Dremel has come out with a new oscillating tool that they say is the Ultimate Remodeling Tool. The new Dremel Velocity VC60 oscillating multi-tool is indeed different from any other OMT currently on the market. (But is that good?)
Dremel says that their new VC60 Velocity oscillating tool is intended to bridge the gap between other oscillating tools, and beefier cutting tools, such as circular and reciprocating saws that are more frequently used for rough cutting applications.
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The Dremel Velocity oscillating tool has a larger 5° oscillating angle, which should translate to a faster cutting speed. It also has a 7A motor.
Dremel also describes the Velocity oscillating tool as a 2-position tool, since it is meant to be used in one orientation for some applications, and on its side for others.
The blade holding mechanism is certainly different than those on other tools, fixing blades and attachments to the tool’s side.
Thanks to the new control foot and the side-mounted blade, the Dremel Velocity can make longer cuts than would normally be made with an oscillating multi-tool.
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It looks like the Dremel Velocity’s control foot can only be set in 2 positions: open and closed.
The vertical grip looks a little awkward to me, but I think that’s more about how the photo was staged.
The Dremel Velocity can be used for other applications as well. It looks like it can do anything than other oscillating multi-tools can do.
With its new HYPER SPEED setting, the new Dremel Velocity oscillating multi-tool cuts pine 9X faster than their most entry-level least powerful oscillating tool can.
Why else should you buy a Dremel Velocity? The brand also says that the VC60 offers great accuracy and is easier to use than reciprocating saws in tougher materials like plywood, oak and Hardibacker.
It’s a little heavy, or at least heavier than lesser oscillating multi-tools, weighing in at 4.45 lbs.
- 5° oscillating angle
- 10,000 – 16,000 OPM
- 7ft power cord
- Weighs 4.45 lbs
The VC60-01 kit comes with:
- Tool Bag
- VC490 Panel Blade
- VC494 Pipe & 2×4 Blade
- MM450 Wood & Drywall Blade
- MM14 Hook & Loop Pad
- MM70W Wood Sanding Paper (3)
- MM70P Paint Sanding Paper (3)
The VC490 panel blade was specially designed to make use of the Dremel Velocity’s control foot feature, for making straight rip cuts in plywood, cement board, and drywall.
The VC494 pipe and 2×4 blade is designed for cutting pipes and thicker materials, such as a 2×4 in a single pass.
Price: $180 for the kit
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First Thoughts
The product page mentions Hyper and precision speed modes for bigger jobs and traditional oscillating tool applications, but it seems to me that the Hyper speed mode is just another way of saying “maximum speed.”
The new Dremel Velocity oscillating multi-tool design, with its control foot and side-mounted blade, look interesting. The blade holder is tool-free, quick-change, and is said to “fit most major accessory brands.”
There are potential downsides, such as the higher weight, as the Dremel Velocity weighs considerably more than their previous models, and ergonomics. Will an oscillating tool designed for use in 2 positions be comfortable to use in either one?
The new Dremel VC60 Velocity oscillating tool looks to be a hybrid between their Ultra-Saw and Saw-Max multi-purpose mini circular saw tools, and their Multi-Max oscillating tools.
Do you think the Dremel Velocity could be the “Ultimate Remodeling Tool?”
bob
Being a Bosch company I imagine this is fully compatible with the new multi-tool standard. Am I right?
Nathan
Doesn’t look like a star lock. curious on the blade retention mechanism – I assume spring loaded pin.
OMT specifically turned 90 degrees is what it looks like – I can sort of get on board with that – would be nice if the hand hold section rotated too.
The bigger sweep angle in an interesting idea. can’t say I don’t like it. might have issues in some closer quarters.
the foot looks like it has a few notches but pics can be deceiving. Don’t mind that idea either – but – I like the dewalt pin guide better.
Would want to see it tested alongside some other devices.
Doresoom
Meh.
They missed a huge opportunity to call it “Ludicrous Speed” instead of Hyper Speed though.
Nathan
Plaid. should have been plaid.
matt
I thought this exact thing when I saw that! I think this tool has gone from suck to blow.
dll932
Looks interesting, but too bad the foot can’t be reversed to use left OR right (unless it can and I’m not seeing it). That could be a problem in tight quarters. While I’m at it, the foot should be removable.
William
What do you know about the new drive system? Amazon says its a “patented crank” as opposed to a “traditional fork”
Mike
I looked in the manual and it is not reversible. In fact, there is a big bulky release lever hiding on the other side. The promotional photos have been selected to make sure it doesn’t show. I’m not sure how else they could have arranged it and still had a quick release mechanism, though.
Cr8ondt
Just looks Like a different take on Dewalt/Porter Cable roller guide.
JoeM
I’m going to ignore the fact that it’s April Fool’s Day for a moment, and say this:
The only things I like about this are the increased speed, the fact that it’s 7 Amp, and the increased oscillation angle to 5 degrees. The rest seems gimmicky, badly done, and unnecessary. ESPECIALLY the “Hyper Speed” instead of “Max/High Speed”…
I love Dremel for their Rotary Tools, and the MotoSaw, but the other big tools are just… TOYS… I don’t know why Bosch puts these tools in the Dremel line, they just don’t belong there at all. Rotary Tools, the MotoSaw, and several of the smaller, special-use tools like their Engraver, and VersaTip? I like those. I am utterly turned off by their MultiMax, Trio, and SawMax/UltraSaw lines. The fact that they made Dremel put out a cheap 3D Printer says someone at Bosch has their blood stream tainted by something they can’t leave the country with.
Jon
I agree, except I would add that the foot is pretty cool. It is very difficult to control the depth and angle of cut with regular OMTs. I’ve used at least 5 different models, and none had anywhere near the control you could get with this. I think it looks pretty cool. But I don’t like it $180 worth, personally.
JoeM
I agree that it would give more control, and that it is quite unique for an OMT, but frankly it’s just a plastic hood. It’s not worth liking or disliking. It’s a depth control stop built in. If that hood could double as a dust collector attachment, I’d say great, but the whole tool is kinda… Iffy. They wasted a great motor, and great power, and a great increased oscillation range on a tool that was loaded with unnecessary gimmicks.
JoeM
…And I ALSO agree that it’s not $180 worth of improvement.
Adam
With all the starlock talk, I thought that would fit sure be built into this. Guess it isn’t that necessary of an improvement
JoeM
It’s a Quick-Change type Arbour. Starlock isn’t compatible with ANY of the Quick-Change Arbours out there.
David g
Can you really cut hardibacker board with it?
Mike
Yes. An OMT does a very clean cut with few chips or chunks blown out of the edges. Be prepared for a large cement dust cloud, though.
These tools were originally invented for cutting through casts, a similar material.
David g
Can you do a video test with one and see just how many feet of 1/2 inch hardi backer board you can cut with one dremel blade?
joel hulsey
NEVER cut any hardi backer or such-like material with ANY type of power cutting tool. Only exception to this rule: out of doors AND masked. Fine particulate in these materials is NOT safe. It is TOXIC. Bad enough silicosis, worse ailments with “innovative” additives in cementitious products . MSDS on these materials is “negotiated between mfrs and regulators. Mfrs win, you lose. Don’t be careless. Read warnings. Think of your health.
david griffin
Thanks. I just went back to score n snap. Less dust. Less risk. But wow… the mfg and regulators in bed, just wow.