Speed, reverse options: significance?

Jano · #1 10-30-2006, 06:58 PM

I am looking at buying either a Foredom or a Mastercarver. I would like to use power for roughing out, sanding and detail. My only experience is with a dremel. What is the significance of speed and whether it reverses? And do you have a preference for foot or bench controls?

slivers&dust · #2 10-30-2006, 08:05 PM

I have a Foredom (SR reversible 18,000 rpm) with the foot control. I don’t think the reversible option is a big deal unless maybe you are left handed. If I remember right the SR model has the most power.
I can’t give you an opinion on the bench mount control but I really like the foot pedal for speed control. Obviously with the bench mount you will need a free hand to adjust not so with the pedal.

wade clark · #3 10-30-2006, 09:22 PM

For me the reverse feature is invaluable. It means you can always work with the grain. I also use the foot control. There's been a time or two that I stepped on it that I shouldn't have, but it seems like the bench top speed control would have its' own unique limitations or problems.
Wade

squbrigg · #4 10-30-2006, 09:35 PM

I use a Foredom , with a foot pedal and a desk top speed control, depending on the situation. Mostly it's the foot pedal, but the other is handy is certain situations, ie: when sanding a number of items exactly the same. The reverse is also useful, like Wade says, to maintain grain control.

The bench top control will be necessary when using the recriprocating (sp?)handpiece.

Bob

TJH · #5 10-30-2006, 11:13 PM

I Have had my mastercarver for about a year . The 1/3 hp with reverse,and bench top control . I have found the reverse to be quite useful. When using a pulverising(kutzall carbide bits) type bit the spray of wood particles can be cast away from the face . as well as mentioned in the previous post it also enables you to work with the grain . I also had the opportunity of being able to use other brands of flex shaft rotary-carvers( some cheap some not so cheap). Which I will not list right now . The master carver was one I wanted to try but never had the opportunity , so I bought one just to see . I'm not overly impressed with it .But comparing it to others that I have used. it seem not to complain (strain) and lose RPMs . Nice torque , Stays relatively cool. Ive found no need for a foot pedal control . Well I'm tr yin to Keep this short . So yep the reverse has its advantages. Psst. I'm not trying to be partial to master carver . There's a lot of good carvers on the market .choose one that suits your needs .

Jano · #6 10-31-2006, 09:11 AM

Thank you all for your advice. Hard to know what one's needs or preferences are when you've never used one, ya know? Also, can anybody address speed? Hi, low, what's the reason to want one over another? Or, maybe what I ought to be asking is whether most use one tool for roughing and another for sanding and another for finishing detail? Or is there any such animal as one that does it all?

slivers&dust · #7 10-31-2006, 10:23 AM

I use the Foredom for general shaping mainly with Kutzall burs. Also for sanding with cushioned sanding drums (w/swiss sandpaper)
I also have an angle grinder with a big Kutzall donut wheel and angle wheel for really hogging off the wood.
For roughing out, Iâ€™m running wide open (18,000 rpm) unless I get into a spot (and you will know it) when the tool starts chattering. Then I back off and sneak up on the area.
After roughing and general shaping I sand anywhere from wide open to half speed.
I switch to a micro-motor for detail work. Mine is a RAM that Iâ€™ve had since 1995. The rpm range on it is 0-35,000. When I use it I prefer the bench control over the foot pedal and I do use the reverse on it but not because off grain control but rather when texturing say a feather and Iâ€™m using a backhand motion I feel like I have more control that way.

heineda · #8 10-31-2006, 11:45 AM

Hello,

I would suggest doing a search on Mastercarver for this list, and read all of the comments that have been made about this tool. I have a Foredom, and love it. I have also owned the 1/3 HP Wecheer tool from Warren Cutlery, and it was also a very high quality tool.

Carving,
Dan Heine

fishcarver · #9 11-02-2006, 03:18 PM

I own several foredom some i've head for twenty years and i teach, supplying eight stations with both foredom flexshaft tools and mastercarver high speed/burner combos i wouldn't have anything else. I work at high, full power, for roughing out and slow way down for sanding and diamond/ruby cuttters. the detail is best done with the high speed grinder and diamond/ruby cutters. the reversing is nice once in a while when carving found wood and having to "stand on my head" to get to a tight spot and use it left handed. i find using carbide cutters on reverse to blow dust away from you has a real big trade off for control but it does work just be careful. I feel the higher price of the foredom will be better in the long run as i have several over twenty years old, the older 1/8hp and now they are selling the newer 1/6hp which i have two of and love. i have a bench mount without a speed control that i use for carving large pieces where hanging is tough in the center of the room, etc and use the foot control with it. i have used the bench speed control and it is okay since i go wide open most of the time, foot is better control though, you can view these on on my site at the store page , sorry this is so long.........