Dan,I want to thank you in particular for your kind and complementary words. And thanks to all who have given good counsel. Since not all was possible to follow, I picked and chose. I did decide that the flexible shaft was a very good idea and also concluded that the variable speed is problematic. So, last evening I won an ebay bid on an older model 232 flexible shaft single speed for $21.00 with the idea of having a backup in case the other one dies again and to have the advantage of the flexible shaft when it will be especially handy. One of the uses I have for the dremel is "punching" stitch holes in the harness leather I'm using on gas tanks... with a drill bit. The smaller business end of the flexible shaft will be really nice for that. Today I went to an Ace and two other hardware stores in hope of getting that part for the one that died. No deal. I went on line to see if I could order it and it isn't even shown on the parts list. So, after staring at it for awhile I removed the broken part which was no more than a kind of vinyl tubing with ribbing molded in. I removed it and found that a section of clear vinyl hose I use for gas lines fit with some friendly persuasion. It took a couple tries getting it all back together, but it now works again. I didn't do anything about the variable speed switch and won't until the time comes that it doesn't work again. So, I'm back in business and thanks to the good folks here I now have a better idea of what is good and what is bad in the world of Dremel. I hope this has also been of value to someone else contemplating the purchase of one. Whatever you choose, Dremel or another brand, a small rotary tool of like kind is very handy for motorbicycle work. I consider it indispensable and will be glad to have a second one in the toolbox. Stayed within budget, too.
SB
