power carving

[JesusFreak]

Hi all,
I am interested in buying a flex shaft carver, and I'd like some feedback about different models, like; Foredom, Mastercarver, Wecheer, and any others that might be out there. I.E. is 1/2 HP better than 1/6 HP? Why or why not? Is 18,000 RPM's good enough, or is faster better? Is one brand better than another, or is it just personal preference? I can only afford one machine, so I want to get the best for all around work.

[Donsexton]

Hello, I only have one and can speak to it Foredom is a fine grinder. I dont use it much as I like to keep both hands on a tool. That is more to do with way I carve, I make power tools work and it worked for me.

[Doug Ridley]

I HAVE BEEN POWER CARVING FOR OVER 25 YEARS AND AM STILL USING THE SAME fOREDOM i STARTED WITH. hAVE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE A SHAFT TWICE AND THAT WAS MY FAULT. NOT THE MACHINE'S. sORRY FOR THE CAPS, HIT THE CAPS LOCK ACCIDENTLY.
Doug

[Sharon of the Dell]

I just a bought a Mastercarver 1/2 HP unit a few days ago and have only used it for about 3 or 4 hours. So far so good, but I need to use it a lot more to really find out. I had to lube the shaft more than what came on it. I let it run for 5 minutes to seat the brushes, which should be done with any model.
I really like the detail hand piece that came with it and the stealth hand piece.
I have an old Dremel 732 which has a 1/5 hp motor and the mastercarver has way more oomph to it!

[Doug Ridley]

Mastercarver is a good machine as well as the Foredom. I don't know a thing about Wecheer. I know Foredom is a little more expensive but usually you get what you pay for. An old man once told me-- "If you want first quality oats you have to pay the price. If you want oats that have already been run through the horse, they come a little cheaper."
Doug

[JesusFreak]

Hi All,
Thank you for your replies.
It seems that Foredom is pretty popular among power carvers.
Doug, You don't have to apologize for the caps, I appreciate your response no matter how it comes

Can anyone tell me about speed and HP?
Is faster and/or more horse power better, or does it make a difference?

Thanks guys!

[sashadoc]

JesusFreak; You came to the right place for info. If you scroll down the main page on the message board there is a whole category entitled "Power Carving". There is a lot of information there to keep you reading for hours/days. A little bit of something for everybody, here at WCI.
Tim

[Doug Ridley]

JesusFreak--More speed and more HP are both good up to a point. However, in my opinion for a flexshaft machine, 18,000 RPMS and 1/2 HP are all you really will ever need. A micromotor to go along with the Foredom for fine detail work will complete your arsenal and will be very helpful. But the Foredom alone will do you for starters and should last a lifetime.I have had mine for over 30 years and it is still as good as new.
Doug