Dremel has a new cordless rotary tool (12V Max), the 8260, which they’re calling the World’s 1st Brushless Smart Rotary Tool.
The new Dremel 8260 is designed to help you “unleash your potential.” The “Smart” part refers to Bluetooth connectivity, where the rotary tool can communicate with smartphones, tablets, and similar devices.
The Dremel 8260 cordless rotary tool is accompanied by an app, available for Android and iOS devices, which can report on “tool performance & more.”
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From the screenshots, it looks to report on battery life and temperature conditions of your tool and battery.
The Dremel app also gives “project guidance & more,” with speed recommendations for different materials and types of cutting, grinding, and sanding accessories.
Dremel boasts that the 8260 can deliver 20% more power than their 4300 corded rotary tool.
Not only that, it delivers 100% more runtime than their 8220 cordless rotary tool under specific application
The 8260 helps you “do more with less downtime” thanks to its “2X more battery life” compared to the 8220.
A lot of these claims have to do with the 8260’s brushless motor, which – as expected – delivers more power, runtime, and longer tool life compared to the brushed motors used in their other cordless rotary tools.
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The Dremel 8260 is available in a rather spartan kit, with the tool, a couple of cut-off wheels, a 3Ah battery, charger, and tool bag.
Price: $169
Dremel 8260 Thoughts & Discussion
Dremel launched the 8220 cordless rotary tool nearly 10 years ago. They have come out with compact models since then, such as the Dremel Lite 7760, but this is their first 12V Max model in quite a long time.
At the time of this posting, the 8220 kit is available for $79 at Amazon, and the 2-battery kit is $120 at Amazon.
While claims of 2X the runtime seem impressive, keep in mind that they’re comparing a brushless-motored tool that’s powered with a 3.0Ah battery with a 10-year-old brushed motor tool that’s advertised as being kitted with a 1.5Ah battery. To me, this suggests that the main benefit is in the power delivery.
Brushless motors have higher efficiency than brushed motor. Depending on the motor selection and power tuning, a brushless tool can draw less current for the same power, contributing to longer runtime, or they can deliver more power at comparable current draw.
If the 2X longer runtime claims are tied to the 2X greater charge capacity, then does the brushless motor contribute any runtime gains? If not, then it’s possible the motor contributes more towards higher power capabilities.
What I find curious is why Dremel is comparing the 8260’s power to their corded model rotary tool, rather than the 8220 cordless model that all of their other claims are based against.
Additional or replacement Dremel 12V Max batteries seem to be hard to find right now, and I also have not seen any indication that the 3.0Ah battery will be available separately. So, what happens when you do run out of battery power?
The 8220 comes with a 1-hour charger, and that charging time is presumably for the 1.5Ah battery. If the 8260 is bundled with the same charger, does that mean you’ll have to sit through 2 hours of downtime waiting for the 3.0Ah battery to fully recharge?
If you buy the 2-battery 8220 kit, or 2x of the 1-battery 8220 kits – which will leave you with $10 more in your wallet at current pricing compared to the new 8260 kit – you can have one battery on the tool and one on the charger. With the 8260, having to recharge the battery in the middle of a project will inevitably lead to downtime.
Looking closer, the 2-battery 8220 kit is advertised as being bundled with 2.0Ah batteries. In theory, aside from a moment to swap batteries between the tool and charger, that kit should result in less downtime than the new 8260 kit that comes with a single 3.0Ah battery.
I must say, I’m disappointed that Dremel still insists on their own separate battery platform. It’s time for Dremel to make 12V Max tools that are cross-compatible with Bosch’s 12V Max cordless power tool platform.
The specs are also a little strange.
Dremel 8260 Speed Range: 5,000 to 30,000 RPM
Dremel 8220 Speed Range: 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
The 8260 is said to deliver “20% faster cutting speed” than the 8220, but the 8220 max RPM speed us 16.7% higher. For a lot of tasks, you let the tool’s speed do the work, and so power delivery isn’t as important except for tasks where you apply greater pressure.
