From our table above it is clear that there are some obvious similarities and differences between the two handy rotary tools.

The first difference is in the size of the motor, and the Dremel 4000 is a significantly more powerful tool than the 3000 as it uses a 1.6-Amp motor while the latter runs on a 1.2-amp motor.

And while both are variable speed rotary tools, Dremel 4000 has a relatively higher top speed as it can produce up to 35,000 RPM which is higher than what you get on the Dremel 3000 by 3000 RPM.

Also, the Dremel 4000 has an electronic speed control and a separate speed dial but the model 3000 does not have either of these features.

However, changing accessories is super easy on both these rotary tools as they both use Dremel’s highly efficient and convenient EZ Twist Nose Cap.

Dremel 4000 vs. Dremel 3000 - Key Differences

The Dremel 4000 is the newer model of the two, and so it tries to make up for some of the shortcomings of the model 3000.

And this means that there are some differences between the two rotary tools. Key among them is the electronic feedback control and kit options and here is how the two tools differ.

#1. Electronic Feedback

Dremel 4000 and other Dremel rotary tools that came out after it use an electronic feedback control which is not present on the 3000.

Electronic feedback control is designed to let you know when you are grinding too hard or your speed is off to improve your craftsmanship. This feature gives the Dremel 4000 higher level of control and manipulation than the 3000.

With the 3000 you will need to use your judgment to determine the right speed and pressure. For a newbie, this can lead to mistakes. For example, when buffing heirlooms you can easily end up wearing out the pieces without the electronic feedback function.

#2. Separate Speed Controls

Although both the 4000 and 3000 have variable speed control, the Dremel 4000 takes things a notch higher by having a separate on/off speed dial.

This ability to alter the speed without interfering with the power gives the model 4000 a significant advantage over the 3000.

The separate speed dial means that you can slow or speed up the tool mid cut to improve the outcome of your project. This feature is even more useful when dealing with delicate and complicated crafts and woodworking projects.

#3. Kit Options

Both Dremel 4000 and 3000 will come in different kit options to try and cater for the needs of different rotary tool users.

These kits will differ in the number of attachments and accessories. And this information is indicated in the model number of the kit. For example, for the Dremel 3000-1/24 kit option, it means that it has 1 attachment and 24 accessories.

Dremel 4000 has 4 kit options which are 4000-2/30, 4000-3/34, 4000-4/34 and 4000-6/50 while the 3000 has three which are 3000-1/24, 3000-1/25 and 3000-2/28.

For the accessories, you get the following.

While this is still a versatile rotary tool it might not be as good as the other kit options for engraving and carving applications as it only has one accessory for this. But, it will be great for cutting and sanding applications as it has enough accessories for both.

#2. Dremel 4000-3/34 Rotary Tool Kit

With 1 attachment and 4 accessories more than the 4000-2/30, the Dremel 4000-3/34 is a relatively more versatile rotary tool.

This kit comes with three attachments which are a multipurpose cutting guide, sanding/grinding guide and detailer’s grip and 30 accessories.

The 30 accessories are:

• 1 engraving cutter and 1 high-speed cutter for carving and engraving
• 4 cut-off wheels and 1 multipurpose cutting bit for cutting
• 2 silicon carbide grinding stones and 2 aluminum oxide grinding stones for grinding and sharpening
• 1 nylon bristle brush, 1 carbon steel brush, 5 felt polishing wheels and 1 polishing compound for cleaning and polishing
• 1 sanding drum, 5 sanding bands and 4 sanding discs for sanding
• 3 miscellaneous mandrel accessories, 3/32-inch collet, and 1 wrench

The type and number of accessories on this kit make it a great all-round rotary tool. But, it will be a much better option for cleaning and polishing than the 2/30 as it has more accessories for this.

#3. Dremel 4000-4/34 Rotary Tool Kit

Although it is still not as versatile as the 4000-6/50, the 4 attachments and 34 accessories on the Dremel 4000-4/34 kit mean it can do more than the two above.

The attachments that you get on this kit are a multipurpose cutting guide, sanding/grinding guide, circle cutter/straight edge guide and a detailer's grip.

For the accessories, you get the following.

