show me the wood

[kenopak]

Hi All, my first entry on the boards - sounds like I should tapdance. But my question is - with my brand new RAM Power 45 micromotor can I simply use on/off switch with speed setting already dialed in or should I begin at zero speed and wind it up to desired level after switching on then dial down before switching off? Also, one store tells me the machine comes with a reducing collet - and explained that one collet takes both 1/8 & 3/32 while another says I need the second collet (3/32) and it slides in to the 1/8. I would love the former - the 3/32 keeps popping out when I remove the bit.
Thanks so much .
Ken

[Mr. Chips]

Welcome to the group Ken.
I don't do much power carving, so can't help with your question. But I'm sure someone will step up and help. This is a great place to learn.

Randy

[susieq]

Hi Ken,
I can only tell you what I do......don't know if doing otherwise would be harmful to the machine or not. I normally turn on the power and then turn the speed control up to full speed (except for sanding mandrels or carbide/steel bits).

A micro motor is a delicate piece of equipment. If they do have a problem, it's usually a fairly expensive repair, and they're not cheap to buy new, either. So I tend to baby mine. I have 4 in use.... I use them pretty hard by putting in a lot of hours with them. It just seems to me that setting it full speed and then turning it on, might be hard on it. I may be all wet in that belief but better safe than sorry. I also gently blow out the dust on the handpiece after every carving session....

[Riverman]

Hi Ken, welcome to the group!
I don't power carve, sorry.
Bob

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum Ken. I don't power carve so I can't help with your question. Susan (Susieq) has given you some excellent advise, I totally agree!

Dave

[susieq]

Hi Ken, I just re read your first post and I didn't fully answer your question about the collets. Not familiar with the Ram but I do have a couple of Master Carver brand micro motors and they came with a 1/8 collet and an adapter sleeve that slides down inside the 1/8 collet to allow the use of the 3/32 bits. I found this setup to be a royal pain in the @#$. First off, I don't use a 1/8 bit in my micro motor...not ever. The micro motor is a fine detail machine. I do know of some other power carvers who do put a bit that large in their micro motors but I don't recommend it, personally. I have a couple of Dremel shaft tools for use with larger bits and a Foredom for hogging with a 1/4 inch bit.

So, I bit the bullet and purchased a regular 3/32 collet for my Master Carver micro motor....and a 1/16 collet for the other one as I do use dental bits a lot also. If you ask your dentist, he will save old dental bits for you...some only used once. They're great for tiny work.

The adapter sleeve inside the 1/8" collet, will pull out everytime you change a bit unless you remember to hook your fingernail on the collet/adapter to hold it in place as you pull the bit out.

Now, what they charge for micro motor collets, is highway robbery in my opinion....but in the end, I thought it was worth it. I bought my collets through woodcarverssupply.com

Hope this info is useful to you. Best wishes.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Ken. I hope you continue to post and tell us about your experience with the Ram 45. I've been thinking bout getting one but just can't seem to justify the cost. Thanks.

[susieq]

just one more suggestion....there is a "power carving" section on the Forum. It is full of info on the power carving tools, as well as on power carving techniques.

[kenopak]

Thanks one & all - Susieq, already I have that problem - holding a fingernail on the collet to stop it popping out - first time I spent 10 mins looking for the thing thinking I'd dropped it - it was still on the bit I'd removed. Did you mean you bought a second handpiece with 3/32 or is there a way to fix a permanent 3/32 collet to the piece? I also don't want to use 1/8 in the micromotor.
I guess I'll follow your advice and start up at zero each time. Thanks again for your kind advice.
Ken

[kenopak]

Hi Ron T - I worked solidly for two days with the RAM 45, and apart from the collet thing I love it - does a great job.