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For those who are working professionally with tools or on a smaller scale as a home project, the rotary tool has now become a staple.
With all the attachments that a rotary tool offers, no wonder they are favored as a multi-purpose tool. The compact machines pack a punch to overcome any challenge you may come across while working on a project.
A well-known and respected brand for its rotary tools, Dremel offers two unique models of their Dremel rotary tool-the 4300 and 4000. Taking these model names at face value, it seems that one is just an upgraded version of the other.
However, while both models have their similarities, there are also unique features to each that merit a closer look. These differences can make or break the choice between the 4300 and 4000, so which is the right option for you? Find out!
Dremel 4300 Vs 4000
Dremel 4300
A rotary tool with a 1.8-amp motor that can move at speeds of 5,000-35,000 rpm, the 4300 is powerful and versatile. The kit is bundled with a number of attachments for the 3-jaw chuck attached to the Dremel.
Using a 3-jaw chuck design has allowed the 4300 to have attachments without the need to use a collet. It is a new version of the previous collet lock designs, maintaining durability and ease in switching between attachments for the Dremel.
Utilizing a 360-degree ergonomic design is a staple of the Dremel brand, and the 4300 is not lacking in this department. With an all-around comfortable grip, it places the controls at your fingertips in a comfortable spot.
Now, when it comes to the kits available for this model, there are currently two in the market: the 9/64 and the 5/40. This means one kit has nine attachments with 64 accessories or five attachments with 40 accessories.
The number of attachments and accessories in a kit may not always equate to a superior kit. So, it is essential to know what these attachments and accessories are and whether they would be helpful in your projects.
Some useful accessories that the 4300 comes with are listed below.
Shield Attachment
This attachment protects you from any debris that may be thrown by the rotary drill. It is a great safety feature to have when working with dangerous materials that can cause harm.
High-Speed Cutter
A standard accessory when it comes to rotary drills - the high-speed cutter is a circular cutting wheel that can break down materials with minimal overheating. Additionally, the 4300 comes with cut-off wheels, a multi-purpose spiral cutting bit, and a lock-wood cutting wheel.
Cleaning Brush
An underrated accessory to have, a cleaning brush is helpful in cleaning the material being worked on. Be it rust removal or just a polishing finish; the cleaning brush accessories can bring a higher quality finish to your projects.
Sanding/Grinding Bit with Guide
Another common accessory, the sanding, and grinding bits make wearing away material a more accessible experience with a handheld machine like the rotary drill.
These bits are available in a range of various sizes to provide precision or a larger working area where it is needed. The range of bits included goes from ½” 60-grit sandpaper to a ⅜” aluminum oxide grinding stone.
Additionally, Dremel has included a guide that will enhance the precision you have while sanding or grinding. Utilizing this with the speed-control of the 4300 and any material you have will be easy to mold and wear away.
Flexible Shaft and Detailer’s Grip
The 4300 has excellent flexibility right off the bat to work at different angles. To extend this flexibility even further, the shaft can be extended to reach tighter areas for detailed work.
On the topic of detailing, the detailer’s grip will ease the comfort and stability when using the 4300 to have a steady hand. This is essential for the precise work required when detailing a piece.
Tool Sharpener
Having the ability to touch up the included bits in the kit is a helpful touch. By sharpening the bits, you can extend their lifespan and save money by replacing them when they get dull. What’s more, there is a specific sharpener accessory to touch up your gardening tools.
Pivot Light
Arguably the standout feature of the 4300, the included pivot light is a newer addition to rotary drills from Dremel. This light can illuminate darker areas to increase precision and navigate the drill better.
Additionally, the light can rotate around the drill, so it never obstructs your view in tight spaces. It is built into the drill itself, so there is no need to attach or remove it; it is always ready to go.
Drawbacks of the 4300
While the Dremel 4300 has many great features, it is not without its share of drawbacks. They may be few, but they are still worth noting to ensure a more informed decision can be made on which model to pick up.
One issue with the 4300 that some may have is the storage case provided for the drill and attachments. If compact storage space is a requisite for you, then this model may disappoint.
With a hard storage case, it does feel large when carrying around. This may not be a deal-breaker for many, but it can become a hassle to lug the bulky case around for those who need to move the drill regularly. However, it does offer the benefit of protection and more space to keep the bits and drill organized.
