Official Luthiers Forum!

I have just about had it with my Dremel. It is a great little tool but the cheap bearings they use always seem to wear out and get really noisy. I am considering upgrading to a Foredom but am curious what models people are using and if the extra expense is worth it?

Thanks!

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Brad
Avon, OH

I went to it about 6 months ago. I bought the motor rig on ebay a lot cheaper than can get them at Stew Mac or other places. It is their newest and most powerful unit. The hand piece is from Stew Mac, but that is because I have their router base and new circle jig. Well worth it to me. Just do a lot better on the channels and inlay. If had a compressor though, would go with the air grinder like John Hall has. Boss went with it and loves it.

Hi Brad,

I too bought a kit from someone on Ebay, a couple of years ago, for about $160, IIRC.

I got the #30 (or #30H) Foredom handpiece, and a 1/6HP SR motor, and foot controller. Great with some small Caswell buffs for buffing cutaway, guitar sides, neck, headstock. I just recently made a simple depth adjustable holder for the handpiece, and used it to cut out an access panel. Should work great for inlay (haven't tried that yet), and I will use it for my next bridge.

Only thing I don't like is the plastic foot speed controller that I got. I need to find out what I used in the jewelrymaking class, 'cause mine is touchy and too lightweight.

In my opinion, a Foredom is a big step up from a Dremel. I think you'll really appreciate it.

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

John If you are listening how about a little info and if you have used a foredom and dremel a comparison? Inquiring minds want to know! If anyone else is using this setup how about a little data!

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Zac

Anchorage Alaska

Finshed my 1st! See #1 here

I'm using the air die grinder (an enco) from John Hall, and it's far more pleasant to use than the Dremel was. The thing I don't like about Foredoms, and what has kept me from buying one, is that they're not high speed tools like a router, dremel or the mini die grinder. The higher RPM give me a much smoother cut, and it's more controllable. Lower RPM is great for drilling, buffing, grinding, but for routing I'd rather have my 25,000+

Foredom makes great machines. I personally would not be with out mine. Much better hp and bearings run out is not an issue. Flex shaft that really works at low speed, full speed and anything in between

SR series is the common unit to buy 0-18000 Rpm 1/6 hp with forward and reverse.
TX series 0-15000 Rpm 1/3 hp high torque at all speeds, longer flex shaft smother acceleration
LX series 0-5000 Rpm 1/12 hp high torque low speed.

These are the three large flex shaft motors that Foredom currently markets. There are a variety of kit that use these motors in different hand piece and speed control arrangements. For what we use them for that SR is the most versatile to a luthier. These three motors have been available and pretty much unchanged for the past several years. They are the top of the class machines.