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Dremel 4000 vs 8220 Rotary Tool: Which One’s Best?

Dremel 4000 vs 8220 Rotary Tool

Dremel 4000 vs 8220 Rotary Tool

The Dremel 4000 and 8220 are perfect for engraving, sanding, and polishing. They are very similar, with the primary difference being that one model is corded while the other uses battery power.

Both use the same collet system for changing accessories like drill bits so you can interchange them between tools, and both have motors that produce about the same power. In this article, we will look at all the differences to help you make an educated choice between the two.

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At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each model.

Dremel 4000
  • Variable speed
  • 35,000 RPMs
  • Two-year warranty
  • 6-amp moor
  • 3 pounds
Dremel 8220
  • 12-volt battery
  • 30,000 RPMs
  • 6 pounds
  • Two-year warranty
  • Variable speed
Rating Image Product Details
The Winner
Winner
Dremel 8220 Dremel 8220
  • Portable
  • Cordless
  • Excellent run time on the battery
  • The Runner-up
    Second place
    Dremel 4000 Dremel 4000
  • Versatile
  • Sleeker overall shape
  • Never needs a recharge
  • See Also: 


    Overview of the Dremel 4000

    Dremel 4000-4:34 Variable Speed Rotary Tool

    The Dremel 4000 is the corded version of the rotary tool kit capable of sanding, polishing, and cutting a wide range of surfaces, including glass and wood. It has variable control that you can adjust between 5,000 and 35,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), and the speed control is separate from the on-off switch, so you will not need to reset the speed each time you use it.

    A ventilation system helps keep the tool a little cooler, and the 360-degree grip is comfortable and easy to hold, even after long sessions. The high RPMs are possible thanks to the powerful 1.6-amp motor, which is lightweight at 1.3 pounds. You can get to work at once with the four attachments and 34-piece accessories. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.

    The primary downside to the 4000 model is that it gets a bit hot while you are using it, and sometimes it is better to stop and let it cool. It’s also not as portable, and the cord can throw off the balance of the tool, especially if you are at the edge of its range.

    Pros
    • 34-piece accessory kit
    • Variable speed
    • 35,000 RPM
    • Ventilation system
    • Separate on-off switch and speed dial
    • 360-degree grip
    • 2-year warranty
    Cons
    • Gets hot
    • Not as portable
    • Cord throws off balance

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    Overview of the Dremel 8220

    Dremel 8220-1:28 Cordless Rotary Tool

    The Dremel 8220 is the battery-powered version of the versatile tool. It uses a 12-volt battery to reach up to 30,000 RPMs. You can set the variable speed anywhere between 5,000 and 30,000 RPMs, and the speed control is separate from the on-off switch, so you can set it and forget it.

    It has a LED headlamp, so it’s easier to see the surface you are working on, and it also has a battery-level indicator light to let you know when it needs a charge. It weighs 1.6 pounds, which is slightly more than the corded tool. The 360-grip and two-year warranty are the same as the Dremel 4000, and the package includes the battery and charger.

    While the 8220 is much more portable than the 4000, you need to keep it fully charged, or you will not get very much work done. Using this tool at higher RPM settings will cause the battery to lose its charge in just a few minutes.

    Pros
    • 12-volt battery
    • 28-piece accessory kit
    • Variable speed
    • 30,000 RPM
    • 360-degree grip
    • LED headlamp
    • 6 pounds
    Cons
    • Needs frequent recharging
    • Inconsistent power

    Performance

    The primary difference between the Dremel 4000 and 8220 is how they are powered. The 4000 uses a cord to deliver consistent power, while the 8220 uses battery power to provide total portability.

    The 4000 can reach 3,500 RPM and keep them there, while the 8220 can only get to 30,000, and the RPMs will constantly fall as the battery dies with the 8220. We give the performance award to the Dremel 4000 because it can reach a higher RPM and maintain it longer.

    Price

    The price of these two units is almost the same. The difference in price between the two is less than $5.

    hand using Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool Kit

    Ease of Use

    We award the ease of use award to the Dremel 8220. There is no fighting with the cord while working, and the LED headlight makes the surface easier to see.

    What the Users Say

    We’ve checked Amazon and any other online store we could find that sells these tools to see what other people are saying, and this is what we found out.

    • Many people think the 4000 is a great tool.
    • Many people feel the battery in the 8220 loses charge too fast.
    • Many people complained that the 4000 gets too hot.
    • Many people are impressed by the power of the 8220.
    • Some people wish the 8220 came with more accessories.
    • Some people said the motor in the 4000 did not last very long.

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    Summary

    Both tools are extremely versatile, and it is not hard to think of 20 projects you can do with one at any given moment. Both are extremely capable, and the deciding factor is how you intend to use your Dremel. If you are an artist or work in a shop that will use it every day, we recommend the Dremel 4000. The cord is a pain, but you will sit in the same place every day, so it’s not hard to work something out. The consistent power will be a considerable advantage over the continuously diminishing power of the 8220.

    If you intend to use it intermittently to touch up blemishes or other small jobs, we recommend the Dremel 8220. As long as you keep it charged, you can often use it to cut a bolt before you can plug the other model in, and the small job won’t suffer from RPM slowdown. You can use it under the car or in the tree stand without worrying about an extension cord.

    We hope you have enjoyed our look at these two popular tools and have a better idea of which is your favorite. If you think it can help others, please share this shootout between the Dremel 4000 and the Dremel 8220 on Facebook and Twitter.

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