Dremel 3000 VS Dremel 4000 – The Real Difference

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The Dremel 4000 and Dremel 3000 are very similar tools, so it can be hard to understand the Difference. Other than the Dremel 4000 is newer and the Dremel 3000 is cheaper. But what is the actual difference between the Dremel 3000 and Dremel 4000 when we look at performance, design, power, versatility, and usability?

The Dremel 4000 is more powerful than the Dremel 3000. The Dremel 4000 can handle harder tasks than the Dremel 3000. The Dremel 4000 is bigger than the Dremel 3000. The Dremel 4000 has a better shaft lock system than the Dremel 3000. The Dremel 4000 is more expensive than the Dremel 3000.

Those are the main differences in short. But let me explain in detail. Let’s go!

My Experienced Difference: Dremel 3000 VS Dremel 4000

I own both the Dremel 3000 and the Dremel 4000. And I have been using both tools frequently for at least a year now. This article will be based on my experience with the tools, I’m going to give you my honest opinion and explain the real difference so you can decide if the Dremel 3000 or the Dremel 4000 is the right rotary tool for you.

The most noticeable difference between the Dremel 3000 and Dremel 4000 in use is the power of the tools. The Dremel 3000 is weaker than the Dremel 4000. The RPMs of the Dremel 3000 will drop when you use too much pressure while for example cutting a screw.

The motor of the Dremel 4000 is stronger and can handle being put under more pressure without the RPMs being affected.

You will definitely feel the difference in power if you use the tools right after one another. But the Dremel 3000 can actually do all the tasks that the Dremel 4000 can, it is just going to take a little bit longer.

For lighter tasks like engraving glass, you would not be able to notice a difference in power.

My takeaway from using both tools is that if the Dremel 4000 is within your budget you should definitely go for the Dremel 4000. But if you don’t want to spend too much money on a Dremel, then the Dremel 3000 will still do the jobs that a Dremel 4000 can do, most tasks will take a little bit longer.

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The Stats

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Dremel 3000 Vs Dremel 4000: Main Differences

As you can see from the stats above, the differences between the Dremel 3000 and Dremel 4000 can be hard to take away from the stats alone. If we only were to look at the stats, they almost seem like the same tool. But there are some important differences between the two tools.

As we have already established, the most important difference is that the Dremel 4000 is more powerful than the Dremel 3000.

I will go through the other differences one by one below.

The Shaft Lock System

To change bits on a rotary tool, we have to stop the shaft from rotating. This is done by inserting a piece of metal into a groove or hole in the spinning shaft of the tool. On the Dremel, there is a shaft lock button that we press to lock the shaft.

The Dremel 3000 has a shaft lock system that can get worn down easier after some time in use. Usually as a result of accidentally pressing down the shaft lock butting while the tool is running. This will cause the shaft to slip whenever pressing the shaft lock button, and you will be unable to change the bit.

The Dremel 4000 has a much more solid shaft lock system with deeper grooves and a stronger shaft lock button. This makes it way more durable.

The Speed Control

The Speed control on the Dremel 4000 is separate from the power button. The speed control on the Dremel 3000 is the same button/slider as the power button.

This difference is not really a make or break for choosing either of the tools. But I prefer the separate power button and speed control of the Dremel 4000. The Dremel 4000 also has a more comfortable slider which can give you more accurate speed control.

The speed control of the Dremel 3000 feels a little bit more stage based. You start the Dremel 3000 by going to 5000 RPMs, then you go to speed setting 2 which gets you about 12 000 RPMs, and so on.

Again, not a deal breaker for any of the tools. But still a small difference. Especially if you are doing work that requires you to turn the Dremel on and off several times.

The Size

The Dremel 3000 is about 2/3 the size of the Dremel 4000. Since the tool is smaller it is also a little bit lighter and easier to maneuver while using the tool.

But in general, the size of these two tools does not really matter too much.

For single tasks like cutting a screw, the size of the tool will not make a difference.

For detailed tasks and prolonged use, I would recommend using the Dremel Flex Shaft (Amazon) attachment anyways. This makes the weight of the tools insignificant.

The Price And Value

The one big advantage the Dremel 3000 has over the Dremel 4000 is the price. The Dremel 3000 is cheaper than the Dremel 4000.

The price difference varies depending on the kit and what types of deals are available at the time. But usually, the Dremel 3000 is 2/3 of the Dremel 4000.

So if you need to save yourself some money and are willing to sacrifice the extra power of the Dremel 4000, then the Dremel 3000 is a good buy.

The Power

I have already explained that power is the most important difference between the two tools.

The Dremel 4000 just has a bigger motor than the Dremel 3000 which makes it able to handle more challenging tasks.

The extra power of the Dremel 4000 makes it easier to remove wood quicker when woodcarving, and cutting through metal go faster, and in general, you will be less limited by the power of the tool.

Dremel 3000 Vs Dremel 4000 – Cutting A Screw

To illustrate the difference in power between the two tools I decided to do i real experiment. I used the same cutting bit to cut two screws of the same size with the Dremel 3000 and Dremel 4000.

The Dremel 3000 used 13 seconds to cut through the screw.

The Dremel 4000 used 5 seconds to cut through the screw.

Eight-second difference to cut such a small piece of metal is a significant difference. Now, if you are only going to cut a few screws here and there, this difference will probably not matter that much.

But if you are going to cut through a hundred screws in a day, using the Dremel 3000 will slow you down.

Should You Buy The Dremel 3000 Or Dremel 4000?

I usually recommend getting the Dremel 4000 over the Dremel 3000. When Dremel made the model 4000 they fixed most of the shortcomings that the 3000 model has. The Dremel 4000 is all in all a better quality tool and is worth the jump in price.

In some instances, the Dremel 3000 can be a better buy than the Dremel 4000.

Get the Dremel 3000 if you are only going to use the tool for some minor tasks that will not take too long.

Get the Dremel 3000 if the Dremel 4000 is not within your budget, but the Dremel 3000 is.

Otherwise, get the Dremel 4000, it is a better tool.