Anyone got a Foredom? What do you use it for?

[EmptyWallet]

I was considering getting a flex shaft for my Dremel....but then I saw this thing. Kinda pricey but I'm interested.

One thing, the highest Foredom is 18,000rpms.....dremel spins at 35,000?

Does the dremel spin slower with the flex shaft attachment?

Thought about getting a Proxxon to replace my Dremel as well.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Just bought a Proxxon Precision rotary tool for a jeweler, she's extremely happy with it. It accepts collets but comes with a keyless chuck. You can also buy the flex shaft for it... I wouldn't worry about RPM... Torque is more important IMO. The foredom is top notch or so I'm told. The Proxxon is top end as well. You won't regret buying either.

 

[bullnerd]

Dont own one(foredom) but have spent plenty of time with one at work. WAY more power than a dremel! Very handy tool.We permanetly hung it next to a bench so it was ready to go at all times. just hit the pedal.

 

[Stuey]

I have one and bought it for the greater control, not so much the greater power.

Thing is, Foredom can't be used w/o the flex-shaft, so it's not as portable as a Dremel.

 

[ishiboo]

The doctors removed my foredom shortly after birth.

Thing is, Foredom can't be used w/o the flex-shaft, so it's not as portable as a Dremel.

I still have the flex-shaft...

 

[puttsy]

The doctors removed my foredom shortly after birth.



I still have the flex-shaft...

Thank you! I was thinking it but just couldn't say it. I CAN agree, however...hehe

 

[nanofrog]

What are you doing with it?

I ask, as if you need a slower RPM unit and more power, the Foredom is the right tool, and beats the pants off of a Dremel of any era (used both). Proxxon is closer to Dremel (higher RPM model), though from what I understand, are better built these days than current Dremel products.

One example where a Foredom was the right tool vs. a Dremel, would be removing conformal coatings on electronic PCB's in order to do rework/repairs (higher RPM's of a Dremel causes it to melt, and make a mess; also harder on the tool, as some of it is really tough stuff to remove).

 

[EmptyWallet]

Metal working? Like on the surface of golf clubs?

EDIT - I know a common complaint of the Proxxon is how the flex shaf attaches...it just kinda sits on it.

Where as on the dremel it screws on.

Anyone have any comments on that part? Has anyone used a flex shaft with a proxxon and had great success?

 

[nanofrog]

Can't say for Proxxon (never had access to one), but if you'll be using it a fair bit, the Foredom would do more (better at cutting/grinding/machining away metal to shape them/fit them to a shaft than a Dremel due to the additional power).

For occasional use (i.e. buffer wheel to clean your clubs up), then the Dremel (or Proxxon) would make better sense IMHO.

 

[ishiboo]

BTW... I think of the foredom more of a die grinder than a dremel.

I have a RTX, good RPMs but decently more torque than the Dremel at the time.

 

[skiingman]

I've got three at work.



Use them daily for this:



That grind is normally done without bandsawing the boot in half Takes about 10 seconds with practice.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I've got three at work.



Use them daily for this:



That grind is normally done without bandsawing the boot in half Takes about 10 seconds with practice.

How do you grind it without sawing the boot in half?

 

[Alta_Racer]

My friend Geoff uses die grinders for porting cast cylinder heads, but the Fordom is his grinder of choice on aluminum. Slower speed, more control, and less filling of the cutters. Also way less noise, re hearing protection thread.

 

[skiingman]

How do you grind it without sawing the boot in half?

Depends on where the grind is. The short handpiece when combined with the soft neoprene sheath makes it a lot easier to get into tight spots than the standard sheath and standard handpiece. Depending on the need to visualize it, we also have specialized boot spreaders that let us jack the overlaps apart for more room and vision.

That middle one in the photo with the long handpiece has a conical burr that we use for cutting/vee-ing boots to soften them.

For fitting whenever possible I punch boots using a large lever operated press with a variety of tools and dies, usually after locally heating the shell. These days I mostly grind pinky toes and heels.