• 1 engraving cutter and 1 high-speed cutter for carving and engraving
• 4 cut-off wheels and 1 multipurpose cutting bit for cutting
• 2 aluminum oxide grinding stones and 2 silicon carbide grinding stones for grinding and sharpening tasks
• 1 nylon bristle brush, 1 carbon steel brush, 5 felt polishing wheels and 1 polishing compound for cleaning and polishing applications
• 1 sanding drum, 7 sanding bands and 4 sanding discs for sanding projects
• 3 miscellaneous mandrel accessories and 1 wrench

Dremel 4000-4/34 is a great kit option for both craftsmen and professionals and it will be more useful for various sanding applications, cutting and also for polishing.

#4. Dremel 4000-6/50 Rotary Tool Kit

Dremel 4000-6/50 is the most popular kit on the 4000 rotary tool model as it contains more attachments and accessories than all the other three kit options.

With the 6 attachments and 50 accessories on this kit, there is almost no rotary tool application that you cannot do.

The attachments on the kit are a flex shaft attachment, circle cutter/straight edge guide, multipurpose cutting guide, shield attachment, sanding/grinding guide and a lawn mower and garden tool sharpening attachment.

And for the 50 accessories, you get the following.

If you want to get the best from your Dremel 4000, the 6/50 is the best kit as it has everything you need. This kit is also the best option for professionals and those that use rotary tools a lot whether it is for cutting, sanding cleaning, polishing or sharpening other tools.

Dremel 3000 Kit Options

#1. Dremel 3000-1/24 Rotary Tool Kit

Being the cheapest Dremel 3000 kit, the 3000-1/24 will be a great buy for beginners and those that only need a rotary tool for occasional use.

It comes with a 1 attachment just like the Dremel 3000-1/25 but its 24 accessories are fewer than what you get on the other two 3000 kit options.

The single attachment on this kit is a sanding/grinding guide and the following accessories.

• 1 high-speed cutter for carving and engraving applications
• 2 cut-off wheels for cutting
• 1 silicon carbide grinding stones and 2 aluminum oxide grinding stones for grinding and sharpening
• 1 nylon bristle brush, 1 carbon steel brush, 3 felt polishing wheels and 1 polishing compound for cleaning and polishing
• 2 sanding drums and 7 sanding bands for sanding applications
• 2 miscellaneous mandrel accessories, 1 dressing stone, and 1 wrench

Although it is quite a basic kit, Dremel 3000-1/4 can still be very useful for various home improvement projects and crafts.

#2. Dremel 3000-1/25 Rotary Tool Kit

Dremel 3000-1/25 only has just one more accessory than what you get on the 3000-1/24 but this can make a huge difference for many rotary tool users as that once accessory might be what you need most.

The attachment is a shield attachment and its 25 accessories include the following.

• 1 high speed cuter for carving and engraving
• 2 cut-off wheels for cutting
• 1 silicon carbide grinding stone and 2 aluminum oxide grinding stones for grinding and sharpening
• 1 carbon steel brush, 4 felt polishing wheels and 1 polishing compound for cleaning and polishing
• 2 sanding drums and 8 sanding bands for sanding
• 2 miscellaneous mandrel, 1 dressing stone, and 1 wrench

The extra felt polishing wheel and sanding band and the fact that it does not come with the nylon bristle brush is what sets this kit apart from the 3000-1/24 above. And this also makes it more useful for various sanding and polishing applications.

#3. Dremel 3000-2/28 Rotary Tool Kit

The fact that it has more attachments and accessories than the other two kits makes the Dremel 3000-2/28 the best option in the 3000 series as it can not only do everything that the other two kits can do but much more.

It comes with 2 attachments which are the sanding/grinding and cutting guides and 28 accessories which are.

The 3000-2/28 is the most versatile kit on the 3000 model but it still has fewer accessories than the most basic kit on the Dremel 4000 model, the 4000-2/30. But if you prefer the more affordable 3000, this is your best kit choice.

Buying Advice

Choosing between the Dremel 4000 and Dremel 3000 should be easy because the 4000 is an improvement of the 3000 and it is also more powerful.

If you are looking for a powerful rotary tool with higher speed output and lots of accessories the Dremel 4000 is your best choice. And this is more so if you go for the 4000-6/50.

Besides being more powerful, Dremel 4000 also offers other convenient features such as an electronic feedback control and separate speed dial which can be quite handy for various projects.

On the other hand, the Dremel 3000 is a great choice when you are just starting out and will not be using your rotary tool a lot or are shopping for something more affordable. Its power and speed are also less intimidating which also makes it more ideal for a beginner.

The bottom line is that the Dremel 4000 is the better tool among the two thanks to its greater power, speed, and versatility, but the Dremel 3000 can still work for those looking for something cheap.