This seems like a good deal:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41695

This is basically a dremel, right? I don't own one but they seem quite useful for a wide variety of tasks.

I'm looking for something to sand in the tight corners on my valve cover (which I'm polishing). Any tips for that specifc job are welcomed as well.

 

Looks like a Dremel to me. I've found rotary tools to be useful for small jobs where a full sized drill would be overkill. When my buddy was polishing the frame on his bike, he used a rotary tool to get in some tight spaces. Unfortunately, I wasn't really in on the process so I cannot offer much advice but to be patient and take your time. The end results will pay off. He basically started of with some Aircraft paint stripper then started with the medium sandpaper and worked his way up in grit. He finished up with some Mother's polish. At any rate, for that price I can't see how you can go wrong.

 

Well, the price is right, but you get what you pay for. The thing is that it's not variable speed. For me, that's important when I do my polishing.

Check Home Depot or Mennards. I think you can get a variable speed unit for $30-$40.

 

I bought that thing. Pure garbage. The motor, though it spins fast, has no torque at all and so as soon as you start sanding/grinding/cutting something, it slows down and becomes useless. Buy the real thing. I did.

 

I got a multi speed craftsman model for less than $30.

 

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll check Sears and Home Depot or Menards for a higher-quality unit.

 

I agree. The real thing is about $30 at the Depot. Man, I cannot tell you how investment!

 

I would go somewhat name brand. Craftman Dremel