freehand routing is possibile with this base. It could also serve as a tool holder for other applications, e.g., grinding.
I bought the plunge router base for inlay work. I intended to use it to clean out the recess for the inlay. It can be used for that purpose, but barely. The depth adjustment requires fussy trial and error, and once set is still imprecise & unreliable. The base is made of plastic and is too flexible. Therefore, the depth stop cannot control the depth of cut. As a consequence, the plunge feature is useless for precise work.
This a major problem for inlay that is, for example, 1/32" thick. The depth stop has to be adjustable to within 1/64" or so, to leave the inlay a bit proud, so it can be smoothed flush with the workpiece.
I cannot rely on this tool for inlay work. Inlay is the last step before finishing, and there is a lot of time and money into the workpiece by that step. A ruined recess could mean a ruined workpiece. Instead, I use a Veritas Router Plane (a hand tool). It is very precise and stable. People looking for a power tool for precise inlay work should consider the Stewart-MacDonald base. It costs twice as much, and is not a plunge base, but apparently it can be adjusted precisely.
If precise depth adjustment is important to you, keep looking. - Disappointment - Rotary Tools - Woodworking - Rotary Tool Accessories'
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