Draper Tools 140W Multi Tool Review

Draper Tools 140W Multi Tool Review continued

The Draper also features one of the best sets of engraving heads we've seen, with a variety of precision tips, as well as spherical and cylindrical tips for dealing with large areas. It includes spherical and cylindrical cutters too, which are used to engrave wood. These all stood up well to dealing with our steel case, and the range of heads meant that it was easy to create different shapes and designs. Also included are large polishing wheels and three drill bits; overall, the Draper sports a solid array of accessories.

It doesn’t take the brain of Britain to know that the Draper is equipped with a 140W motor, and the rotational speed can be fully adjusted between 15,000-35,000rpm. The minimum speed isn’t as low as we’d like, though, and it limits the Draper’s flexibility – some plastics melt if you use a 15,000rpm cutting speed – while also making it a little unfriendly for beginners (who should initially stick to slow speeds).

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In addition, many third-party head accessories specify maximum rotation speeds of less than 15,000rpm. Although it weighs in at just over half a kilogram, the Draper’s ergonomics mean that it’s great to handle. Its curved rear fits snugly in your palm, angling your thumb towards the speed wheel, while allowing your fingers to avoid the rear ventilation holes. The power switch is also located within easy reach of your index finger and the spindle-lock button is well placed too, making swapping out head accessories hassle-free.

The front end of the shell becomes quite narrow and includes rubber finger grips. Thanks to these features, and despite being one of the heaviest rotary tools on test, the Draper is one of the best tools we’ve tried for detailed work, although it’s no match for the Dremel 4000-1/45’s awesome Flexible Shaft attachment.

Unfortunately, however, there were issues with the Draper’s manufacturing on our test model, as many of the rear ventilation holes were blocked due to not having been moulded properly. This meant that it became quite hot during lengthy high-load sessions. This is only a problem if you hold the tool by the small thumb grip for fine detail work, but the overall finish of the shell is poor elsewhere too, even though its shape is great.

Conclusion
The cooling issue isn’t a completely debilitating one, but it severely undermines the Draper 140W 230V Multi Tool’s best asset – being great for detail work. It’s otherwise comfortable and easy to use. While the carry case feels a little cheap and relies on loose bags to hold most of the accessories, it offers far better protection than the majority of its competitors' offerings at this price. Many people won’t need to buy any additional accessories either, especially if you’re looking for a cheap way to get into engraving.

However, with a minimum speed of 15,000rpm, the Draper is completely unsuitable for cutting some kinds of plastic. This high minimum speed also renders the Draper incompatible with some third-party heads and attachments. Despite the Draper's wide range of accessories, tips, discs and attachments, the Dremel 300-30 is hard to ignore for an affordable modding tool; it’s also very comfortable to use, has great cooling and offers the huge advantage of being compatible with all of Dremel’s add-ons. It might cost you an extra £15, but this is a price worth paying.