dremel extension problem

[hen]

i have a dremel flex shaft and the rotary tool i have is a black and
decker RTX 3 speed i have been having problems keeping the inside
of the flex shaft inside of the rotary tool and there forth has no power
in the end of the flex shaft, any ideas how to keep it in there ?

thanks,hen

[carver33]

I don'rt know about the B&D, but the Dremel has a square insert to accept the flex shaft, and when flex shaft nut is tightened onto the tool, it holds the shaft in place.

Does the B&D not work like this?

[Dicky]

My B&D has a small chuck with a collet. First I remove the threaded nose piece, set the spindle lock, pull the cable slightly out of the flex shaft, clamp it in the chuck (about 1/4"), screw the end of the flex shaft onto the tool and proceed as normal.

[carver33]

Like I posted earlier, the Dremel has a special square insert that receives the square end of the cable. This does not require clamping down as it can't slip (square peg in square hole). Maybe if you clamp down on the chuck with a pair of pliers, but I'm not sure - the vibration may still work it loose.

[Dicky]

Bill. I think hen is trying to attach a Dremel flex shaft to a Black & Decker rotary tool. Unlike the Dremel motor unit, B&D doesn't use the square hole-square peg arrangement as far as I know. I use both brands and each has their features.

[carver33]

Originally Posted by Dicky

Bill. I think hen is trying to attach a Dremel flex shaft to a Black & Decker rotary tool. Unlike the Dremel motor unit, B&D doesn't use the square hole-square peg arrangement as far as I know. I use both brands and each has their features.

Yep, that's the case. He's trying to get it to work and I'm not sure he will be able to.

[hen]

hey yall, that is what i thought, i guess i was trying to put something
square into something round ok, a couple of other questions
does B&D make a flex shaft? my b&d has 3 speeds, what is dremels
3 speed version? also what is the best bur's for carving?

thanks,hen

[carver33]

Hen,

Apparently B&D / DeWalt makes or made a flexible shaft, but I couldn't find one in stock anywhere - you might try contacting B&D directly.

I use a Dremel 400 XPR, but only for lighter work. I use a Foredom for heavier work. As far as burrs go, the Dremel will accept Kutzall. Typhoon and Saburr Tooth burrs up to 1/8" shaft diameter. Dremel also makes som pretty good burrs for finer work.

Hopefully some of the full time power carvers will chime in with further info.

[Dicky]

Hen. I got a B&D flex shaft by going to the local B&D repair outlet. They wholesaled it to me for about $25 Canadian. I found the B&d shaft to be much more flexible and limber than the Dremel one and in fact, I installed a B&D flex on my Dremel. C an't help with speeds as mine are all variable speed. AS far as burrrs I use typhoon and some of the Dremel burrs. Be wary, all burrs are not created equal. You usually get what you pay for.