[olbarn]

If you were going to buy a Foredom, or something of that type, what would you buy and why?

Thinking about it, but don't know what's the best for the money.

Thanks

Barney in NC

[JerryH]

I'm in the same situation! Too many choices, however I am starting to lean toward the Foredom 5240 kit. How about it guys & gals? Give us your input.
Jerry

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have posted some information on Foredom in the thread "Power Carving" just the other day noting the simple maintenance of this tool. In 1980, I purchased an "S" series without the reverse. If this one were to fail, I would do the same thing again; but, would go with the "SR" and get the reverse rotation, even though I seldom use it on my micromotor.

If you get a Foredom (or Foredom type as there are some other good choices), the main thing is to get two handpieces. One large one to hold the !/4" shank (it will also hold others) and then a smaller one to hold the other shanks and do a little detail work.

As I said, there are other machines out there, and people that are perfectly satisfied with them. But, when I am satisfied with something I tend to stay with it. Foredom is in that category. It has performed to my expectations, has not required repair work, my maintenance schedule has not been up to the recommended requirements, it is now over 20 years old, what else can I say?

Get the Foredom SR.

[Tucson Bill]

I bought the 5240 Kit. You get the tool with a good assortment of bits plus a bunch of other stuff. Seemed like a good deal to me! I also got the 50T Reciprocating Handpiece to use with my Flexcut gouges. Works great!

One note, I had to do a bit of modification to get the Flexcut Universal Adapter to fit. If you are interested, I will post the mod.

So, bottom line, I don't think you can go wrong with the 5240 Kit.

[squbrigg]

I'm as happy as a clam with my Foredom SR, have three handpieces. As Paul said, big 44T one for 1/4" burrs, the No. 28 for most others and a No. 8 for fine stuff. I use the reverse every so often, and find it essential.

Bob

[dutchmanmk3]

The 1/4 hp. H type is my personal favorite, but recently I've begun to take note of all the use I've gotten out of my SR and the sheer flexibilty, and vast assortment of applications it manages very well ! Not a barn burner mind you. Not a power house, but it just does MANY things "well enough" I can't honestly say a person needs more ? The 5240 is a good kit ! Flexcut recently released the SKX 300 RPC handpiece last week. Good Timing !

[JerryH]

Thanks everyone! You have convinced me that I was on the right track. Now, I'll have to see if I can convince my wife that I can make her something nice with it! Where there is a will, there is a way.
Jerry

[fishcarver]

i teach power carving with the foredom and the new 5240 kit is sure the way to go i own 8 of the old version 1/8 hp and 1 of the new verson 1/6 hp most of which is the SR motor. some are 20 years old and still making dust. i offer three hand pieces at each of my carving stations , one 44t and two #28 with two different size collets, for the reasons mention above by others and i keep a dozen or so at my bench with no less than three motors hanging so my time between cutter changes is lessoned and my consentration is not broken. at my site www.fishcarvers.com on the store page i offer all of the foredom products at catalog prices and ship free in US, check it out, thanks .....fishcarver

[Kenny_S]

Outstanding advice gentlmen.
I had an old fordom, I don't remember the model number, but that was BC(before Carving) and used it for just about everything. Finally, wore it out and garage sold it before I figured out there were replacement parts. Now, I use haevy duty Dremel but there, There is no comparison. But they do what I want. But I do like the differenet carvers posting their opinions od their fordoms and models.
Thank you all!.

[deweyrf91]

I have an SR Foredom. I used a dremel for many years, but it just didn't seem to have the power. I like the foredom but I interchange multiple handpieces and I tend to go through a lot of flex shafts. Seems either the shaft or the rubber sheaths always fail. I am really getting frustrated. I would just love to find a more professional high quality tool which will allow a better transition of handpieces and bits. Any suggestions?