Foredom Users - Need Advice Please!

jhiggins

jhiggins

Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
3,258
Hey Pals,

I'm looking for some sage wisdom about the Foredom rotary tools. Which model should I get? What horsepower rating? What handpiece? Any advice would be most appreciated. I'm thinking about getting myself a new toy and figured what the heck. I have a dremel now, and they are okay but I want to take the next step. What do you fellers think?
 
The Foredom is definitely a better unit. I have the "CC" model, with the geared chuck(heavy duty) handpiece, I think it's the #30. It is a sealed handpiece that needs no lubrication, and will take different size shanks without having to change collets. It's like a miniature jacobs chuck, with key.
I have the variable speed foot switch.
Mine is over 20 years old(never had a problem with it yet), and is a 1/10 HP unit.

A few years after I got mine, Foredom came out with the 1/8 HP to replace it, then added a 1/4 HP.

You can't really go wrong replacing a Dremel with one.:eek: ;)
 
Hey Mike and Jeff, I've got a questions for you guys...I've got two of the Dremel Advantages with flex shafts as well as the HF Foredom knockoff... I was reading over on CKD where Dennis Greenbaum uses one of those HF micro die grinders (58,000 RPM) as well as one of those more expensive 375,000 RPM ($300) rotary air tools. Checking out the HF site, they have the 58,000 RPM micro die grinder on sale for something like $15! What do you guys think, ever used one of these? Just wondering if it would be something worth adding to the tools I currently have...albeit with less torque... what do you guys think, tool to get, or a waste of money?

:)

-Darren
 
Hey Mike, thanks for responding to this. Just so's ya know - I respect your advice a lot! Thanks! I think I'll go for the 1/8 hp jobber. That ought to be a decent compromise between heavy duty and economy, huh?

Darren: Never seen that tool, but if Dennis says it's cool, it probably is.
 
Darren, I have no experience with either of those tools. Sorry.

Jeff, the 1/8 HP unit would work great. It will outlast the Dremel by a few decades.:eek: ;)

Edited to add; Here's a site with info. Click on "flexible shaft machines", and it will show you all the kits.
They still list the "CC", but is is now 1/8HP. Much better than the 1/10HP which I got, and which I believe was discontinued.
http://www.foredom.com/
 
j, would highly recommend the Foredom. I have a series MM with the #30 handpiece. Wonderful machine, not knocking the Dremel, as I have one as well, but you'll see instantly there is no comparison. Not sure as to a HP rating, mine is .8 AMPs, but I would definately look at the #30 handpiece. Very convenient. Comfortable, well constructed and durable. You won't regret your purchase. It'll last a lifetime well cared for.

Darren, all I know about the higher speed tools is if you want precision, go real high RPM. 250k RPM+ is spinning so fast the tool goes only where you want it, and doesn't drift or pull the hand at all. They also tend to pulverize the removed stock, keeping the work area cleaner. This is just from reports and reviews I've read, I haven't worked with them myself.

-MJ
 
Jeff, I have both a dremel and a Foredom as well as a 60000 rpm grinder. The Foredom I would have a hard time living without, it is much more stable than the dremal. I have a R model it is the constant torque model. The high speed grinder is good for some things and that is not a lot to pay for one. The ultra high speed grinders are the best for art work and fine detail work, wish I had one. Gib
 
Jeff, I bought a Harbor Freight copy of a Foredom and like it very much. If I remember it has a 1/3 horse and max rpm's are 15,000 with a var. foot control. Think it was around $60. .
 
I like my 1/4 hp foredom. It hogs steel like nothing else except a die grinder. Mine has the 44HT handpiece with collets. Rio Grande sells the whole kit for $279 I go from the foredom to a variable speed dremel. I also have a Paragrave 200,000 rpm air handpiece for the real small grinding/texturing. It uses dentist carbides/diamond bits. Very handy
 
As a full time ivory and bone carver for the last twenty years I have probably warn out eight or ten of them. I now have five of them hanging at my bench. I think I use my heavy duty H model the most. The rest are CC and a R model. For a knife maker a CC would do fine. If you can pick up any extra hand pieces it is nice to have your favorite bits in them for a quick change. I picked up a nice CC that had little use on eBay last month for $100 .This is a tool that will last a life time unless you use it every day. I would not advise a knock off.
Chuck
 
You guys are great! Thanks for all the excellent advice. I think I'll go with the Model S. It seems to have the right balance between power and price, not to mention a wide choice of handpieces. I have a net-30 purchase order account set up with MSC. I'll get a decent discount, so that's where I'll get mine. Thanks again, fellas!
 
Originally posted by Bruce Bump
I like my 1/4 hp foredom. It hogs steel like nothing else except a die grinder. Mine has the 44HT handpiece with collets. Rio Grande sells the whole kit for $279
Click to expand...

I have this foredom also but with the 30H hand piece...The difference between this machine and other foredoms...the motor weighs around 16 pounds where the typical foredoms weigh 8 pounds...I don't know if Bruce will agree with me...but this one just seems like you could grind anything.....:D
 
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