Dremel has come out with two new Versa butane-powered mini torches for soldering, heating, heat shrinking, and various other flame and heat-based applications. There are two models, the 2200 Versa multi-function torch, shown above, and the 2000 Versa soldering torch, shown below.
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The 2000 soldering torch seems to be designed and sized for more precise heating applications, while the 2200 seems to be better suited for tasks where you might want a larger heating cross section for longer amount of time.
Both kits come with everything you need to get started, minus the butane that can be purchased locally.
Street Prices: $45-55
Buy Now(2200 torch via Amazon)
Buy Now(2200 via Home Depot)
Buy Now(2000 soldering torch via Amazon)
First Thoughts
As appealing and versatile as the small Versa butane torches might be, the pricing seems a little bit high. But on the other hand, each kit does come with a nice variety of practical attachments.
The Dremel torches face stiff competition from Blazer, Wall Lenk, Bernzomatic, and Weller. These brands have been in the butane torch and tool business for a while, and their products are well regarded.
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What is so special about these Versa butane torches, compared to tried-and-true models from brands that have strong footholds in the micro-torch market?
It is unclear as to whether these Dremel butane torches are uniquely designed, or whether they are rebranded versions of models already on the market by an OEM or other brand. Dremel isn’t exactly a name I would associate with butane torches.
Dremel also recently came out with a sharpening station, and despite Dremel’s claims that the station only looks like another product and has unique attachments, it really looks to be a near-identical copy of a sharpener that is available at Harbor Freight at a much lower cost. I am still waiting for Dremel to explain how their sharpening attachments can be “unique” when they look to have come off the same exact injection mold as the ones on the HF unit. This is a big part of why I am hesitant to let myself be too optimistic by the new torches.
Joe
2200 Versa multi-function torch:
Not trying to knock dremel because I use this brand but I bought a torch from habor freight yrs ago for $5 dollars (using local coupon) yrs ago and it is still working.
Apparently HF has both brass tip and ceramic…
Brass:
http://www.harborfreight.com/butane-micro-torch-60645.html
Ceramic:
http://www.harborfreight.com/http-www-harborfreight-com-micro-torch-42099-html.html
Every hobbiest, handy man, should own one…makes your life easy and can bring back to life expensive items…
If you use your brain a little, you can use one of these to weld plastic….as an example, you over load your clothes washer and it gets stuck…that sudden stop causes the plastic bucket to crack…what do you do handy man? Replace the bucket? Throw away the machine when out of warranty? Weld the crack with this type of machine? 🙂
2200 I can figure out = no inovation what so ever. IMO.
2000 I can’t understand the two little levers crealy…the rest is the same concept as 2200.
John
This is just an educated guess as for the levers …one is on off and one is to regulated the butane flow.
I have a similar torch soldering iron and the switch looks the same, and it is also positioned in the same general area. Mine only has the sliding type one and it’s the regulator.
Mondo gazoyngas
No one is to keep the flame lit when you let the button go and the other is to regulate the size of the flame. Close though.
MC
Hi, have you had any response? I’m just wondering myself.
“I am still waiting for Dremel to explain how their sharpening attachments can be “unique” when they look to have come off the same exact injection mold as the ones on the HF unit. This is a big part of why I am hesitant to let myself be too optimistic by the new torches.”
Stuart
I updated the sharpening station post with most recent response, but for convenience, here it is again:
The Dremel brand stands by its reputation for providing innovative, quality tools, and the Sharpening Station is no different. The guides on the Sharpening Station are unique to Dremel even if they look similar, including better access and support on the knife/scissor guide. Dremel is also offering a 2-year warrantee with the Sharpening Station.
I’m still not sure what to think.
MC
$60.381
Costs this 2000 in Scandinavia/Sweden.
At best street price.