Seeking Advice...

[mojavezig]

I carve mostly in the round and some flat signwork. I am a novice self-taught carver with master sign-painter experience. I start with a chainsaw and eventually get to the details with hand chisels. I use 41/2" angle grinders along the way. I like rendering details with knives and chisels, and realize power options could boost my production time and creativity. Until lately my budget has been the only thing holding me back.
I have read several posts here about foredom vs wecheer vs mastercarver etc. Everyone has their favorites and Ihave soaked up all the info up to now. Seems like Foredom is the overall choice? Mastercarver seems to finish second..Is it manufactured in China?
I have reveiwed a new Wecheer motor, rated 1/2 hp and 30,000 rpm, and it receives all bit sizes up to 1/4" without changing collets. These three factors makes it seem like a logical choice. What I would like to find out, is if anyone else has experience with this model or time for input? Thank you in advance...

[Donsexton]

I have both wecheer1/2 hp and a foredom both fitted with the right angle attachment one for 1/4" bits and one for 1/8" bits. For heavy grinding with the type of bits these grinders use I prefer a die grinder that you can get bot hands on. Both of the flex shaft grinders I have are very good for what I do with them.

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by mojavezig

I carve mostly in the round and some flat signwork. I am a novice self-taught carver with master sign-painter experience. I start with a chainsaw and eventually get to the details with hand chisels. I use 41/2" angle grinders along the way. I like rendering details with knives and chisels, and realize power options could boost my production time and creativity. Until lately my budget has been the only thing holding me back.
I have read several posts here about foredom vs wecheer vs mastercarver etc. Everyone has their favorites and Ihave soaked up all the info up to now. Seems like Foredom is the overall choice? Mastercarver seems to finish second..Is it manufactured in China?
I have reveiwed a new Wecheer motor, rated 1/2 hp and 30,000 rpm, and it receives all bit sizes up to 1/4" without changing collets. These three factors makes it seem like a logical choice. What I would like to find out, is if anyone else has experience with this model or time for input? Thank you in advance...

I have a Master Carver and it wasn't made in China, but then I don't know if they are now. Call the people you want to order from and ask them.

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by mojavezig

I carve mostly in the round and some flat signwork. I am a novice self-taught carver with master sign-painter experience. I start with a chainsaw and eventually get to the details with hand chisels. I use 41/2" angle grinders along the way. I like rendering details with knives and chisels, and realize power options could boost my production time and creativity. Until lately my budget has been the only thing holding me back.
I have read several posts here about foredom vs wecheer vs mastercarver etc. Everyone has their favorites and Ihave soaked up all the info up to now. Seems like Foredom is the overall choice? Mastercarver seems to finish second..Is it manufactured in China?
I have reveiwed a new Wecheer motor, rated 1/2 hp and 30,000 rpm, and it receives all bit sizes up to 1/4" without changing collets. These three factors makes it seem like a logical choice. What I would like to find out, is if anyone else has experience with this model or time for input? Thank you in advance...

I checked my Master Carver, again this morning, IT IS NOT MADE IN CHINA....and I've not had any problems with it, except for one time, it was my fault, I kinked the enclosed shaft, and it broke.

I've had it for over ten years plus, and the only time I had a problem is when I broke the enclosed shaft......that's a fact!!

[telecarver]

While the Foredom is a good quality tool, it is too slow for many operations. