Dremel 3000 vs Challenge Extreme

I've been looking at the Dremel 3000 and the Challenge Extreme.

The latter has mostly good reviews "I bought this to replace an aged 'Dremel' and even though cheaper, has so far been just as good if not better."
Howeverm, two people report it gave up very quickly (I assume that it would be rep0laced if this happens!) and aside from one person who broke it, the flexible drive seems to work well and is a major plus over the dremel.

So.. has anyone here bought and used one of these, and what is a "model engineer's" verdict on the cheapy?

Neil

Neil,

I have a Halfords version that must be at least 10 years old and looks almost like the Extreme, similar nose and body style, and it does all I require of it.

Martin P

Neil,

My Challenge version of the Dremmel has been used heavily for about 4 years and is going strong but speed control has got stuck at max. I believe the pot. has become faulty but doesn't bother me as I nearly always want top speed anyway. I don't know if it is called "Extreme". Colin

I'v got an old Dremel, bought second hand, and I would replace it with another Dremel, I had 3 Black and Decker tools of a similar type, all failed within a year. Can't help with the Challenge tool. Ian S C

Thanks folks, afraid I made a snap decision when you weren't looking. But it seems likely I'll be ok.

I had to go to Wickes earlier, and they had what appears to be more or less the same, but with fewer accessories for £16 (Draper branded as Wickes according to the instructions). So cheap I couldn't not get it - unlike the dremel which only has 1 collet size, it has five for example, and I have truckloads of different rotary tools with different size shanks..

My main problem has been my little Woolworths(!) tool won't take a 1/8" collet for standard dremel tools. Like John I have a Dremel 3-jaw drill chuck to get round this, but it tends to come loose.

This one is also much more powerful. than the Woolies wonder, which is 12V.

Neil

If you want a tool that is going to last a lifetime then try "Rotozip"http://www.rotozip.com/en-us/CuttingTools/Pages/cuttingtools.aspx?catid=5122 - the collets take the "Dremel" type cutters/burrs etc. - Had mine for over 30 years, using as hand held or with mountings on lathe and mill.

More expensive than most but well worth the extra cost.