I can see how the 8260 can deliver faster cutting speed despite being slower than the 10-year-old brushed motor model, but might there be times when that extra 5,000 RPM are missed?
More frequent corded rotary tool users might prefer a tool that matches up to their tools’ speed ranges, otherwise they might have to relearn optimal speed settings and ranges for common tasks.
The 8260 is without a doubt a very interesting and innovative tool, I just need more time to better understand its placement within Dremel’s rotary tool product family.
This is a “Smart” Tool
The Dremel 8260 can connect to smartphone apps via Bluetooth connectivity.
Will beginners benefit from having an app guide them on speed selection for different combinations of work materials and accessories? Absolutely.
But on the other hand, although an app can be a convenient place to access this type of information. Such information is also easily accessible online.
Some users will appreciate having the Dremel app report the exact battery charge capacity, compared to a couple of on-tool LED indicator lights.
If you look closely, you don’t need the app to see tool and battery temperatures, as there are new on-tool gauges right next to the battery charge capacity gauge.
The “never-before-seen smart capabilities” seem a bit underwhelming to me, to be honest, as it doesn’t look to enhance the tool with respect to any customizable power or speed controls.
However, there do look to be some neat innovations packed into the tool.
Given its $169 price tag, this isn’t a tool for beginners, at least in my opinion, it’s a cordless rotary tool for more experienced users or users who want a cordless option to complement their corded work.
More demanding users tend to burn out Dremel rotary tools over time. Will the temperature gauges and brushless motor tech on this cordless tool be up to their needs and typical usage habits?
Vards Uzvards
Judging by the picture, the battery, its charger, and the bag look very similar to what comes with Bosch 12V tools. Are they really not compatible (connectors and/or shape) with Bosch?
Reflector
You can do some trickery to reverse the cap on Bosch and Dremel batteries to fit them. The top is the same from my understanding but looking at the photo of the Dremel battery it seems like they flipped it around like the Bosch configuration. The “tall” side of the bottom cap is on the single cell so I guess it might work with Bosch batteries without modification.
Video is not mine but it shows how to flip the bottom cap:
Sanfam
You don’t even need any voodoo-trickery, you can just pick up an infinitely useful 3d printer and make a universal cap and as a side-bonus, now have a 3d printer.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1796972
Stuart
The only Dremel tool that’s compatible with Bosch batteries is their recent 18V saw, and only very select Bosch batteries.
There has never been out-of-the-box compatibility across Dremel and Bosch 12V lines.
Jared
That is very disappointing and I echo your sentiment that Dremel really ought to integrate with Bosch 12v. Dremel is way too niche to pull off their own battery line.
It would also benefit Bosch! They’ve actually got some decent and interesting 12v tools, but they’re getting a bit long in the tooth. Sharing new tools with Dremel would help spur the line along.
RD
Their previous Dremel cordless model had the “Dremel 12v” style. (fun fact: this was compatible and the same case shape as the EU Bosch Home tool line. You may remember this line from the Bosch EasyCut mini chainsaw!) as the video above shows, it’s just a case style difference – battery pin out is the same. This type of battery also charges on a Bosch 12v charger (source: me, I’ve done it!)
This new one does appear to match the Bosch 10.8/12v batteries in shape/case style/pin out. It makes sense, especially since all the pictures of the charger appears identical to the one provided in all of Bosch’s new 12v kits.
Fazal Majid
I didn’t realize they were incompatible. I myself bought the Bosch GRO 12V-3S rotary tool during a sale in June. It doesn’t have a brushless motor, though.
Sanfam
Given how badly Bosch seems to be struggling with growing its market share, it seems almost insane for them to not consider this as a means of simplifying the choice for existing Dremel (or even Bosch) tool owners looking for a new ecosystem to hop into. At this point, Milwaukee offers a similarly capable rotary tool for anyone in M12, which means anyone else looking to explore the M12 system as an expansion path now has an incentive to stick fully within it rather than upgrade to another Dremel.
