The following Proxxon vs Dremel 3000 & 4000 comparison provides a quick summary and review of each rotary tool.
It will be very useful for those looking at performance type Dremel brand alternatives.
The Proxxon 38481 IBS/E is comparable to the 3000 & 4000 models as:
An electric rotary tool
Variable Speed tool
A ‘higher’ performance flexible use model
Comes with and can fit an array of accessories and bits for different uses
We’ve previously reviewed and written helpful buyer guides on the full range of other Dremel model rotary tools.
We’ve also reviewed and compared Dremel’s latest high performance model (as of June 1st 2017), the Dremel 4300.
But, in this guide, we will be comparing the Proxxon 38481 vs Dremel 4000 & 3000 models, and outline similarities, differences and pros/cons of each model.
If you’re short on time you can check out the rotary tools and their prices in the TL;DR immediately below.
Otherwise, you can read the guide in full.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Proxxon vs Dremel TL;DR – Which Is Better For You?
Personally, overall, we like the Dremel 4000 as a do everything tool with the best performance specs.
However, if you are mainly doing precision and detail type tasks where you don’t need the extra power and range of speeds, the Proxxon would have a strong case.
You might consider the Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E if…
You want an alternative to the Dremel rotary tools
You want a rotary tool designed/engineered and manufactured for precision and detail
You want a rotary tool that is made to a high quality, but are OK that the max Amps is 0.9 Amps and max speed is 20,000 RPM
You want a quiet running rotary tool
You might consider the Dremel 4000 if…
You want one of the most popular rotary tools on the market with many kit options
You want a rotary tool with 1.6 Amps and variable speed range of 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
You want a rotary tool that is compatible with ALL Dremel accessories and attachments
You want a rotary tool that has significant versatility in the range of finishing tasks you can perform with it, but may not be as precise as the Proxxon unless you use the Dremel Flex Shaft Attachment
You might consider the Dremel 3000 if…
You want a rotary tool with 1.2 Amps and variable speed range of 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
You want a rotary tool that is compatible with ALL Dremel accessories and MOST attachments
You want a rotary tool that has significant versatility in the range of finishing tasks you can perform with it, but may not be as precise as the Proxxon unless you use the Dremel Flex Shaft Attachment
You are OK with having an older model Dremel rotary tool than the Dremel 4000, 4200 and 4300
Proxxon vs Dremel: 38481, 4000 & 3000 Comparison Chart
Dremel 3000
Type Of Tool – Electric/Corded Dremel
Amps & Volts – 1.2 Amps, 120 Volts
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 32,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 1.25 lbs, OR 0.57 kg
Tool Length – 7.5 Inches
Cord Length – 6 feet
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Accepts all existing Dremel rotary tool accessories and most attachments
Chuck System – EZ Twist System – integrated wrench in the nose cap
Warranty – Yes, limited warranty
Other Features – Separate On/Off Switch & Speed Dial, Cool Running Ball Bearing Construction, Replaceable Motor Brushes
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Great value for money as a kit, 2) Very similar performance specs to the Dremel 4200, 3) Button release chuck system is easy to use
Summary – Great Value For Money Dremel Rotary Tool & Kit. No major drawbacks. Only slightly less power than the Dremel 4000
Dremel 4000
Type Of Tool – Electric/Corded Dremel
Amps & Volts – 1.6 Amps, 120 Volts
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 35,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 2.86 lbs, OR 1.3 kg
Tool Length – 6 Inches
Cord Length – 6 feet
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Accepts all existing Dremel rotary tool accessories and all attachments
Chuck System – EZ Twist System – Quick collet lock for fast accessory changes – button release chuck
Warranty – Yes, limited warranty
Other Features – Electronic Feedback Circuitry, 360 degree Grip, Separate On/Off Switch & Speed Dial, Cool Running Ball Bearing Construction, Replaceable Motor Brushes
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Great value for money as a kit, 2) Very similar performance specs to the Dremel 4200, 3) Button release chuck system is easy to use
Summary – Great Value For Money High Performance Dremel Rotary Tool & Kit. No major drawbacks
Proxxon 38481
Type Of Tool – Electric/Corded Proxxon
Amps & Volts – 0.9 Amps, 120 Volts
Number & Range of Speeds (RPM) – Variable Speed, 5,000 to 20,000 RPM
Tool Weight – 1.2 lbs, OR .05 kg
Tool Length – 9 inches
Cord Length – 7.5 feet
Accepts Which Accessories/Bits & Attachments? – Comes with 1/32″, 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″ and 1/8″ sized collets. But, buy other accessories and attachments only after checking compatibility
Chuck System – Lock button Fast accessory changing
Warranty – Yes, limited warranty
Other Features – Separate On/Off Switch & Speed Dial, Cool Running Ball Bearing Construction, Storage Case included, 6 Collet Sizes, Active Speed Control Circuitry
What’s Tasks Might The Tool Be Designed For? – Anything – as long as you have the bit or attachment for the task
Other Notes – 1) Great value for money as a kit for light tasks, 2) Not as powerful, and doesn’t have the range of speeds of the Dremel 4000 or 3000
Summary – Good Rotary Tool and Kit as a Dremel Alternative for light tasks. Dremel looks better value for money overall when factoring in tool performance, mainly higher Amperage and higher max speeds. On the other hand, this tool feels like it is manufactured to a higher quality than the Dremel in terms of tighter ball bearings, more solid unit, and better machined front end where the bits sit. Maybe be a better tool if you do mainly detail tasks
Proxxon vs Dremel Reviews
We previously reviewed the Dremel 4000 and 3000 in our big guide on Dremel model rotary tools.
