I'm sure this has been down the road before but just wanted to see what you have to say now that the Wecheer has been around for a while. I am not a hardcore everyday charver, mainly like to do a few sticks and spoons and so I was wondering if the price difference would be worth it to me. Also the pros and cons of the different models. I found a WE 330 kit with 2 handpieces, footcontrol and 5 chisels for under $200 which seems pretty good to me for the casual carver. I think I read somewhere something bad about the flex shaft of the Wecheer. Some thoughts please. Just thought of the Harber Freight one for about $90 too.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have ...many times in my life.....purchased something of lessor quality because of the price, and have regretted it...if possible, buy the best! My long gone old uncle used to say 'Quality remains long after the price is forgotten!' I used to laugh at him, but it is true!

Not having any experience with either machine, can't help with which is better, As Hi-Ho says, buy quality. One caveat though; highest price does not always, and frequently doesn't, equal the best quality. Then there's always the question of how much qualiy does one require? If it does the job for the rest of you life???? Don't jump into it, do your research.

Jordan, I have the Harbor Freight rotary tool and have no complaints. Online and in the catalog it runs for $69 in the outlet stores it goes for $49 You can also buy the reciporcating carver head with 5 or 6 chisels for another $19.95.

If you're set on buying the Foredom, Dick has it for $215. I've made several purchases from him and have been very pleased with his personal service! An online order usually gets to me in Missouri within 3 days. He's also a first class carver and has no problems answering any questions you may have!

I agree with all the comments here and my advice is go to a woodshow and try them out. I have one of each I like the Foredom because it has a higher RPM but my Dremel I have had for years and it does a great job. Proxxon also make a great product I personally find the Wecheer a little too underpowered for me but I have friends that just love it. Again I think you should try it for yourself, it is no different than chisels for every carver you find they all have their favorites.
Colin

I have used both the Foredom and Wecheer flex-shaft units. Even though the Wecheer is rated at 1/4 horsepower, when I hold the two handpieces side-by-side with similar bits in them the Foredom (1/8 horsepower) seems to put out a little more power. I have, however, used a large 1/4' shaft bit in the Wecheer for a number of hours straight and the handpiece did not heat up on me, nor did I feel a lack of power as I carved a medium scale project. I have used this Wecheer unit for about 3 months and so far no problems.

I know people that have used a Foredom for over 20 years and their unit is still running great. The Wecheer is definetly a newer unit and the time just hasn't elapsed long enough to see how it will hold in the long run.

I think that if someone is doing occasional carving (10 hrs a week or so) the Wecheer should work great. If a person is going to be doing some serious carving, go with the Foredom; it has proven its test many times over.

I hope this helps.

[Greyhair]

I have a Wecheer and have been satisfied with its performance. One of the aspects I like is that the flexible shaft does not need to be greased. I have used both the pencil size handle and the larger handle that takes up to 1/4 inch shafts. I have used it for a year and have no complaints. Grizzly has a flexible shaft unit that sells for $50 and my brother-in-law has used it for doing restoration work on military vehicles and it has performed well to do sanding, grinding, cutting, etc. Bottom line is that I think they all work and unless you are going to be using it for your daily income get something that works and use it.

[oldbearx2]

One of the first things I always look at if possible is how well the company stands behind their product, if there ia a problem. I can't speak for the Wecheer, but in my opinion Foredom is excellent when it comes to customer service. I too agree you get what you pay for. I have a Foredom, Dremel and a Ram that have all given me years of service with some hard use. I agree with Colin go to a woodcarving show talk to other carvers, check em all out. have fun, carve oldbearx2

Wow
i have not logged in here for a long time now
I have a Dremel and the Weecher
I like both
For no more than I use a power carver the Weecher works just fine for me
Have not had any problems with it I like the reciporcating handle and the rotary handle as well
I also use my Dremel a lot mostly for sanding and clean up
Have a flex shaft on it as well
Both of these tools work great for me. Like I said I do not use either a lot so for me the the price difference was a major concern. I had the Dremel rotary with flex shaft when I got my Weecher and was pleased with it. I have used and am pleased with the reciporcating action on the weecher and I have used the rotary on several ocassions.
There are probably better quality tools than the Weecher but look at how often you are going to use it verses the price difference.

[Donna_T]

Hey Jordan,
My experiences are pretty much the same as have already been told. I have a Dremel (2) a Foredom, and a Ram micro carver. I use all with their flex shafts--course that's the only way the Ram comes.

I use the Foredom when I need lots of power. I don't have one of the smaller handpieces or I might use it more for detailing. I use it mostly for 'Hoggin'' wood and roughing out pieces cause it has the most power. I don't think I've used my Dremel since I got my Ram--I use it almost exclusively for detailing and fine tuning a carving.

I have used a Weecher and found it comfortable and up to any task--although I was using it for some detailing. Wanda Marsh, the power carving instructor who has specialized in flowers, really endorses the Weecher and she usually has some on hand to sell to carvers who enroll in her classes. That's where I got the opportunity to try one.

Actually, when I'm sitting at a power carving project, I usually have all my power tools hooked up--with different bits in each so I can move through 3-4 bits without having to switch them in and out of the same machine.

All that said, I started with a Dremel and it served the purpose for years. Put new brushes in it and it just keeps on going. Had to replace the flex shaft on it once or twice in 10 years.

I even have one of the little battery operated MiniMite Dremels that I keep in my carving box for some fine cleanup with a Scotchbrite pad or a white stone to clean out knooks and crannies. But, it's taken me almost 15 years to accumulate these tools--lots of birthday and Christmas presents (mostly to me, from me!) accounted for with tools.

Donna T