Lin

I have a Foredom K.2272 professional general purpose flex shaft kit. It has a 1/6 horsepower hang up motor. I took a photo of the stand for the motor while in the store and made a stand myself.

It also has a variable speed foot control, H.30 chuck style hand piece, and AK21 accessory kit with accessories to grind, polish, etc.

I would also recommend purchasing a 3M Bristle Disc 3/4" Assortment kit # 332-597 from Rio Grande. These discs are simply amazing. I learned about them while taking a silver metal clay class at Rio Grande.

Thank you Dan. I'll be getting the 1/6 motor which is probably standard for all of the kits but the information about the accessory kits is just what I need. I'll look into that one.

Hi Lin,

I've used a number of Foredoms and "clones" over the years as a jeweler and goldsmith. What do you want to do with it primarily? If you will be doing lots of heavy handle and steel carving you might want to consider one of their beefier models, otherwise their main line should do.

Have you read through their information page on their website, http://www.foredom.n...s-Controls.aspx ?

Having had a number of them in classroom situations where a lot of teenagers share their use I've seen a fair amount of taxed machines. The main wear issues I've seen are foot peddles, shafts and hand pieces (roughly in that order).

The #30 hand piece is probably the most common and works with an adjustable chuck approach. Get the chuck key with a handle or put a handle on the key to speed up making bit changes. Jeweler's typically make lots of tool bit changes or standardize on bit shaft size so they sometimes go with a collet style handle or one of the quick release ones.

In addition to the abrasives Dan mentions you might want to look into snap-on sanding disks. They're convenient and effective. We use the course and medium ones the most.

Have fun!

Aloha, Phil

Thanks Phil. That is really good information.

I figure Lin probably already has one with a lot of miles on it by now, but I wanted to throw a thought out there for other folks that might be looking at a Foredom.

Being left handed, I thought it would be really helpful for me to get a reversible model. Well, it does help with non-directional bits (pretty much just diamond coated burrs). But most of the bits I use are mandrel types, that are threaded.... so running them in reverse just makes them come apart. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />

Kind'a sad/funny how easily I can overlook something so simple until it slaps me in the face! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//huh.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':huh:' />

-Nick-

Flex-shaft machine is a link to a flex-shaft machine that I would recommend. It is 1/4 hp and has reinforcement at the shaft connection points. I have been using f;ex-shaft machines for 40 years and this machine is the best 'value' for the money. It's only $94.00 for the kit from the Cas-ker company in Cincinnati, ohio (My link. I have been using one for about 2 years and it is equal to any Foredom I have used, and I have used all the Foredom models over the years.