And we briefly looked at the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E in our guide about Dremel Alternatives.
However, we have provided more in-depth reviews and comparisons below of each tool in regards to:
Popular Kit Options
User Experience
Why Get One Brand Over the Other
Why Not Get One Brand Over the Other
Summary of Tool & Kits
Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E Review
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Proxxon 38481 Popular Kit Options
1) Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E 34 Piece Accessory Set
Accessories/Bits Included:
34 Piece Accessory Set Includes –
1 set of grinding bits 4 pcs.
1 set of grinding wheels 4 pcs
1 saw blade
20 cut off wheels
1 micro drill bit 0.5mm (28864)
1 micro drill bit 0.8mm (28852)
1 brass wheel brush
1 milling bit 2.3 mm
1 diamond bit sphere 1.8 mm
Attachments Included:
None. However, the flex shaft attachment for detailed tasks like carving and engraving is an optional extra:
Other Items Included:
Six Micromot collet sizes – 1/32″, 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″ and 1/8″ (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0 and 3.2mm). Also, comes with a storage case.
Where to Check Price:
View the Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E 34 Piece Accessory Set on Amazon
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Proxxon 38481 IBS/E User Experience
Good Things:
Very quiet when in use – even at full speed
Has a nice weight balance throughout the tool and feel very high quality in hand (feels very solid and well manufactured/engineered)
Tool doesn’t seem to heat up very quickly when in use
Feels more precise than the Dremel
Bits/Accessories are good quality like the Dremel
Potential Improvements:
Dremel feels like a more all-around tool for a wider range of tasks and heavier tasks (even if its louder), whereas the Proxxon is mainly for precise, lighter and detail tasks and doesn’t have as much capability to be overloaded or go to higher end tasks (there can be issues with the electronic speed control circuitry)
Option of a 3 Jaw chuck bit holding system would be good
Availability of higher end speed > 20,000 RPM
Case isn’t great quality
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Why Get A Proxxon 38481 IBS/E Over the Dremel 4000 and 3000
– If you want a Dremel alternative rotary tool
– If you want a quiet rotary tool
– If you a very well engineered, manufactured and machined rotary tool which is great for precise and detail orientated tasks such as small tasks, and engraving, carving, polishing etc.
– If you want a rotary tool that comes with 6 different sized collets
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Why Not Get A Proxxon 38481 IBS/E Over the Dremel 4000 and 3000
– If you want a rotary tool with more than a 0.9 Amp motor, and capable of RPM speeds of greater than 20,000RPM
– If you want the flexibility that the Dremel tools provide in terms of range of tasks due to the higher Amperage, RPMs and arguably better internal speed control circuitry
– If you want a cheaper rotary tool kit to the Proxxon
–If you want the added benefit that Dremel tools are made with the Dremel accessories/bits and attachments in mind
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Summary of the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E Tool & Kits
From Proxxon, this tool is: “Usable for extended periods when grinding, polishing, cleaning, cutting and engraving. Ideal for mechanics, model builders, jewelers, opticians, artists and electronic enthusiasts.”
In our opinion, the Proxxon does not provide as much value for money as an all-around rotary tool compared to the Dremel.
But, it may present great value for money for those looking for a precise rotary tool for the lighter and more detailed tasks, that also runs quiet.
Dremel 4000 Review
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Dremel 4000 Popular Kit Options
You can view popular kit options here.
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Dremel 4000 User Experience
You can view Good Things and Potential Improvements of the Dremel 4000 here.
