In Partnership WithDremel®

This Portable Tool Set Is a Game-Changer — It’ll Make You a “Power Tool Person”

Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney Balestier is the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio Senior Writer. She holds a master's degree in magazine journalism from NYU and lives in Pittsburgh, where you'll find her doing DIY projects in her new house with her dog and cat (who are not being very helpful).
published Apr 15, 2025
A woodworking setup featuring a circular saw, rotary tool, and drill on a table with stacked plywood sheets in a bright room.
Credit: DREMEL®

When I bought my first house two years ago, I didn’t realize what a creative practice home ownership would become for me. Having my own space turned every decor choice and DIY into both an art project and a personal statement: I love this, and I can bring it to life.

Over time, from wallpapering an accent wall to faking a “built-in” bookshelf, I grew more ambitious. I bought saws, plural. I didn’t leave an estate sale without checking the basement or garage for tools and DIY supplies. The question “Could I pull that off?” started to become a statement: “I can totally pull that off!” These projects usually involve power tools, which can be intimidating — though the new DREMEL Blueprint line is changing that.

What Is DREMEL Blueprint?

This new line of products is all about approachability, with straightforward instructions and streamlined ease of use. DREMEL Blueprint tools are multi-functional, affordable, and practical for both homeowners and renters. I recently got the chance to try all four tools in the product line, and I was honestly super impressed. If you’re new to power tools, Blueprint makes a friendly introduction without compromising on performance. (For real, these are some of clearest, most conversational instruction manuals you’ve ever read.) And if you’re more experienced? You might find that their convenience and intuitive design make them new favorites. Let’s talk about them.

Credit: DREMEL®

Compact Circular Saw and Portable Saw Station

Every feature of this station is so efficient and thoughtful that I found myself repeating, “Oh, that’s clever,” as I read the manual. Housed in a sturdy suitcase, the DREMEL Blueprint Portable Saw Station unfolds into a compact work surface for cutting trim, molding, and more. Ruler and angle measurements and an adjustable miter guide help you make quick, precise cuts. (The 0° and 45° marks are notched, aligning with a trustworthy click.) And for improved safety and accuracy, both the included clamps and the circular saw fit into built-in tracks. Since I usually have to cut wood in my low-ceilinged, dimly lit basement, I’m thrilled to be able to work above ground with good overhead lighting.

The compact circular saw that comes with the Portable Saw Station is way friendlier than the loud, large, still-kinda-scary one in my basement, too. Battery-operated and easy to use, it’s more than powerful enough for most DIY tasks. There are guide notches and a laser to keep you on the straight and narrow, plus adjustable depth control (for different wood thicknesses) and a bevel scale (for use with the bevel risers in the saw station). The multi-material blade works for wood, laminate, plastic, and non-ferrous metals. When I used it to cut shoe moulding, it gave me precise, straight cuts and sharp 45° mitered cuts for clean corners without splintering.

Credit: DREMEL®

Multi-Drill

You may ask, “How excited can a person get about a drill?” And the answer is: More than you think. The DREMEL Blueprint Multi-Drill contains a digital stud finder and mountable laser level, plus an easy “quick-change hex chuck” that lets you change bits in approximately two seconds: You just push a bit into the hex drive to lock it in place and push back the locking sleeve to release it.

The driver functions are robust, with a good range of torques for almost any project. And a moment for that built-in laser level! With the touch of a button, you can get a reliable, responsive guide exactly where you need it. I especially loved that feature when drilling multiple holes that needed to be on the same line, like hanging larger artwork. While my walls don’t have studs, I like that I could switch to the stud finder function if needed without more equipment.

Credit: DREMEL®

Project Multi-Tool

The wand-shaped DREMEL Blueprint Project Multi-Tool with interchangeable accessories can cut various materials, scrape, sand, and remove grout — tasks so satisfying that using it became a little addictive. First, I used the putty knife-like flexible scraper accessory to banish some gunky old adhesive around my kitchen faucet. I selected “Scrape” on the tool’s digital interface, which automatically set the correct speed: in technical terms, powerful enough to de-gunk but gentle enough to not scratch my faucet.

Then, I targeted a glob of construction adhesive stuck on my counter that had been annoying me for approximately two years. It was gone in seconds! Next up: sanding a secondhand chifforobe that needed a little TLC. I have an orbital sander (not to brag or anything), but this piece of furniture has details, like decorative veneer, that needed a finer tool like the Project Multi-Tool. The sanding pad made quick, light work of the job.

Credit: DREMEL®

8240 Rotary Tool

When you think of DREMEL, you probably think of something like this precision rotary tool. The brand is synonymous with these multi-talented devices, and the DREMEL Blueprint 8240 Rotary Tool offers a few user-friendly updates. It’s cordless (yet just as powerful as its corded counterpart), with an ergonomic design and soft grip surface for comfortable use. I especially appreciate the extra safe motor-brake: It stops the tool’s rotation immediately when you turn it off, rather than slowing it to a stop.

The 8240 Rotary Tool comes with a cutting wheel and sanding drum with three sanding bands, and it’s fully compatible with all DREMEL accessories and attachments. The included cutting and sanding accessories are great for precision jobs. I used the cutting wheel while adding leveling feet to my vintage sewing machine table. (Perhaps you’re seeing a theme of the Blueprint line helping with DIY secondhand furniture projects?) The bottoms of the legs contained ancient screws that I couldn’t remove, so I used the DREMEL 8240 Rotary Tool to shear the tips so they wouldn’t be in the way. (My dog Jasper would like me to mention that while it’s not too loud, it’s still a good idea to use ear protection and dispense treats accordingly.)

Credit: DREMEL®

Final Thoughts

I found so many jobs for the new DREMEL Blueprint tools right away that I’m sure I’ll reach for them often. And even though I’m comfortable with my larger power tools, it’s nice to have alternatives that feel less intimidating. If, like me, you can’t say no to a DIY project, I think you’ll agree.