Their marketing team seems to be stuck on coming up with “Wacky” and “Hip” names and not actually learning how consumer purchase funnels work.
Rx9
@Sanfam:
I agree with all of your points wholeheartedly. Not making Dremel compatible with the Bosch 12v system is an exercise in stupidity.
HT
Yes, it does. Dremel 8220 battery compatible with Bosch DIY(green) 12V battery. And new 8260 compatible with Bosch professional (blue) GBA 12V. I tested and worked well. In additional two kind of battery can use either of Bosch 12V charger.
Pj
Seeing that it does fit the Bosch Pro 3Ah batteries, as many times over demonstrated on YouTube, I really wish the article would be updated by the author.
It’s really not right to make a critical point and then leave it uncorrected. Lucky I already new, otherwise I would have been put of.
Stuart
Dremel has not yet provided any information regarding battery compatibility. I have not seen the YouTube videos, but a lot of compatibility claims over the years have involved cutting away locking tabs and other such modifications.
Additionally, the new Dremel 20V tool(s) have very limited Bosch 18V battery compatibility where only certain SlimPak batteries will work. Other Bosch batteries will fit and connect but cannot power Dremel 20V tools. That could the case here.
Unless Dremel outright says the 8260 will work with Bosch batteries, and which ones it will and won’t work with, I cannot make any claims without being able to test it firsthand. They provided conflicting details about the 20V line, and nothing yet about 12V compatibility.
Damon
that’s because Dremel & Bosch did a compilation project. I read about this tool last yr.
Elly
I’ve been told that they are the exact same cause Bosch owns Dremel but am yet to try one only been told cause they are out of stock for the Dremel batteries most places online
MM
I’m not interested.
First off, I’ve never been impressed with the performance of any Dremel tool. The first time I was exposed to rotary tools like this was when I was a teenager visiting family in England. My uncle introduced me to a similar tool, but made by Minicraft, which I believe was a division of Black & Decker at the time. They looked just like a Dremel but the difference was that they were DC powered. In a way this was a disadvantage because you either had to clip leads to car battery or you had to use a power supply. However, these tools performed very well. I used my uncle’s a lot, and I bought my own to bring back home to the states where I set it up with a Radio Shack 12V power supply. I had it for about 5 years before it finally wore out, so I bought a dremel to replace it. Getting rid of the power supply was nice but I was instantly disappointed in that it had lot less torque than the Minicraft tools did. I used Dremel tools for years but every time I did I was reminded of how incapable the tool was compared to the Minicraft. Then at some point I learned about die grinders and really nice Flex-shaft tools like the Suhner Rotofera and that was an epiphany I never looked back from. The Rotofera is expensive but die grinders are not. I suspect the Milwaukee M12 straight or 90 degree die grinders will walk all over this tool and they are about the same price, not to mention being on a far more useful battery platform.
Second, why on earth would I want to connect this with my phone? I can understand that a beginner might want help with suggested speeds but a paper manual or a quick internet search does that just fine without spying on you or adding needless complexity and expense to a tool.
Jared
I’m with MM on the phone aspect – I dislike when “smart” tech is integrated with a tool but doesn’t actually offer any meaningful advantages.
E.g. presumably you can use the recommended speed settings aspect with any rotary tool – it literally has no connection to this particular “smart” device.
Instead the only connected aspects are temps and speed sensors. I don’t think I should need a temperature sensor in a well-designed too. Is that signaling that this tool will overheat when used and I need to monitor it? Even if that is the case, does that need to be connected to my phone? How about a red LED that lights up if things get hot.
For speed – doesn’t the dial tell you what speed you set? Again, what use is it to get information from my phone the tool could tell me itself.
I normally think I’m open-minded about smart integration in tools, but com’on – it has to actually offer something the tool can’t do itself. Like with impact wrenches for example – at least they let you customize settings.