Another aspect that may deter some from the 4300 is the price point it comes at. It is definitely an investment, similar to any tool purchase. While the price may be steep for some, the value that it brings in performance is worth the expense.
Dremel 4000
The Dremel 4000 is admittedly an older model of the 4300, yet it still holds up in many ways to its newer counterpart.
It has many features that laid the foundation for the development of the 4300, such as the 5,000-35,000 variable speed RPM. On the other hand, some features are a slight step down from the 4300, for example, the 1.6 amps of power.
Furthermore, the attachment set-up on the 4000 model is an older collet lock system. This collet lock is more than adequate and ensures the attached bits are locked into the drill securely. An EZ twist nose cap with this collet lock makes removing and attaching bits and accessories easier to access.
Sporting an older system of attachment, the 4000 model offers a wider variety of bits and accessories. It comes with the standard attachments in the included kit, such as a right-angle attachment, shield guard, dust blower, and more.
If there is a particular bit or attachment you need for a specific project or material you are working with, a number of different kits are available. A specialized kit for cutting may not have the same bits as the carving and engraving kit.
These specialized kits may not have many attachments and bits. However, they have been curated by Dremel to provide all the necessary accessories you may need for a specific project or job.
Four kits are available for the Dremel 4000, with a varying number of attachments and specific catering to specific tasks for the rotary drill-a 2/30 kit, 3/34, 4/34, and a 6/50 kit are available. The first number being the number of attachments, and the second being how many accessories are included.
There is a customized kit with the attachments you need to get the job done no matter the job. Otherwise, the all-purpose kit has a range of bits to cater to any general task you may have for the rotary drill.
An ergonomic handle gives the 4000 rotary drills a comfortable fit in the hand even when used extensively or at various angles. The button layout has been made to keep the power and speed control separate. As a result, the adjustment of the drill’s speed can be made precisely and with little to no thought.
Another great feature is the ability to replace the motor brushes. By replacing the worn-out brush in the drill with a new one, the life of the 4000 rotary drills can be extended for many years.
Drawbacks of the 4000
As the Dremel 4000 is an older model than the 4300, there are bound to be a number of drawbacks that were improved upon in the newer model.
One such drawback is the collet lock attachment system. While it is able to accommodate a wide variety of bits and attachments, the collet lock is of a fixed size. This indicates that smaller or larger bits may not be able to be securely attached.
In order to fit bits of a different size than the collet lock, the entire lock must be removed and replaced with an adequately sized collet lock for the attachment. The whole process can be a hassle, especially when working with a number of differently-sized bits in succession.
Another area that the 4000 model suffers in is the air circulation within the drill. When used for an extended period, there is a considerable heat spike. The temperature is not so high as to be uncomfortable when holding the drill, but it is significant enough to be worrisome.
Of course, this rise in temperature occurs only if the drill is left running under strain for a more extended amount of time. For light users of the 4000 rotary drill, they should face no issues with overheating.
Comparing Dremel 4300 Vs 4000
Looking at both these rotary drills side by side, they share many similarities. Dremel has kept features that worked well in the 4000 model in their newer 4300 model. Similarly, there are some features that were improved upon or entirely new added to the 4300.
Build
The saying “Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” is very relevant in the case of the Dremel rotary drills. Both the 4000 and the 4300 have the same ergonomic design for a secure grip no matter how you hold the drill.
Admittedly, the 4300 has a slightly thinner build than the 4000, but it is not a drastic change in design. This design choice makes the 4300 more comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Attachment System
An area where there is a drastic overhaul of the 4000 design in the 4300 is the attachment system design. With the traditional system of a collet lock, the 4000 was prone to regular dismantling to accommodate larger or smaller bits and accessories in the drill.
What’s more, it became necessary to purchase a separate differently sized collet lock just to use some attachment. The extra expense, along with the specialized accessories, can be a hassle just for a unique task or job.
Of course, switching out a collet lock for another size is not a regular occurrence but rather for specific tasks. Attaching and removing bits is made easy with the EZ twist nose cap system, giving fast transitions between different attachments while keeping them securely fixed.
Comparatively, the new three-jaw chuck design in the 4300 improved the collet lock system by removing the need for additional tools to change the attachments. There is no need to buy different-sized collets just to attach a specific bit to the drill with the 4300.
