Gorbet, Foredom or Mastercarver??

Callynne · #1 01-03-2005, 07:40 PM

Anyone out there have opinions on any of these? I'm looking at buying something a bit more heavy duty than my Dremel. Right now I use it with a reciprocating flexshaft attachment or the rotary one for hogging off waste wood so I can get down to hand carving stage easier.

The Dremel works great but heats up so quickly that I know I want to get a bigger, more powerful unit. The Foredom I've heard lots of good things about, nothing at all about the Mastercarver or Gorbet, except by the people who carry them. And not that I don't believe what they say about them, I just wanted to know if anyone out there has had any experience with them and what. Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions! Callynne

oldbearx2 · #2 01-03-2005, 07:47 PM

Hey Callynne I have a Foredom that I've had for 10 years with no problems. I gone through a few of the shafts, but at about 8 bucks that ain't bad. Don't know much about the others. oldbearx2

Harold

Mitchell · #3 01-03-2005, 08:14 PM

I don't use power tools very often....

But I do use them when necessary. I have burnt up three Dremels and now use a Foredom. I did have to replace the shaft just recently. I also have a Proxxon that I like alot. It does not have quite the same torque as the Foredom, but the shaft is VERY flexible.

squbrigg · #4 01-03-2005, 09:42 PM

Foredom works for me, great on detail work, and shaping. Haven't tried the other two, but my Foredom beats out my Dremel anytime, any carving.

Bob

Donna_T · #5 01-03-2005, 11:13 PM

Over the years, I'm on my third full sized Dremel (with flexshaft) and my second battery powered Dremel mini-mite that is soooooo handy for cleanup and minor detailing. I have a Foredom that I bought at an auction for $35--it's about 15 years old and a real workhorse...I use it mostly for "hogging" wood in the roughout stage. Then, as my "happy birthday to me" last year, I bought a Ram micro carver. I love it for detailing and finishing, especially on birds. It's so easy on the hands and gives you great control.

So, I'd say...it depends on what you want it for. The Foredom doesn't lug down and really lets you rev it up and move wood, especially with a typhoon or kutsall burr.

Donna T

Callynne · #6 01-04-2005, 08:27 AM

Thanks guys, I appreciate your imput, I figured I needed something more than my dremel! What about power? I notice the Gorbet and Foredom have 1/8 hp, 18,000 rpm reversible motors. The Mastercarver has a 1/3 hp, 26,000 rpm reversible motor. Any thoughts on those options? I'm figuring the more high powered the motor the longer it will be able to work without heating up, or am I way off on that??

Callynne

AlArchie · #7 01-04-2005, 09:25 AM

I should try one of those "little 1/8 hp" units......I put together a 3/4 hp motor with an arbor and a ball bearing flex shaft....haven't found anything to bog this bugger down yet. Havn't used it a lot either, though!

Al

Nancy_G · #8 01-05-2005, 08:15 AM

Callynne - say "Hi" to your hubby for me

Callynne · #9 01-06-2005, 07:18 PM

Well, I ordered the Mastercarver, I discussed it with the hubby and he thought that was the one I should go with since it has the 1/3 hp motor. I like what all comes with it, one big 'hogging out' handpiece, two 'twist lock' handpieces, one is a very small one for detail work and a reciprocating handpiece. I'll let you all know what I think of it after I try it out a bit.

Callynne.....oh yeah, and Nancy, you are just shameless!