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Why Get A Dremel 4000 Over the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E and Dremel 3000
– Higher Amperage and higher max RPM speed compared to the Proxxon
– More tool kit options overall, and more value for money tool kit options
– More of an all-around rotary tool for a wider range of tasks, and heavier tasks than the Proxxon which is more designed for detail
– Fits all Dremel accessories and attachments > provides even more versatility and combinations for potential uses
– Speed control circuitry means the Dremel might be better at handling overload than the Proxxon
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Why Not Get A Dremel 4000 Over the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E and Dremel 3000
– Higher operating noise level than the Proxxon
–May not be as good as the Proxxon for detail tasks like engraving and carving, however, if you get a Dremel Flex attachment which is quite inexpensive, you can perform detail tasks with the Dremel very well
– Seems to run hotter than the Proxxon
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Summary of the Dremel 4000 Tool & Kits
The Dremel is probably the most popular rotary tool and rotary tool tool kit on the market.
It had many features, higher end performance, and as much versatility in range of tasks it can perform as you would want out of a rotary tool.
Unless you priorities are precise/detail and light tasks, the Dremel 4000 is probably a better option in terms of value for money, and practically than the Proxxon.
View the Dremel 4000 on Amazon
Dremel 3000 Review
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Dremel 3000 Popular Kit Options
1) Dremel 3000-1/24 1 Attachment/24 Accessories Rotary Tool
Accessories/Bits Included:
Carving/Engraving Bit, Cutoff Wheels, Grinding/Sharpening Stones, Cleaning/Polishing Bits, Sanding Bits,
Attachments Included:
Sanding/Grinding Guide
Other Items Included:
401 Screw Mandrel, 402 Mandrel, 415 Dressing Stone, Wrench. Also, comes with an accessory case and a hard carry case.
Where to Check Price:
View the Dremel 3000-1/24 1 Attachment/24 Accessories Rotary Tool on Amazon
2) Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool
Accessories/Bits Included:
Carving/Engraving Cutters and Wheels Point, Cut Off Wheels and Cutting Bit, Grinding/Sharpening Stones, Cleaning/Polishing Bits, Sanding Bits.
Attachments Included:
Sanding/grinding guide and cutting guide
Other Items Included:
401 screw mandrel, 402 mandrel, 415 dressing stone, wrench. Also, comes with an accessory case and a hard carry case.
Where to Check Price:
View the Dremel 3000-2/28 2 Attachments/28 Accessories Rotary Tool on Amazon
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Dremel 3000 User Experience
Good Things:
Only slightly less Amperage than the Dremel 4000, and kits come at very competitive prices
Lighter than the Dremel 4000
Fits with all Dremel accessories, and most Dremel attachments > very versatile for a range of tasks
Potential Improvements:
Dremel have tried to improve the Dremel 3000 with the Dremel 4000, 4200 and Dremel 4300 models > essentially more power and the Dremel 4300 has a 3 jaw chuck system along with a few other features.
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Why Get A Dremel 3000 Over the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E and Dremel 4000
– Higher Amperage and higher max RPM speed compared to the Proxxon
– More tool kit options overall, and more value for money tool kit options than the Proxxon
– More of an all-around rotary tool for a wider range of tasks, and heavier tasks than the Proxxon which is more designed for detail
– Fits all Dremel accessories and most attachments > provides even more versatility and combinations for potential uses than the Proxxon
– Speed control circuitry means the Dremel might be better at handling overload than the Proxxon
– Better value for money than the Dremel 4000 if the lower Amperage is ok for you
– Lighter than the Dremel 4000
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Why Not Get A Dremel 3000 Over the Proxxon 38481 IBS/E and Dremel 4000
– Higher operating noise level than the Proxxon
–May not be as good as the Proxxon for detail tasks like engraving and carving, however, if you get a Dremel Flex attachment which is quite inexpensive, you can perform detail tasks with the Dremel very well
– Seems to run hotter than the Proxxon
–Dremel 4000 has a higher Amperage/power, and is a later model than the 3000
– Not as many tool kit options as the Dremel 4000
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Summary of the Dremel 3000 Tool & Kits
The Dremel 3000 is still a very popular tool in the Dremel rotary tool range.
Many of the reasons you would choose the Dremel 4000 over the Proxxon apply to the Dremel 3000 too.
You would get the Dremel 3000 over the 4000 if you don’t mind having an older model Dremel rotary tool, and you’re ok with slightly less Amps at 1.2 Amps comapred to 1.6 Amps in the Dremel 4000.
View the Dremel 3000 on Amazon
Proxxon vs Dremel Resources
1. http://www.proxxon.com/en/
2. https://www.dremel.com/en/
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