Foredom Reciprocating Handpiece

[Patrick]

Has anyone had any experience with the Foredom 50 Reciprocating Chisel Handpiece made for the 'S' series Foredoms? I'm considering the purchase of a Foredom SR in the near future and thinking that their reciprocating handpiece maybe good to have in the inventory also.

Thanks.

[Donsexton]

I don’t have that reciprocating hand piece but I do have a Foredom and I can’t imagine they would make a tool that didn’t work great. I recently purchased the right angle grinder hand piece for my Foredom and it works better than I would have bet. I plan to give a full and detailed review of it soon. This is why I like reciprocating tools I have two automach tools they will do mallet work on your lap. I can kick back in my recliner with the food network on and carve no dust just clean chips.

[Inadv]

Patrick,

No experience with the Foredom, but I have the MasterCarver reciprocating hand-piece and love it!! Using Flexcut RG series gouges I can zip down a project like the humpback whales I recently posted in next to no time at all. It'll peel the chips off so fast and easy it will feel like you are cheating!!

L.P.

[pinefeathers]

the foredom handpiece is a quality made tool, but...
You need to use a dial type speed control in lieu of a foot switch control.....
If you inadvertantly operate the handpiece in the reverse rotation, it takes about two seconds to dis-assemble itself, but is relatively simple to put back together......
If operated at the top speed of the motor, (18,000 rpm) - the handpiece gets so hot from friction that you cannot hold it...
I found that a speed of around 8,000 rpm works very well.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Patrick, I have a Wecheer and had it for About 3 years and tried at different times to use it with no success, couldn't see the advantage. I am working on a Cane now and the top is Walnut and is HARD. For my detailing I got it out and used the V tool and was amazed at the ease it went threw that Hard Black Walnut. Never to Old to learn something. I surely see the advantage now. Merle

[Stan Curtis]

I agree with all that pinefeathers says. It is really good for roughing out. I use Foredom and Flexcut (with an adapter) blades. Just don't go too fast and plan ahead on the cuts.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Donsexton

I don’t have that reciprocating hand piece but I do have a Foredom and I can’t imagine they would make a tool that didn’t work great. I recently purchased the right angle grinder hand piece for my Foredom and it works better than I would have bet. I plan to give a full and detailed review of it soon. This is why I like reciprocating tools I have two automach tools they will do mallet work on your lap. I can kick back in my recliner with the food network on and carve no dust just clean chips.

Thanks for that Don. I have been looking at the Automach HCT-30 as a possibility for the reciprocating tool but having only so much in the pocket right now decided that I should go with the Foredom SR being in need of a good flex shaft machine. Just learned that Foredom have a reciprocating hand piece available and it would fit into the budget right now.

Originally Posted by Inadv

Patrick,
No experience with the Foredom, but I have the MasterCarver reciprocating hand-piece and love it!! Using Flexcut RG series gouges I can zip down a project like the humpback whales I recently posted in next to no time at all. It'll peel the chips off so fast and easy it will feel like you are cheating!!

L.P.

Larry, that humpback is a great endorsement. Question: If you don’t mind me asking which two of the Flexcut RG gouges which would you pick for starters? I can get the Foredom recip handpiece with 6 Foredom chisels at what appears to be a reasonable cost per blade but wonder if it would be wiser for me to pick a couple of Flexcut for starters. Three Flexcuts would run about the same price as the package of six Foredoms that can be selected with the handpiece.

Thanks for you input.

Originally Posted by pinefeathers

the foredom handpiece is a quality made tool, but...

Originally Posted by pinefeathers

You need to use a dial type speed control in lieu of a foot switch control.....
If you inadvertantly operate the handpiece in the reverse rotation, it takes about two seconds to dis-assemble itself, but is relatively simple to put back together......
If operated at the top speed of the motor, (18,000 rpm) - the handpiece gets so hot from friction that you cannot hold it...
I found that a speed of around 8,000 rpm works very well.

Great points you make pinefeathers. Interesting about the dial speed control as it is something I have been considering. Very important point concerning the optimum RPM for chisel speed.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Merle Rice

Hi Patrick, I have a Wecheer and had it for About 3 years and tried at different times to use it with no success, couldn't see the advantage. I am working on a Cane now and the top is Walnut and is HARD. For my detailing I got it out and used the V tool and was amazed at the ease it went threw that Hard Black Walnut. Never to Old to learn something. I surely see the advantage now. Merle

Merle, that’s very good to hear and more support for a recip handpiece. Thanks for taking the time to give me your input.

Originally Posted by Stan Curtis

I agree with all that pinefeathers says. It is really good for roughing out. I use Foredom and Flexcut (with an adapter) blades. Just don't go too fast and plan ahead on the cuts.

Stan, would you please give me a little more info on the adapter you use, like make and model?

Thanks for joining in.

[Patrick]

In my comment to Don I mentioned that I needed a good flex shaft machine. I hope that was not taken that I feel the Foredom is the only good flex shaft tool.

I meant that in relation to my little Dremel, though it has its place, and nothing else. There are a number of good flex shaft tools and you all have made mention of them or even have them in your inventory. I just happen to be gravitating toward the Foredom. I do apologize for the way I worded my statement.

Thanks again for all the input.

[Inadv]

Patrick: I don't have any experience with the Foredom brand of gouges, but have heard that they are good tools. The ones that came with the MasterCarver were almost a joke until I re-profiles and sharpened them. The jury is still out as to how well they will hold the edge. I bought the 14 pc. Flexcut set and then two more separately along with two of the palm handles for manual use. I really like tools that can be multi-functional. The Flexcut blades are great used either mechanically or manually. My big complaint is that they don't make as many different sizes/sweeps in the RG series (my guess is that RG stands for reciprocating gouge). That said the SK series is quite comprehensive and an adapter is available to make them compatible with the reciprocating tool. Still it is pretty nice to satisfy the vast majority of palm tools needed and the reciprocating gouges in one system.

To answer your question I used the 1" #3 for the vast majority of roughing out the humpbacks. When it was all done I had a pile of large chips (pine with a fair number of knots in it too) about 4' in diameter and at least 6" deep around my chair. The gouge was still as sharp as the day I took it out of the package. I always hone every tool I use after a project is finished so that I know everything is ready when I start the next one. I'm not very keen on Flexcut's knives, but the gouges are fantastic!

Also, Pinefeathers admonishments regarding rotation direction and speed are absolutely essential. I was remiss not to have included that advice in my first post. Hope this helps!

L.P.

L.P.

[Patrick]

Excellant Larry. I really appreciate you taking the time to share that with me. It helps a great deal. Grand idea to be able to use the Flexcut blades both ways. Makes good sense to me.

By the way, I'm looking forward to getting a peek at your next project.