Understanding the Dremel MultiPro Deluxe Drill Press Stand Model 212 Type II
You found a Dremel 212 Type II at a garage sale, or maybe one came with a MultiPro rotary tool kit you bought secondhand. Before you set it up or buy one, there is one thing to understand clearly: the Dremel 212 is not a drill press. It is a drill press stand, an accessory that holds your Dremel rotary tool in a fixed vertical position so it behaves like a small drill press. The motor, the speed control, and the cutting capability all come from the Dremel tool itself. The 212 just holds it straight.
A drill press stand (also called a drill press attachment or rotary tool stand) is an accessory designed to mount a specific rotary tool in a vertical, guided sliding column arrangement. When your tool is locked into the stand, you use a spring-loaded rack-and-pinion handle to plunge the spinning bit downward in a controlled vertical path, the same basic motion as a dedicated drill press. The stand adds precision and repeatability that you simply cannot get holding a rotary tool freehand.
The short answer: if you already own a compatible Dremel tool and need to drill precise, small-diameter holes in thin or delicate materials, the Dremel 212 stand is a practical and compact solution. If you need to drill holes larger than what a Dremel bit can make, or if you are working with thick wood or metal, you need an actual bench drill press, not this accessory.
What Exactly Is the Dremel 212 Type II?
The Model 212, designated Type II (indicating its production revision), is a Dremel-branded drill press stand manufactured for use with Dremel’s Moto-Tool and MultiPro rotary tool line. The original Model 212 owner’s manual specifies compatibility with Dremel models 275, 285, and 395. The Type II variant added refinements to the mounting system and gear rack, though its core function and footprint remained the same.
Confirmed physical dimensions from resale and parts listings: approximately 10 inches long, 7 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and roughly 3 pounds. The base includes mounting holes with rubber grommets for bolting or stabilizing the stand to a workbench.
The stand uses a gear rack and pinion system for the plunge action. The cord holder at the top of the column routes and organizes the rotary tool’s power cord during use.
Compatible Dremel Tools
The original 212 manual lists the 395, 285, and 275 Moto-Tool models explicitly. In practice, many other Dremel rotary tools from the MultiPro and later generations fit the 212’s tool holder, though fit depends on the tool’s body diameter and profile. If you own a Dremel model not on the original list, test the fit of your tool body in the clamp before assuming compatibility.
Dremel’s current drill press stand, the 220-01 Workstation, is a more broadly compatible successor. Its Amazon listing confirms compatibility with corded Dremel tools including the 4000, 3000, 8200, 8100, 8000, 200, and 100 series among others, and it provides a drill depth of up to 2 inches. You can find the 220-01 at Dremel 220-01 Workstation.
What the 212 Stand Can and Cannot Do
What it can do:
- Guide a compatible Dremel tool for accurate perpendicular drilling in thin materials
- Hold the tool at a fixed angle for consistent depth stops on repetitive operations
- Provide an improvement in hole accuracy compared to freehand rotary tool use
- Accept drum sanding, grinding, and similar attachments for vertical work
What it cannot do:
- Drill holes larger than what a Dremel collet and bit can accept (practical upper limit for most Dremel tools is roughly 1/8-inch shank bits; the rotary tool’s collet, not the stand, is the limiting factor)
- Replace a dedicated bench drill press for structural or load-bearing holes
- Handle the lateral forces generated by larger twist bits or Forstner bits
- Provide the quill depth travel, table area, or clamping capacity of a bench drill press
For small, precise work in thin materials, electronics, jewelry, and model building, the stand excels. For general shop drilling, it is the wrong tool.
Setup
Assembly is straightforward. The stand arrives mostly pre-assembled. Install the cord holder into the top of the column and press the three rubber grommets into the mounting holes in the base. If you want to bolt the stand down (recommended for precision work), the base holes accept machine screws that compress the grommets for a secure, vibration-dampening mount.
To mount the Dremel tool: slide the tool body into the tool holder bracket, align it, and tighten the clamp. The tool should be removable and remountable in seconds. Set your depth stop before powering the tool on: most 212 units have an adjustable stop rod that limits plunge depth, letting you drill consistently to the same depth across multiple holes.
