How does Dremel's newest Rotary Tool stack up to one from 30 years ago?

When evaluating a new tool, there are two paths often taken—how does the tool function for its intended purpose, and how does it improve upon what came before it? When looking at the former, the new 8260 Cordless Smart Rotary Tool score a perfect 10! It’s powerful, the battery life exceeds expectations, and the app is well designed and thoughtful. Looking at the latter—specifically comparing it to a circa-1992 Dremel 395 I “borrowed” from my Dad in college (sorry, Dad!)—we start to find a more interesting narrative of progress.

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Interestingly, the tools are just as similar as they are different. Both are made of black plastic (though the 8260 has a more rubberized texture), with a loop on the end to hang if desired. Both feature variable speed control between 5,000 and 30,000 RPM. Both tools share the same extensive library of attachments and bits. And the 8260 weighs only 3 ounces more than the 395 with the battery attached.