MM
The temp sensor seems kind of pointless. Having used many of these tools over the years you can easily feel the heat coming out the tool’s vents and motor area if you are working it too hard. Knowing an exact number seems a bit pointless when all that matters is “am I overloading the tool?”, and you don’t need a sensor to answer that question when you can both feel the heat and hear the motor bogging.
And as for the speed: I’d assume the dial sets the no-load speed, but as you load the tool it can bog down depending on what kind of cutting bit you’re using and how hard you’re pressing. That’s pretty typical for any sort of grinder or the older dremel tools with variable speed. But again I’m not sure what the point of that is?
Let’s say you need to grind out a little tile, you set the tool to 35k and you start working….and for some reason you’re choosing to look at your phone screen instead of the work….then you get to see that while you’re working the RPM has dropped from 35k to 27k. OK, so what? What are you going to do with that information? It’s useless. Put the toy app away and look at the work instead.
Smart tech can make sense in some situations but I just don’t see how this particular example is of any benefit to the user.
Jared
I like the idea of a cordless Dremel. This even looks like a decent tool – albeit one that doesn’t seem to benefit from being “smart” and has drawbacks like limited battery availability. If this wore Bosch livery, I would seriously look at it.
However, I’m using the Ryobi 18v rotary tool now (with a corded-Dremel for backup). That is a great tool! It’s more of a benchtop tool with it’s battery-base design and separate pen-tool, but still handy to be cordless. This is something the other 18v/20v brands should really come out with. It’s nice to be able to use my big batteries while still working with a lightweight tip. I think Worx has something similar with their “maker” tools.
It’s got good power, nice speed adjustment, an easy to control tip… I really like it and would recommend it. It’s one of those tools that makes it worthwhile to invest in Ryobi even if you normally buy “pro” level cordless tools.
Frank D
Battery looks exactly like my Bosch 12.
Contacts on the single side, press buttons level with the lip on the contact side.
Unless there is something going on on the fat side of the battery. On a Bosch 12v the lip there is about half height of the front.
Interested in the tool, because Bosch refuses to bring the Bosch model over, but not worth the smart feature $$ surcharges.
Ed Lindler
I bought the 8220 several years ago & have used the stew out of it working on Habitat new construction & repair/rehab jobs. The cut-off wheels are great for getting aluminum window screen frame material cut to length. & I’ve used the sanding bands to cope inside corners for baseboard & other trim pieces. You’re right about availability of batteries. It took me a while to find an extra one — I think on Amazon. I think that I paid $89 for mine. Would have a hard time justifying almost twice that much for the new model.
Nathan
despite the claims it could be that the new brushless model doesn’t slow down under load like the brushed one does – or like their AC devices do.
Hence the it cuts faster line. would be interesting to test.
I have such an old dremel that is rarely used I have no need for one – but if I was to buy a replacement motor I could see getting one of these.
Chris
This gets me excited for the reason that it might encourage Milwaukee to update their m12 rotary tool to a brushless model, something I have been hoping/wishing for, for quite a while. Frankly, I think the Bluetooth compatibility is gimmicky, especially for a homeowner. I could maybe see it being helpful to a tradesman who are looking after a fleet of tools, but for a DIYer, it’s just going to up the price for something they won’t need.
I’d love to have a brushless rotary tool. I really hope this convinces Milwaukee to get their butts onto releasing an updated model. Fingers crossed.
MM
Milwaukee may already make what you want, the M12 Fuel die grinders. 2486-20 in straight configuration, 2485-20 in 90 degree configuration. These are brushless, substantially more powerful than the “rotary tool” yet about the same size, and can use both rotary tool bits and larger 1/4-inch shank bits as well.
Get a 3/8 arbor adapter to go with it and now you can use 3″ cutoff discs which are far more effective and a lot more durable than the typical “dremel” size ones.
Chris
I’m aware they make a straight die grinder, but it’s not what I’m looking for. Can’t use any of the dremel attachments like the right angle head, flex shaft, etc. and wouldn’t want a paddle switch for a rotary tool like a dremel anyway.
