Foredom Rotary

[56Chevy]

Looking at buying a Foredom Rotary Flex shaft. Looking to grind off tack weld on exhaust muffler where a die grinder is to large to access. Will this tool work? I could later use it for polishing, deburring etc.

 

[bczygan]

Get the HF version.

Bill

 

[56Chevy]

didn't see an FH model. This is the one I was considering


M.TXBH Bench Motor with Square Drive

 

[TwoInch]

Get the HF version.

Bill

Does harbor freight still sell the foredom knock off?

Haven't seen one in years.

Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk

 

[bczygan]

Does harbor freight still sell the foredom knock off?

Haven't seen one in years.

Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk

Yes. Bought one for the wife's jewelry making.

$50 less coupon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/flexible-shaft-grinder-and-carver-40432.html

Bill

 

[txvwnut]

I’ve been using one for porting and polishing heads for over 25 years so I figure you could grind a tack weld with it.

 

[engineer2]

I recently got a Foredom TX with the 44T hand piece and foot control for Xmas. Nice unit. Used it Xmas day to convert an iPhone 7 case to fit an iPhone 6, lol. I like it a lot. I considered the Chinese imitations, but chose Foredom based on the better reviews, range of accessories, and parts availability.

 

[CR888]

There is knockoff Foredoms on EBay that are replicas ie true copies with the Foredom logo etc. I have a more powerful 1/2 hp Mastercarver but they cost more than a genuine Foredom. I've heard from guys directly that the fakes or even HF cheaper ones are not bad at all.

 

[Git]

I have the Foredom SR Wood Carving Kit - it really is a high-quality tool. (I believe the TX is the 'beefier/more hp' version) Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Let your wallet decide. (I don't use mine that much, but I have no regrets paying the $$$ for it)

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,130,43409,43410&p=65681

 

[seber]

I make jewelry and cut stone with a Foredom. I started with a cheap knockoff and it went to **** pretty quick. I've also tried Dremel types and have been totally disappointed both with power and toughness.

 

[Thedave1164]

I recently got a Foredom TX with the 44T hand piece and foot control for Xmas. Nice unit. Used it Xmas day to convert an iPhone 7 case to fit an iPhone 6, lol. I like it a lot. I considered the Chinese imitations, but chose Foredom based on the better reviews, range of accessories, and parts availability.

This is the model and hand piece I have

Well made and likely to be something my wife will sell off cheap in the garage sale when I croak.

 

[pcmeiners]

"I have a more powerful 1/2 hp Mastercarver but they cost more than a genuine Foredom."

Both the Foredom TX 1/3hp model and the 1/2 hp Mastercarver use the same wattage (same horsepower ), Foredom uses a more realistic horsepower designation. Foredom runs at 15k rpm, Mastercarver run higher at 30k rpm. The Mastercarver has a reverse switch setting, the TX does not (but the TX could be modified). Foredom is a standard flex shaft, Mastercarver is not. Priced basically the same.
From what I gathered, few ever use a reverse motor direction feature, anything over 18k rpm causes premature excess wear, though it would be nice to have for occasional use. Foredom has large number of accessories/hand pieces, not including all the sanding , grinding, cutting accessories common to both. Foredom's TXH square shaft (older model) is more suited for mechanical shop use, as the square shaft is rated twice as strong as the keyed shaft on the newer TX model; trade off is the older model has far less hand pieces to chose from.
Basically a draw a to quality, power, price. Foredom ahead as to accessories.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have a 1/3 hp Foredom and an M12 Milwaukee rotary tool. Since I got the Milwaukee the Foredom does not get a lot of use. With good quality carbide grinders from McMaster, either works very well.

Also, if I were to buy another Foredom, I would go with the 1/4 hp to get the forward / reverse feature. Maybe they have changed but I bought mine, the 1/3 hp did not offer this feature.

 

[pcmeiners]

Just purchased a second Foredom….

Just purchased a SR version off Ebay, supposedly a clone for under $100. I highly doubt it is a clone, I think it is the real thing, past its patent period, and the Chinese manufacturer supplies Foredom , but does not care if they cut into Foredom's >$225 profit margin by selling on Ebay .

"Maybe they have changed but I bought mine, the 1/3 hp did not offer this feature. "
Foredom still does not, but the 1/3hp could be modified in a couple hours, I will eventually modify it.

 

[senlow]

I have a 1/3 hp Foredom and an M12 Milwaukee rotary tool. Since I got the Milwaukee the Foredom does not get a lot of use. With good quality carbide grinders from McMaster, either works very well.

Also, if I were to buy another Foredom, I would go with the 1/4 hp to get the forward / reverse feature. Maybe they have changed but I bought mine, the 1/3 hp did not offer this feature.

What sort of work do you do with your die grinders? It seems to me that the Milwaukee is kind of big, heavy and clunky. Of course, it's more portable than a Foredom. I would expect to use the Milwaukee for heavier duty work that can't be brought to the bench.

I prefer the smallest and lightest tool that will do the job well. I still use pneumatic die grinders. My pencil grinder is about the size of a Foredom handpiece and the hose I use is more flexible than the Foredom cable. My full size die grinders are more compact than the Milwaukee. Of course, I still have to deal with an air hose.

OP - I apologize for a bit off topic. I'm sure a Foredom will work for your application.

 

[pcmeiners]

Not off topic, Foredom make pneumatic die grinders also. Saw a few on Ebay in the last month

 

[senlow]

Not off topic, Foredom make pneumatic die grinders also

Wow, I didn't know that!

 

[PittsburghTim]

Being able to reverse the motor is a very nice feature to have if sanding or woodcarving as it allows you to somewhat direct the stream of material being removed. This is especially useful if being used with a dust collector.