Dremel 3000 vs 4000 | Which Rotary Tool ?

Dremel 3000 vs 4000 which is the right rotary tool for you ? 

Both models from Dremel are great little tools for the hobbyist of home crafts maker. Lots of professionals will also have one lying around the shop for the more detailed delicate finishing work.

Before we compare both lets first have a quick review of each models features and specifications below after we will compare them directly against each other.

Dremel 3000 2/28

The Dremel 3000 is powered by a 1.2 Amp motor and has a variable speed range of between 5,000 and 32,000 RPM. It is an older model than the Dremel 4000.

There are three variations in the 3000 range. The 3000 1/24, 3000 1/25 and the 3000 2/28.

Each Dremel rotary tool will generally have a combination of numbers after it's name to denote what attachments and accessories are provided with it in that specific kit.

The 3000 1/24 has one attachment(sanding) and 24 accessories. The bulk of the accessories are geared towards sanding in one form or another.

The 3000 1/25 has one attachment and 25 accessories. The extra accessory over the 1/24 model is an added clear shield.

The 3000 2/28 comes with two attachments and twenty eight accessories. The attachments are a sanding/grinding attachment and a cutting guide. The majority of the accessories are for either grinding, sanding or polishing.

Who is the 3000 2/28 for ?

The 3000 range is best suited towards someone who is generally going to be doing a lot of sanding type work.

Dremel 4000 6/50

The Dremel 4000 is a variable speed rotary tool that is powered by a 1.6 Amp motor. That motor has a speed range of between 5,000 RPM and 35,000 RPM.

The 4000 also includes "electronic feedback". This features allows the motor in the 4000 to adapt to how it is being used.

For example if you run the tool at a specific setting then when you press against the material you are working on it will ensure that the friction does not slow down the speed of the motor.   

There are 3 models available in the 4000 range. The 4000 3/4, 4000 4/34 and the largest kit which is the 4000 6/50.

The 6/50 gives you 6 different attachments and 50 accessories to choose from.

The attachments are sanding/grinding guide, circle cutter and straight edge guide, tool sharpener, shield and lawn mower and a flex shaft attachment.

The accessories are a mix of grinding, sanding, polishing, cutting and engraving bits.

The Dremel 4000 especially in the 6/50 kit has a heck of a lot of actions that it can perform. It is a very capable tool for just about anyone that needs to do a lot of small fine detail work.

You can see how the 4000 stacks up against some others in the Dremel range in our 4000 vs 4200 article and 4000 vs 4300.

Dremel 3000 vs 4000

So which is better Dremel 3000 or Dremel 4000 ?

The 4000 is the bigger and more powerful machine. Not only that but it has a lot more attachments and accessories available to it. It also comes with the variable speed response that keeps the motor at its programmed speed level.This makes the Dremel 4000 the clear winner.

However if all you really need a rotary tool for the occasional bit of sanding the 3000 is still quite capable. But, it does not have either the power or the versatility of the 4000 range.