Micro Motors

[Jon Harl]

What micro motor do you recommend and where can I buy it? I've heard the NSK Electer Emax is the best one-Opinions?

[DiamondWillow]

Hi Jon


There is also another thread under Tools and Sharpening on Micro Motors that you might want to take a look at. I just ran this same question past the fishcarving2 list and they basically said the Ram was a very good unit. They also did say the NSK was probably better but about twice the money. Foredom has a micromotor but is probably a spendy for the unit. Wecheer also has a cheaper unit but it appears to be a little under powered. I purchases the RAM and very, very happy with it. It does a marvelous job.

Gene

[Hugh]

Hi, I agree with Gene, if your not going into full time production, where your using your Micro Motor every day, the Ram is a good all around tool. Friends that carve with me from time to time, have the Ram, have used them for years, and say they are top notch.

[Donna_T]

Ditto on Gene and Hugh's comments,
I've had or used all of them and depending on your usage and budget, the Ram is a great mid-priced tool. The Dremel and Weecher are good starters at a lower price tag--FOredom is a step up, then RAM, and then the NSK is top of the line. About the only difference I've found inthe NSK and RAM is slightly less vibration in the handpiece and a snap-in bit ability.

Get the best that you can afford but don't think you can only get good results with the most expensive--unless you're going to be carving professionally and LOTS.

Donna T

[Callynne]

Hi Jon, I cast my vote for the RAM also, I got one a year ago and absolutely love it!! I got mine through MDI Woodcarvers Supply. They have a website www.mdiwoodcarvers.com Wayne is a great guy to work with, he has always given me the best advice...and I can be such a pain to work! Sarcastic Callynne

[icarve2003]

I'm still using the old faithful Dremel tool with flexible shaft. I've got a couple so that I'm not changing bits as often.

When I can afford it, I'd like to get a better Micro Motor, so what do you recommend for someone who's on a budget? Having said that, I don't want to buy a piece of junk.

What are the real advantages over using a micro motor as opposed to just a "Dremel type" with a flex shaft?

Chris.

[wade clark]

Chris,
The difference is power. Dremmel makes a good tool, but the Foredoms, etc. have incredibly more power and will handle bits that really eat wood!
The advice on buying on a budget, start saving! Put all your change every day into a jar...don't spend coins, always save them.. .in a year you'll save a few hundred dollars, maybe more. In any case, if you buy a power carver with price as the primary consideration, it will just be a step towards the one you buy later. Save a little while and buy a good one! You'll be glad you did!
In the mean time, that Dremmel is still a pretty good tool!
Wade