Dremel Trio™ Review

Dremel Trio™

Dremel has been developing new tools all the time in order to keep up with the demanding requirements of consumers. Recently the folks at Dremel sent us several tools to evaluate including the all new Dremel Trio™.

The  Dremel Trio™ was designed to allow users to cut, sand and rout a variety of materials including wood, plastic, tile, sheet metal and drywall. The ability to do all three tasks on so many materials makes this a versatile tool for the DIY’er.

Dremel Trio™ Features

• 360-degree cutting technology allows you to make cuts in any direction while keeping the tool in the same orientation. Or, you can follow the cut line like a regular saw…its up to you
• The high-speed spiral cutting action makes clean cuts with smoother edges that require less sanding
• 90° pivoting handle for superior comfort and control
• On board dust extraction port to maintain a clean workplace
• Non-marring base to protect delicate work pieces
• Telescoping foot for accurate depth control while cutting, sanding and routing
• 10,000 – 20,000 RPM variable-speed switch for greater versatility and optimal control
• Lock-on button for comfort during extended use

• Amperage 2.0 Amps
• Collet Capacity 3/16″
• Country of Origin Mexico
• Speed Variable (10,000 – 20,000 RPM)
• Voltage 120 AC, 50-60 Hz
• Warranty 2 years
• Weight (lbs.) 2.8 lbs (1,27 kg)

Our Review

We’ve read some of the early reviews on the Dremel Trio and think some of the reviewers are missing the mark on the Trio. The Dremel Trio isn’t meant to replace a jigsaw, a router or a drum sander. However, what it is meant to do is give DIY’ers an affordable multi-purpose tool that can get some similar applications finished without spending $500. Read on to learn more!

Spiral Cutting

The Dremel Trio is set up to use spiral cutting bits to cut thin materials up to 1/2″ in thickness. Materials include drywall, wood, plastic and sheet metal.

As you can see above we tested the Trio cutting some 1/2″ MDO plywood using the rip fence. The Trio was able to cut through the 1/2″ material pretty easily but we found it difficult to cut a really straight line even using the rip fence. The rip fence also works as a circle template to allow circular holes to be cut out. We also tested it cutting 1/2″ thick drywall with great success similar to a RotoZip type tool.

Router Mode

We also tested the Trio with the Router Mode with a straight cutting bit. I think it’s very important for folks to realize that this little guy is not meant to replace a full size router. However it will do some nice routing operations for small scale projects.

As you can see above we were able to free-hand an oval slot in the MDO plywood with ease. You could also cut shallow dado’s with it with ease. We didn’t test it with a round-over bit but it’s fair to say it would perform similarly.

Sanding Mode

The Dremel Trio can also be set up as a micro drum sander. As you can see above the Trio uses a rubber mandrel to hold sanding bands. This is a great feature for edge sanding especially for scroll work. We did have some trouble with the sanding bands as they had a tendency to slide off at times. Still this is one of the really cool features that I really liked.

Pivoting Handle

The Trio’s handle can be adjusted 90 degrees as shown in the adjacent image. It’s important to note that it only locks at the upper and lower positions not the 45 degree position. Basically this allows the tool to function/feel like a jigsaw in the 90 degree position and a rotary tool in the upright position.

Dust Collection

The Trio has a built-in dust collection port. We were a bit disappointed that the Dust Port Adapter is an optional accessory. Frankly tools like this almost always come with the adapter and we see no reason to make it optional.

Overall Impression

The folks at Dremel continue to develop some really neat tools. The Trio is certainly not going to replace a full size router, jig saw or drum sander but this little devil does provide an affordable tool able to do those type of tasks for the DIY’er on a limited budget. It’s also important to know that the Dremel Trio uses only Trio accessories so don’t plan on using  your other Dremel Accessories.

Priced at $99 the Dremel Trio is a great value for the DIY’er looking to do some light duty cutting, routing and sanding. When you consider the fact that 3 full size power tools capable of doing those tasks would run $300 to $500 you can see why it’s a great value.

Where To Buy

The Dremel Trio is being sold at several locations including:

• The Home Depot for $99.00 : Trio Rotary Tool Kit
• Amazon for $99.00 and FREE Shipping: Dremel 6800-01 Trio Rotary Tool Kit

Over the next week don’t forget to enter our Dremel Trio Giveaway for a chance to win this new tool. Hurry up as the contest ends on November 13, 2010.