I've had a Dremel for about 5 yrs. now and I use it for all manner of fly tieing and rod building applications. It's great for shaping balsa, grinding guide feet, etc. Mine is variable speed which is the way to go. I also have the flexible extension for the chuck, so I can just hang the drill motor from my bench and work by holding the extension much like you would a pencil. Don't know much about the knockoffs. There didn't seem to be enough difference in price to justify not buying the real thing. Funny thing is, I got it just for FF related uses but it's ended up sharpening mower blades, building school projects, stripping finishes off furniture, polishing silver, and a hundred other things. Pretty handy to have around !!
Steve Davis
