AusBonsai

I have a dremel and for the larger work may also need a die grinder which I know little of

Is there a size or power that I should look at for carving or do most die grinders are about he same size ?

Any advise on which brand i should look at or stay away from ??

I only have several stumps to work on so don't want to spend too much but still would like to get something decent and not a crappy tool.. any info welcomed thanks!

I also notice they are quite cheap online.. is this right ??

my husband bought me one that hooks to the compressor, still haven't tried it tho, but it was only 25-

Electric die grinders are probably the best but also the most expensive. I believe Makita is the preferred brand due to a variable speed and more watts. If you have a compressor then an air die grinder is a lot cheaper and is what I use

Just check that the die grinders online come with all accessories, I noticed on ebsy most of them came without batteries and of course the batteries cost more than the die grinder. If you can justify the money Makita is the pick of them.

The makita is quite a tool and pricey too.. Im sure they're worth their weight.. does it differ much to the dremel 4000?

I have a Bosch, it is variable speed and has a larger motor than the Makita making it a better performer due to speed and power for only a few extra grams in the hand, not cheap but if you are laying the cash out for a cheaper model then it is worth the extra beans (depending on what you are doing with it and how often you do it?).
When it is on you would not know apart from the fact that there is a slight humming noise in the room.
I am sure that we have discussed this topic here about 2 years or so back

A die grinder takes 1/4" bits and takes bulk wood off. A dremel takes 1/8" bits and is used for finer work than the die grinder and making it more "natural" looking.

check out graham potters website kaizen.com there is a fair bit of info on there about the makita..
There is also some good online traders here in oz that are cheaper like discounttrader.com.au who i think are sydney based tool supplier or matesrates.com.au who are in QLD..both specialize in makita tools.
I get alot of my tools for work via these sites and save a fortune...worth a look anyway

A variable speed die grinder is definitely what is needed. Several (most) carving bits will be over the speed rating on a non adjustable die grinder. The air powered grinders may be able to be toned down with a regulator but I never worked that one out.
I have never found a "cheap" variable speed die grinder but last time I looked Milwaukee had the cheapest available and they are also a good quality manufacturer.
The other option is to look into arbotechs range of bulk wood carvers that will fit an angle grinder.

How about the Metabo GE700, plenty of grunt, German built and 3 year warranty.

Cheers,
Mojo

isnt there are old thread on here somewhere about using a ozito router which is variable speed etc but cost $70 or something like that.
Ive seen it but cant find it...

Buy the grinder that has the longest thinnest shaft, and the smallest diameter fastening thingy at the end (sorry, can't think what it is called). Rather spend your money on good bits as they will make life a lot easier!!!!