Jon
Here here! Especially if they reduce the excessive noise and vibration of the current M12 model. I still find myself going back to my old, corded, no name, rotary tool whenever an outlet is available.
Jordan
I bought the Dremel 8220 (older version) from Lowes and then returned it when I found out the batteries didn’t work from all my Bosch 12v tools. I didn’t want to potentially void the battery warranty buy switching the caps of the batteries around. so I just bought the Korean market Bosch GRO rotary tool. I already have bits and tools, so didn’t need anything extra. Shame Bosch doesn’t sell the rotary tool in the US or just make the batteries cross compatible with Dremel.
MoogleMan3
If this used bosch’s batteries, I’d order one right now. But it doesn’t. So I won’t.
JoeM
I’ll end up getting a couple of these. I have a Niece who has been learning from my Brother while working in Wood and Resin. They do some detail work, and it’s time for Uncle Joe to get her her first Dremel Rotary.
Plus I want one. They get pricey if you do it this way, but you can never have too many rotary tools, especially real Dremel tools. (For those that prefer Proxxon, I agree with you there as well. The statement is still true if you swap Dremel for Proxxon. Even a mix of the two can be handy.)
As to Foredom… I love their polishing discs, ceramic and cloth sets, and a whole slew of what they make. But I don’t do enough straight up carving to warrant going that high a level for my rotary needs. Dremel, Proxxon, and Foredom do kinda form a Trifecta of “The Right Rotary Tool for the Right Application” though.
Unmesh
Could this be used to restore the surface of very narrow grout we have in our bathrooms? The width is 1/16″-1/8″ only and I’m tired of using stiff bristled toothbrushes 🙁
Thanks
Frank D
I have had multiple dremels and still have some rotary tools. They sit largely idle. While they advertise such grout removal capability, I find holding the tool steady and centered an issue.
Personally I would try an oscillating tool on lowest speed with an old worn toothless flat blade, or plain scraper blade, to try remove delicate grout lines. Maybe a fine grout blade.
It will be a lot easier to work in straight lines, because of the flat blade tracking in the groove between the tiles.
MM
In the past I had some success using a dremel to remove grout neatly on a tiled counter. I hose-clamped the dremel to a scrap block of wood, and then I clamped a 2×4 on the tabletop to use as a guide, I then slid the wooden block with the dremel attached along the 2×4. That kept a consistent depth and a straight line. It worked, but it was slow. And I think that if I was trying to remove good strong grout rather than crumbling old stuff It wouldn’t have done a good job at all. I would not want to do it again.
I completely agree with FrankD, it would be much easier with an oscillating multi tool since the wide blade more or less guides itself. It also uses much stronger bits/blades, it’s easy to snap those little ones for the Dremel. Something else that I think would work even better would be one of those small cutoff tools or mini saws like the Milwaukee 2522. Those share the wide blade engagement for easy straight line cutting withe oscillating tool, and adds the ability to control the cut depth, and is more efficient since there is no wasted “backwards” cutting motion.
If I remember correctly those even come with a diamond blade for applications just like this. I think Dremel makes a similar saw too. Dewalt is supposed to releasing theirs this month last I heard.
Unmesh
Speaking of guiding a blade, the builder chose to embed small black rotated tiles at every corner created by the larger white tiles. Looks good but lots of turns 🙁
https://imgur.com/Ws6XAem
Julian Tracy
Funny thing is – in EVERY picture they show, the Dremel is literally the worst choice of tools for the task at hand, lol.
MM
You are not wrong!
I think those photos are meant to advertise the dremel tool as a sort of a “swiss army knife” all-in-one thing that can do a huge number of different tasks for the average homeowner.
Matt
Has anyone tried to open one of these 8260s up? Mine is getting noisy so I’d like to give it a clean out, but after taking out the screws and retaining clip the body still won’t come apart and I’m not sure what to try next. Can’t seem to find a video guide anywhere…
Matt
Never mind – found another screw sneakily hidden under one of the side stickers – all good now!