The three-jaw chuck design saves on not only money but also time and energy spent attaching certain bits. This can be especially useful for projects requiring different bits and accessories.
Furthermore, the strength and security that the three-jaw chuck design brings in securing attachments is on par with that of the collet lock system; easily a notable upgrade from the 4000.
Diversity of Attachments
Moving from the attachment systems to the attachments themselves, there are differences in the kits available for each model. As the attachment systems were overhauled in the 4300, the bits had to be reconfigured to accommodate the three-jaw chuck design.
Not only is the attachment design different, but the number of attachments in the kits has changed. In the 4000 model, the largest kit available is the 6/50 kit with 50 accessories and six attachments.
Comparing this to the 4300’s largest kit available, the 9/64 kit with 64 accessories and nine attachments. When it comes to Dremel rotary drills, the more available attachments, the more versatile your drill will be.
Of course, this is just an illustration as not everyone will be using every single attachment; you should get a kit that caters to the purpose you need the drill for. Any extra accessories included in the kit will become a safety net should you need them in future projects.
Power
Looking at the power of both models, there is not much of a difference on paper. The 4000 comes in at 1.6 amps, while the 4300 sports 1.8 amps. Despite the difference in power output, both models are capable of variable speeds from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm.
This incremental difference may not seem like much, but there is a noticeable difference in performance when each is pushed to its limit.
With a higher power output, the 4300 can operate at higher speeds for heavy-duty jobs for an extended amount of time. As opposed to the 4000 model, which is prone to overheat when used extensively for more extended amounts of time.
Due to the complex nature of the many jobs a rotary drill is used for, this slight difference in power between the 4300 and 4000 can make all the difference in getting a quality result.
Noise Level
A small difference that may be inconsequential to some is the noise level at which both models operate. If noise is a factor that you need to consider when deciding on a model, the 4300 is the better option.
The older 4000 operates with average noise levels for a rotary drill, but the airflow is not as ideal as the 4300. This causes the drill to make more noise compared to the 4300, which is quieter and runs cooler.
LED Swivel Light
Perhaps the most significant difference between both models is the built-in LED light in the 4300. This is a newer addition to the Dremel rotary drill design and brings an added level of efficiency when using the rotary drill.
By illuminating dark areas, the LED light can help guide the drill through tight spaces. Furthermore, it is battery-powered, so even if the drill becomes unplugged, the light will still function.
As it is built into the drill, the LED light can pivot around the tip to change the angle of the light on the piece being worked on. This is especially useful for close-up detailing work where the shadow of the rotary drill can obstruct the view.
The rotation of the built-in light is a feature that is lacking in the 4000 model. While not a deal-breaker, it is still a helpful feature to have and is a standout feature for the 4300.
Value
Pricing of each model is where the differences between features are made evident of whether it is worth it or not. The 4300, being a newer model, is priced higher than the older 4000; however, it does not require additional purchases of different collets to attach various sizes of accessories and bits.
Depending on what task the rotary drill is being used for, the actual value for money varies. If all the features are utilized extensively, then the investment can be worth the money. However, it is not necessary to splurge if you are not going to use the unique features offered by the 4300.
Choosing the Right Model for You
When choosing between the 4300 and 4000 models, there is little that sets them apart from each other. They both sport a six-foot cord and a comfortable ergonomic handle. Furthermore, the rotation speed is the same in both models.
To ensure the most informed decision can be made, different aspects of where each rotary drill model shines or falls short must be considered. Other aspects such as price and convenience are a consideration to be taken into account.
Unique Features
Having certain features in your rotary drill can change the entire experience you have working with it. If these features are what you need to elevate the quality of work or just to ease convenience, then the newer 4300 model is the clear winner.
It has an in-built pivot LED light that can help to guide your bit while working in dark areas. Not only useful for dark spots, but it is also a helpful feature to have to keep a clear view of what you are working on. Better visibility increases the performance capability.
Additionally, the newer three-chuck attachment system is an upgrade from the 4000’s collet lock system. It saves time and energy when using multiple bits by removing the need to constantly change collets to fit different-sized bits.
Power
For those who require more power from their rotary drill, the 4300 is the ideal choice. Having a 1.8 amp power output, this is only slightly higher than the 4000’s 1.6 amp power output.
Both rotary drills work at a speed of 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, so the performance of either model is dependent upon the power source. The slightly higher power output in the 4300 allows it to work at the maximum rpm for an extended period of time with no heating issues.
