Anyone use Foredom?

K

KUNTZI66

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Jan 31, 2014
Messages
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Im trying to justify a Foredom I can get a good deal. I do use my dremel some maybe more if the foredom was all that.Any input appreciated.
 
A BF search on "Foredom" will get many threads testifying how the professionals use nothing else. I use up to four in any one day. They run hours a day, ...... for years and years.
 
Stacy - do you have collets in your Foredom or the 0-5/32" chuck? There is a Foredom 2230, jewelers setup on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015GBNL8) that has the chuck, OR there is the Foredom K.5240 Woodcarving Kit (http://www.amazon.com//dp/B001C4755Q/) that uses collets.

With your vast experience with Foredom tools, which will be most useful for a knifemaker, gunsmithing, etc? There is about $50 difference in price, but something the least expensive can wind up being most costly.

Thanks for any guidance 'n info - and of course, any other suggestions would be appreciated

Ken H>
 
Rio Grande sells a starter kit that includes two handpieces, one with 3/32" collet and the other with the chuck. I will never buy another Dremel! I also picked up the Foredom mini drill press and it is awesome for jeweling liners and other fine tasks.

Bob
 
I have over a dozen handpieces that I use. Most have collets, because they are dedicated use tools. The general use handpiece I use all day long is the standard H.30. You can use it for any bit or burr up to 1/4" shank.For metal work, get the heaviest duty motor unit you can afford. The bigger the motor, the better it will cut/grind/etc. The 1/3HP TX series is really worth the extra money - about $50 more and twice the power.

I would suggest a TX package that has the motor, foot control, and the H.30 handpiece. They run about $225-$250. Don't waste your money on the packages with a kit of burrs and stuff. Most will not be used. Buy the burrs you want individually. Carbide burrs are by far the best when available....spend one cry once.
 
I noticed they have a heavy duty square drive shaft that takes the h44 hand piece. Do you think that would be necessary for knife making or would that be overkill?
 
OK, I sure hope that Foredom is what I'm looking for. I just placed an order for it and several little items. I found a 5% discount code that worked and saved me almost $15!

Thanks to all for suggestions and help,

Ken H>
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Buy the burrs you want individually. Carbide burrs are by far the best when available....spend one cry once.
Click to expand...

Stacy, I am curious if there are any suppliers you would suggest when buying burrs. I have never had any luck with any of the combo packs and would actually prefer just to select the individual ones I need. Most that I have used are not very good carving hard or stabilized wood. I am guessing if a burr is good for soft metals it should be good for fine detail carving with hard woods. Correct me if I am wrong and I welcome any advice, guidance or direction you are willing to share. (Thank You in advance) Mark
 
Although I'm sure that the TX motor is more desirable, I have found the Foredom SR motor to be more than adequate for me since I don't spend hours at a time with it and it still easily cuts hardened blade steels with the proper burrs. I have been entirely pleased with it. I guess, my point is that if the extra cost of getting the 1/3 HP TX motor is prohibitive, then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the 1/6 HP SR motor to someone who doesn't use it for their profession.

I think Stacy has recommended purchasing burrs from Rio Grande jewelry supply in the past, but I think that recommendation was in response to a metal cutting question. I purchased some Dentsply carbide burrs from there and have been pleased with their performance on hardened steel. For wood, there are much better burr choices and shapes than an typical carbide . . . I'm still working on figuring what they are though since I don't use my rotary tools for wood very often.
 
I use Stuller but hobbyists can use Rio Grande, Lowes, or a good RC hobby shop.

Get carbide burrs in both coarse and fine cut. Taken care of they can last years...used wrong they can last two minutes.
 
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