[whitecree]

I'm slowly saving up the nickels until I can buy a full-blown Foredom flexshaft carver. Haven't finished my research on exact model as yet, but do know I'll go with at least 2 handpieces to take the widest variety of bits.

My question is, which - in your opinion - is the best control style? A foot pedal, or a dial you set by hand?

Mostly, I'll be using this for rough-out work on smaller, tight, hard-to-get-at areas or to start smoothing out what's left after some heavier rough-out work is done; an intermiediary rough-out, if you see what I'm saying.

So - foot, or hand?

[squbrigg]

I have both Whitecree and find the foot pedal better. It especially useful if you hook your pants with a coarse burr!!!!!!! LOL Been there done that!!!

Whow ... that gets your attention real quick!

Knives, burrs, ..... my poor old legs ain't safe from any form of carving.

Bob

[susieq]

Of course these are just opinions of power carvers and we all have our preferences but I like the foot pedal better. Not the on/off switch foot pedal, the speed control foot pedal is the one I like. When you let up on it, the motor stops. Partly for safety, partly for hands free control.

Bob? Sounds like you need a leather apron........
susieq

[squbrigg]

Oh I have one Susie, just have to remember to wear it!!!

Who would have thought a burr would remove blue jeans material that fast!!!

Bob

[slivers&dust]

I have a hanging SR motor with a foot pedal (variable speed control w/pedal is the way to go) I bought mine as a kit that came with one hand piece similar to the 44T (can’t remember the actual number)
I also got the No. 8 hand piece for more detailed work and latter added a Ram Micro motor (one of the original models) for better-controlled detail work. The flex shaft is a great tool for rough out work and very capable for detail work but a micro motor is hands down better for detail work. You will find the shaft can hinder your control some. With the micro motor I prefer to set the speed with the dial though.

[Nancy-ID]

Foot. For sure.

[Doug Ridley]

This one is a no-brainer. Variable speed foot control for hands free control.

[BobD]

I've got to go out on a limb here...but I prefer the hand control. But let me qualify it!

I've got an on/off switch on my scroll saw, and I use the scroll saw a lot more than the foredom (actually I've been using the mastercarver more lately, but anyway)...so I've trained my reflexes to the on/off switch. To that end, when I try to use the VS footswitch with the mastercarver, I either mash it down hard and it's running at top speed, or I press too lightly and run it at too low a speed. I just can't seem to coordinate the foot switch with the speed i need.

I like the hand controller because I can turn it on, set the speed the same way I set my micromotor speed, and go...but it does require me to be muchmore deliberate with my motions and be aware of the tool (which is never a bad thing for me!!!)

Bob

[Doug Ridley]

Bob, it just takes a little practice, and not a lot at that. To me it is a little dangerous having that thing running with both hands full of your carving and handpiece.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I think the most important question to ask is which is more safe......hand or foot. As you have to hold the piece with one hand and the Foredom with the other how can you safey control the speed with a hand switch? NADA! A natural action if you have an accident is to immediately pull away. If you foot is on the switch what happens? The unit turns off! I'd go with the variable foot switch as it has much more control and is a lot safer overall.

As for having two grinders I'd save my money by buying one and use that cash to get some more bits. I have two and very seldom do I grab for the second one. You should be getting several little drop-in adaptors that will allow you to use all sizes of bit shanks and it only takes a second to switch. I use my old Dremel for the small jobs and my Foredom for the big ones. The other unit just hangs there collecting dust!