Hey guys, need opinion on small grinder NSK or RAM RX300. both seems to be capable of handeling small rough out burrs, which is mainly what I would be using. any opinions>>>> there's only a 100 bucks difference in price. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks, Al Longo

[Callynne]

Al, I have the RAM and I absolutely love it. The keyless chuck (think that's what you call it) is terrific, just click it open and shut to change burrs. It has plenty of power and does the job I want (detail carving) wonderfully. Very comfortable to hold too!
As for the NSK, I did notice it's referred to in the 'Carving Tree Bark' book I have, so it must be good too. Guess the only thing to do is compare features (and price) then decide. Please let us know what you decide on and what you think of it! Callynne

[Donna_T]

Guess this is a late response, but I have a Ram micro-motor. I, too, love the keyless chuck. Its handpiece is much more comfortable and easy to use than the Dremel Flexshaft or Foredom.

I tried the other brand, but the Ram was less expensive. It seems capable of doing everything I want it to. I have to admit, though, that when I'm roughing out a big project, I use the Foredom...that puppy can move wood! But for detail work, I use the Ram.

Donna T

Chiming in for the minority, here...grin. I have the NSK Elector GS and absolutely love it. I've had it since 1993 with no problems whatsoever. I use it to rough out my songbirds, and do all of my detailing and texturing, so it gets used almost every day.

But, as Donna said, I use my Big O'l Foredom for the big birds. You want to be very careful no matter which brand of micro-motor you buy that you don't use too much pressure. When you hear the RPM change, then you know you are using too much pressure...not a good thing, since they don't have a lot of torque. The major expense of these machines is in the handpiece (replacements costing in the hundreds of dollars).

Another thing I find useful is the directional switch...with just a flick of a switch, I can reverse the rotation of the handpiece. A great asset if you carve basswood especially. You greatly reduce raising the 'fuzz' because you are no longer carving basswood against the grain....makes for less sanding that way. Many micro-motors come with an optional foot control, but I don't like these. I want to maintain a certain RPM while I'm detailing, and having to concentrate on my foot pressure is just one more thing I don't need to think about. Once the RPM is dialed in, I can direct all my concentration to the detailing. However, for the Big O'l Foredom, I DO like the foot pedal...if I need to change speeds during hogging, I don't need to take my eyes off the very formidable looking hogging rasp to do it.

Hope this helps!

[squbrigg]

Interesting thread folks, and some great responses. I've never used either machine, just the Foredom and edged tools, so have a treat in store for me, somewhere down the road.

LCorbett, - thanks for the explanation of how/why you use it, makes good sense. Gives you a better range for detail. Hummm....must try that.

Regards,

Bob

[Donna_T]

Just a postscript: the Ram reverses like the NSK and it is handy when the wood changes grain. I've tried out the NSK and it was even 'smoother and quieter' than the Ram--and the Ram was quieter and smoother than anything else I'd tried. I, too, like the flexibility of using a foot control or the dial set for operation of the Ram.

I'm really not trying to sell them--Just saying that the Ram does what the NSK does, cheaper, although not quite as 'smooth.'
Donna T

[squbrigg]

I had wondered why that name looked familiar, L Corbett. A newcomer to the message board, but certainly not a newcomer to wood carving.

A pleasure to make your aquantance Lori, I quite enjoyed your article on 'Strategies for Bird Carvers' in The Power Carving Manual. I just picked up a second copy (I plumb forgot that I already had a copy) when I was visiting in N.S. last week, along with my first look at 'Wildfowl Carving Magazine'. I must get out more often.

This group has some great carvers aboard and great human beings. Welcome. We will certainly benefit from your skill and experience.

You never know, I might even give bird carving a try yet!

Bob

Hi Lori, real pleased to see your posting. Good people on this site. I'm sure that you will fit right in. This lady does very very nice carvings, and a willing help when asked. As you might have guessed, Lori is one of my favourite carvers. :P Â*I use Foredom tools primarily, as the Flex Shaft, and the Micro Motor serve me well also. People that I have spoke with, also reccomend the NSK, and the Ram. So I guess it is a matter of shopping for the best price when it comes to the proven machines. Hugh

Thanks for the welcome, guys
(Hugh, keep the compliments coming, and you'll wind up as 'Teacher's Pet'! :-*)