[susieq]

Matt,
one more thing.... regarding the vibration you got with the Dremel. Was it while you were using a Kutzal bit? Kutzal is an agressive bit but it will "chatter" and shake up a storm if you bury it in the wood even a little. It doesn't matter what shaft tool you use, it will vibrate the heck out of you if you dig in hard with that bit. I keep moving with mine and don't let them sink into the wood too deep.

I never really had a problem with Dremel vibrating in all the years I have used them. They really are a good little tool. But eventually we all want a little more power than that. Good luck with your choice on a larger tool. I hear good things about Weecher and I have a Foredom that I have been using for about 10 years. Great tool. I also have a Master Carver Micro motor and if the quality of that is the same in their large shaft tool, then it's probably a real good tool too.

[mateo]

Susieq, I've never used a Kutzal bit before I only have the ones dremel sells from the hardware store. Also didn't mean to sound like I didn't like my dremel we have created some masterpieces together, since I bought it in april. I just got my Wecheer flexshaft tool today it works good. Its quiet doesn't vibrate seems to do its job. They must have been out of stock on typhoon coarse burrs since they didn't send them to me. So without the proper burr I can't speak for its wood hogging abilities yet. But it does rough out small pieces pretty well, with the single cut carbide burrs. $160 with free shipping from traditional woodworker for those in need of inexpensive flexshaft power. I have talked myself out of the Wecheer micro. 30,000 rpms doesn't seem to be enough. I was looking at the Mastercarver micro power detailer in a Chipping away catalog it boasts of 50000 rpms is that the one you have? I think I read one of your posts where you said it had a collet adapter that you didn't like. I would probably still buy it because I mostly use 3/32". I mostly carve miniature. any input you could give me on that would be greatly appreciated.
Matt

[susieq]

Hi Matt,
Yes, the Master Carver brand is the micro motor I recomend to people because for the money, I think it is the best unit out there. I do own two of the units. My complaint about the collet adapter is a minor one. The unit comes with the 1/8 collet and an adapter piece that slips inside the 1/8 collet to allow it to hold a 3/32 shaft bit. Every time you go to remove the 3/32 bit, you must hook your thumbnail over the edge of the adapter to keep it from coming out of the unit with the bit. Not a big thing. It just annoyed me. I broke down and bought a 3/32 collet and removed the 1/8 collet because I NEVER use a 1/8 bit in a micro motor.

The Master Carver does carve at 50,000 rpms, seems like a durable unit and is a joy to work with. There are some rules you must follow with micro motors. As I have said before, they are just for fine detail carving...not for heavy work. Also, you must NEVER close the collet when it's empty. Always keep a bit in it even when not using it. Never turn the unit on with the collet in the open position either. Never throw it into reverse while it is still running. Turn it off, change to reverse, then turn it on again. Some of this is common sense but you would be surprised how often people do these things.

10 years ago I bought a Foredom micro motor for $600. It was a great tool back then. But Master Carver today is equal to that 10 year old Foredom (and faster rpms) for half the money. The new, top-of-the-line Foredom, is a great tool but you could buy 3 Master Carver units for the same money.....
If you are just starting out, it's hard to spend the kind of money they want for the Foredom 1050. The other, less expensive Foredoms are not as nice as the Master Carver.
Of course, this is all just my opinion........
best wishes
Susan

[mateo]

Hello Susan,
Thanks for your opinions and observations. Some of us penny pinchers get a little nervous throwing down $340 for a rotary tool. The 08 Chipping Away catalog says the Mastercarver handpiece "comes with 3/32' and 1/8" quick change collets." So maybe they have heard similar complaints and moved to change the handpiece. If not I'll be slightly annoyed by the false advertising but as you say for hundreds less than the other 50000 rpm motors its worth growing a fingernail. Thanks again for sharing your experience and opinions.
Matt

[susieq]

Matt,
First, Master Carver makes both the rotary shaft tool and the micro motor too. I hear the shaft tool is good too. The hand piece with quick change collets that you mention, sounds more like the shaft tool than the micro motor...... be sure of what you are buying and also be sure of which tool you really want. As I said in the earlier post, the Master Carver micro motor comes with a 18 collet and an adapter that slides down into the 1/8 collet to hold 3/32 bits also. I will say again that micro motors are for fine detail. Not for heavy carving jobs. The motor is in the handpiece itself so it is a small motor. It does give you freedom of movement and complete control, ideal for fine detail.....but, if you use them incorrectly you will burn them up. I bought my micro motor through
Powercrafter engraving & other tools for carving, and turning, Burlwood carving Woods,

It was $299 with free shipping last year when I ordered it. They also sell the Master Carver shaft tool, which you can put various handpieces on, just buy pulling one off and popping another one on, hence the term "quick change".
Nothing wrong with being "thrifty". It took me a long time to make up my mind to spend the $$ on these tools the first time around.....

[mateo]

Susan,Your my hero! Those people at "chippingaway" were going to charge me 329.95 plus shipping for the very same machine.

[susieq]

Matt,
I am glad I could help. I found those folks very nice to deal with.