Dental drill for woodcarving

[Norma]

Hi, my name is Norma. I just stumbled across this site while looking for information on how to adapt an older Emesco lab dental drill to woodcarving. The drill came with a Wells H011 handpiece that seems to accept only larger shank bits. My dremel bits and dental burs are too small. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to modify the handpiece or find a source for a different handpiece that will accept the smaller shanks?

[breezly]

Hi norma the end of the handpiece does it come apart can you remove the collete is so then you will have to buy the size of collettes you need . dont know if im spelling that right or not B ut basically the piece that holds the bit in place

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have an old Dremel flex shaft that was a real pain to change the burr, I bought a mini chuck that is made by Dremel, it looks like a drill chuck. Once you fasten it in place you can open or close it with one hand. I can now use any bit, bur etc. I think Lowes and HD carry it.

Dave

[kasee]

Norma,
Check with Dallas Degee at Old Texas Woodcarvers Shop, he has reducing collets that slip inside the existing collet. Its much easer than changing collets for different size shank bits.
Kasee