CCOHS and OSHA guidance on drill press safety applies here in adapted form: secure your workpiece, do not freehand it under the plunging bit, and let the tool reach full speed before contact.
The Honest Flaw
The 212’s table is small, roughly 4 by 4 inches, and it is not the heavy flat cast iron surface you get on a real drill press. It is adequate for hobby work in thin materials, but workpiece clamping options are limited. You are mostly relying on hand pressure or small clamps. For anything wider or thicker than a small block of wood or a PCB, you will be improvising your support.
Who should skip this: Anyone who needs to drill holes larger than a Dremel bit can make, anyone working with lumber of any real thickness, and anyone who expected a standalone drill press. This stand is only useful if you already own a compatible Dremel tool and your drilling needs are small-scale and precision-focused.
The 212 vs. the Current Dremel 220-01
| Feature | Dremel 212 Type II | Dremel 220-01 Workstation |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Drill press stand only | Drill press stand, tool holder, flex shaft holder |
| Original compatible tools | 275, 285, 395 | 4000, 3000, 8200, 8100, and more |
| Depth capacity | Not confirmed in documentation | Up to 2 inches |
| Status | Discontinued | Available new |
If you need this function today, the 220-01 is the practical choice: Dremel 220-01 Workstation. It is broadly compatible with current Dremel tools and provides additional configuration options beyond press mode.
Verdict and Takeaways
The Dremel MultiPro Deluxe Drill Press Stand Model 212 Type II is a well-made accessory for a specific job: guiding a compatible Dremel rotary tool for small-scale, precision drilling. It is not a drill press in the standalone sense, and treating it as one is the most common mistake buyers make.
- The 212 is a stand for your Dremel tool. All speed, power, and cutting capability comes from the rotary tool itself.
- Compatible tools include original models 275, 285, and 395 explicitly; other MultiPro-era tools may fit but require verification.
- The small table and limited plunge depth make this an accessory for jewelry, electronics, and model work, not general shop drilling.
- For current purchases, the Dremel 220-01 Workstation is the modern equivalent and is broadly compatible with current Dremel tools.
FAQ
Is the Dremel 212 a standalone drill press? No. It is a stand that holds a compatible Dremel rotary tool in a vertical, guided position. The rotary tool provides the motor and speed.
What Dremel tools fit the Model 212? The original manual specifies models 275, 285, and 395. Other MultiPro and Moto-Tool bodies may fit depending on the body diameter. Test fit before assuming compatibility.
What is the maximum bit size the 212 can handle? The practical limit is set by the Dremel tool’s collet, not the stand. Dremel rotary tools typically accept 1/8-inch and 1/32-inch shank accessories.
Can I drill metal with the Dremel 212 stand? Thin metal, in small holes, yes. The Dremel tool provides the cutting action. The stand adds accuracy but does not add power.
Is the Dremel 212 Type II still sold new? No. It is discontinued. Used units appear on eBay.
What is the current replacement for the 212? The Dremel 220-01 Workstation: Dremel 220-01.
Can I use it for sanding or grinding, not just drilling? Yes. The stand holds the Dremel tool steady, so drum sanders, grinding stones, and similar attachments can be used in a stationary vertical configuration.
Does the 212 need to be bolted to the bench? No, but it is recommended for precision work. The base has mounting holes with grommets to allow secure bench attachment.
What is the Type II designation? Type II indicates a production revision of the original Model 212, with refinements to components including the drive gear. Function and compatibility are substantially the same as the original.
References
- Dremel Model 212 Drill Press Stand Owner’s Manual: http://louiscandell.com/pdf/firearms/dremel_drill_press_stand.pdf
- Dremel 220-01 Workstation product page: https://www.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/tools/220-01-workstation
- WEN Drill Press FAQs: https://wenproducts.com/pages/drill-press-faqs
- OSHA Woodworking Drill Press eTool: https://www.osha.gov/etools/woodworking/production/machines-tools/drill-press
- CCOHS, Drill Presses: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/metalworking/drillpresses.html
