More rugged switch, built with longer life intended. That little switch system in the 395 when I first seen it I though I had just opened up a cheap tin whistle. Not even close to what I expected Dremel to come up with.

Brushes could be made to last longer.

Perhaps when overheating is an issue (as has been my problem) design the unit to run cooler over long periods of time.

My Dremel will run steady pretty much for 2- 3 hours at a time.

I change bits frequently and heating has been a problem.

Also the upper bearing is held in an rubber bearing cushion (395) this rubber has been failing due to overheating of the bearing. Also probably because I have had to add a durable oil to the bearing to get more life out of it because you can't get bearings anymore.

And yep -- you guessed it -- if you are going to make a tool with the intention of it lasting, ensure you have spare parts or your competion will.

But don't be depressed -- they can't even make a tea pot that doesn't drip when you pour.

Or at least I haven't seen one.

Good luck -- if you build high quality no one will be able to afford it, and you won't make any money where the money is made on manufactured goods. In the spare parts.

Let me say also that you made a good point referring to the 395's manufacturing. Perhaps in these hard times our opinions are taken into consideration.

Pleased to read your inputs in this forum,

Enrique

The old saying used to be -- we can put a man on the moon but we can't make a teapot that doesn't drip when you pour.

Anyway -- back to Dremel.

I have been nursing my Dremel along lubing the bearings with a product called "Power Up". (Don't know where you get it or who makes it). I bought a gallon of it for 70 dollars (pricy) about 10 years ago from a traveling snake charmer. The demo was that impressive.

It will take grinding bearings and they will run smooth again.

(Or at least so in my Dremel). But it is hard on rubber,gaskets and such.

I also had the switch burn out so I opened up the Dremel, removed the switch completely, jump wiped the contacts so it would run full RPM when plugged in.

I then took a 5 amp variable speed controller and plugged my Dremel into it.

I do not get the variaty of speed control that the original Dremel switch gave me, but I do get what I need. Full RPM down to about half.

The main reason I did this --- one look at that switch and I knew it wasn't worth the money to replace it.

I don't recommend anyone fooling around with wiring, unless you have electrical know how.

I am not saying I do -- just saying I like fooling around with wiring.

No , I don't have my first dollar, but I do have some of the change.

Sorry for the mispell  --  that should read --  "jump wired" the contacts.

I tried to edit my post but that is not an option for some reason.

And as I write this I notice the little "spell check" box at the bottom.

What can I say --- it's been a long life. ahhhhhhhhhhhh