398 Digital Tool - FAQ

 

Click a question to read the answer.

 

Q: What is Electronic Feedback?

 

Q: Why does this tool have a Digital LCD Readout?

 

Q: What is Soft Start?

 

Q: Is the Dremel Digital rotary tool compatible with all Dremel attachments and accessories that I own?

 

Q: Dremel offers the XPR Planer and XPR MultiSaw attachments; what are they and what tools can they be used with?

 

Q: Can I use a foot speed controller with the Digital rotary tool?

 

Q: How does the accessory system work with the Digital rotary tool?

 

Q: Does the Digital rotary tool need lubrication?

 

Q: What are motor brushes and do I have to do anything to them?

Q: When checking my motor brushes, I noticed that one is shorter than the other – Why?

 

Q: How do I care for the soft grip on my Digital rotary tool?

 

Q: What is the warranty period for my Dremel Digital rotary tool?

 

Q: Why does the Digital have high speeds?

 

Q: Is the Digital rotary tool also a screwdriver?

 

Q: Is the Digital rotary tool reversible?

 

Q: Is my Digital rotary tool grounded?

 

Q: What is the Dremel "System?"

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What is Electronic Feedback?

 

A: The Dremel Digital is a high performing rotary tool because of electronic technology that helps “control and maintain” the speed you have selected.  The permanent magnet motor not only provides the enhanced power, but high speeds of 5,000 – 35,000 rpm. High speeds makes any rotary tool unique from traditional power tools, but “consistent speeds” during any application make the Digital tool the top of the line in rotary tools. 

 

 

 

Q: Why does this tool have a Digital LCD Readout?

 

A:  The rear of the Digital tool contains an LCD readout indicating the selected speed of 5,000 – 35,000 rpms.  This allows you to set your speed, in 1,000 rpm increments between 5,000 – 35,000 rpms.  As long as the tool stays plugged in, it will be set for the selected speed.  Just turn it on again and it’s set and ready to go!

 

 

 

Q: What is Soft Start?

 

A: The Digital includes a “soft start” feature; allowing the tool to gradually get up to the selected speed you have set. This feature assures that during your project, there will be no “jump starting”, especially when control and precision are critical to success.

 

 

 

 

Tool compatibility

 

 

Q: Is the Dremel Digital rotary tool compatible with all Dremel attachments and accessories that I own?

 

A: The Dremel Digital rotary tool has been designed to accept most current Dremel attachments; except for the Dremel XPR Planer, XPR MultiSaw, and 2217 Tool Holder. However, attachment models 212, 231 and 330 need a universal adapter which is available free from Dremel Customer service, 1-800-437-3635.

 

 

 

 

Q: Dremel offers the XPR Planer and XPR MultiSaw attachments; what are they and what tools can they be used with?

 

A: The Dremel 400 Series rotary tool was designed to use the XPR Planer and XPR MultiSaw attachments. The XPR Planer is a 2 1/4” wide guide with a “special fluted” bit that removes about 1/64” of material with every pass.  The XPR MultiSaw has a reciprocating action using any jigsaw blade on the market. Its 3/8” blade-stroke allows you to cut many materials and thickness based on your blade length. These two attachments can ONLY be used on the Dremel 400 Series XPR rotary tool which offers the enhanced performance necessary to use the attachments effectively.  Attempting to use the XPR Planer or XPR MultiSaw attachments with the Digital, 300 Series, Variable Speed MultiPro or any other Dremel or competitive rotary tools – will damage the rotary tool.

  

 

 

Q: Can I use a foot speed controller with the Digital rotary tool?

 

A: No.  When trying to use a variable speed controller attached to the Digital rotary tool, the two variable speed switches will work against each other and the variable speed switch on the Digital will eventually burn out; making your tool inoperable.

 

 

 

Q: How does the accessory system work with the Digital rotary tool?

 

A: The Digital rotary tool uses the same accessories and collet system as the current Dremel 300 Series, MultiPro or other previous rotary tool models. The accessory shank (stem part of an accessory) sizes range from 1/32" to 1/8". The collet, a slim aluminum tube with small slots, holds the shank portion of the accessory and will be tightened inside the collet when you tighten the black collet nut on the end of the Digital rotary tool’s output shaft. Use the wrench, provided in your Digital rotary tool kit, if you cannot firmly tighten with your fingers.  For harder work load applications (i.e. routing, tile cutting, etc.) please always use the wrench to assure proper tightening.

 

 

 

 

Tool maintenance

 

 

Q: Does the Digital rotary tool need lubrication?

 

A: No. Neither the motor nor the bearings in the rotary tool require lubrication. They are considered maintenance-free parts.  We do recommend taking compressed air to blow air through the front and rear air vents to get rid of any excess dust build up inside your Digital rotary tool.

 

 

 

 

Q: What are motor brushes and do I have to do anything to them?

 

A: Motor brushes work like oil in your car.  The motor brushes (#2610921562) are located in the brush holder, under the brush doors on each side of the tool.  The brushes should be checked every 50 hours of tool use. If the brushes are smaller than 1/8", they need to be changed.  After changing motor brushes, the tool should be “run –in” for 5-10 minutes with no load.  This will seat the new motor brushes.

 

 

 

 

Q: When checking my motor brushes, I noticed that one is shorter than the other – Why?

 

A: This is normal because the brush that is on the side that is grounded will wear down more quickly.

 

 

 

 

Q: How do I care for the soft grip on my Digital rotary tool?

 

A: The soft grip on your rotary tool should be simply wiped off using a damp cloth.  Do not use any abrasives or hard detergents/chemicals or you will damage your soft grip.

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

Q: What is the warranty period for my Dremel Digital rotary tool?

 

A: We back our tool with a FIVE YEAR warranty against manufacturing defects. 

 

 

 

 

Q: Why does the Digital have high speeds?

 

A: The Digital rotary tool has high speeds of 5,000 – 35,000 rpm.  High speed, when coupled with the right accessory, is what makes the rotary tool so useful.  The best results generally happen when taking a less aggressive, more frequent pass.  Too much pressure on the spinning accessory and the work piece can damage the accessory and the work piece.  If the accessory is not producing the desired result, we would recommend adjusting the speed, or trying an alternative accessory.

 

 

 

Q: Is the Digital rotary tool also a screwdriver?

 

A: No, unfortunately due to the high speeds, these speeds are not applicable for screw driving applications. The only results you will get are stripped screw heads.  It’s better to use a cordless screw driver or the “old fashioned” hand screw driver.

 

 

 

Q: Is the Digital rotary tool reversible?

 

A: No. Our accessories have flutes, i.e. High-speed cutters, and are designed to move in a “clockwise” direction that the rotary tool rotates in. Reversing the direction of the rotary tool will make most of the accessories “ineffective”.

 

 

 

Q: Is my Digital rotary tool grounded?

 

A: The Digital rotary tool is double-insulated, which is similar to being grounded. Therefore, you only need to plug your rotary tool into a standard outlet or use with an approved extension cord. Please consult your Digital Owners Safety and Operations Manual for further information.

 

 

 

Q: What is the Dremel "System?"

 

A: The Dremel rotary tool is a complete system that ranges from the tool to the attachments to the accessories to the storage cases.  Each of these system elements are very important in not only providing a very diverse opportunity of applications, but assures that your project can be completed quickly and easily.

Contact the Dremel Experts for assistance
Phone:
1-800-437-3635
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