As the 4000 model has a slightly weaker power output than the 4300, it struggles when performing high-speed jobs consistently. This draw on power causes the drill to heat up considerably.
From this, it is evident just how far a little extra power goes in the performance of the drill. This extra power can go a long way when working with heavy-duty materials or for longer work sessions.
Attachments
Due to the multi-purpose nature of the rotary drill, any specialized tasks can be performed by the same tool, just with a different tip. The variety and number of attachments available can determine the range of tasks the drill is capable of.
On one hand, the new three-chuck attachment system in the 4300 allows for a faster transition between attachments with no extra tools necessary. On the other hand, there are currently only two kits available. However, the largest kit has a wide range of accessories included, more so than the largest 4000 kits available.
As it is an older model, the 4000 uses the old collet lock attachment system, requiring additional purchases of different-sized collets to accommodate specific specialized attachments. However, with this older system, you do get a wider variety of bits and accessories to choose from. Although, the time and energy that is needed to switch between attachments are considerably more significant in the 4000 model.
Comfort and Convenience
Using a rotary drill for extended periods of time can be a strain on your hand. The build of both the 4300 and 4000 models is almost identical, save for a slightly slimmer body in the 4300. This can be less strain on yourself when working on a big project; however, this difference in size is not immediately apparent.
Additionally, the attachments to aid in comfort and convenience, such as the detailer’s grip or the flex shaft, must be considered. These can negate any minor differences in the size of the actual rotary drill. The comfort of using the drill with either of these attachments can change the experience completely.
Pricing
The price tag of tools can be on the expensive side, so every purchase becomes an investment. As an investment, the value for money is a crucial aspect to be taken into consideration, especially for those on a budget.
Between the 4300 and the 4000, the 4300 is the more steeply-priced option of the two. Of course, this does not make the 4000 model inferior in any way. It is just a matter of whether or not you consider the added features of the 4300 worth the extra bit of cash or not.
Safety Attachments
Included in the rotary drill kit is a basic set of safety attachments to protect you and the drill from injury. However, when working with certain materials, you may need to purchase additional attachments explicitly made for that material.
It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from potential harm. Look into what safety attachments are available for a rotary drill model, and if it is suitable for the materials you are working with.
Which attachment kit should you buy?
Every rotary drill will have a general-purpose kit with a range of bits and accessories for every job you may need the tool for. As these are just the basic attachments, they are sufficient for the general public to use with no problems.
However, if you are working with a specific material or require a certain set of bits for a particular job, Dremel offers specialized kits. They are made with a particular task in mind. Be it cutting, sanding, engraving, or cleaning; there is a kit for every possible use of a rotary drill.
They include more detailed tools you would need to get the job done. It is a simple matter of finding the kit that relates to your specific task and attaching the bits to the drill.
Can the Dremel cut through metal, glass, and ceramic?
To answer this question briefly, yes, it is able to cut through these materials as both models have a motor capable of handling the strain.
However, special bits must be used in order to cut through glass and ceramic. Additionally, safety attachments must be used when working with glass and ceramic as they can cause injury or damage to the drill.
How do you use the collet lock to change attachments?
The standard collet lock mechanism can accommodate ⅛” shanks but sometimes falls short or is too large for certain bits and accessories. To remove the bit from the collet, simply twist the EZ nose and pull the bit free.
To replace the entire collet for holding a different sized attachment, press the button on the front of the rotary drill to release the EZ nose. Then, use a wrench to remove the entire collet and replace it with the appropriately sized collet and screw the nose back on.
Dremel 4300 Vs 4000 Conclusion - The Winner
After considering all the features that make each rotary drill model unique, what would be the best choice to get the most value for money?
Between the 4300 and the 4000 model from Dremel, the safe choice would be to go for the 4300 model. Although it has a higher price point, the unique features that it offers make up for the price tag.
That’s not all; the convenience of having the pivot light illuminate the surface, as well as the extra power, is what sets it apart from the 4000.
On the other hand, if a simple rotary drill with light use is what you require, or if you are on a budget, then the 4000 model is still a great option. It offers a more extensive selection of specialized accessories as it uses the older collet lock attachment system.
Both models do what they were designed to do. So, purchasing either will undoubtedly be a great decision to add to your workshop’s collection of tools.
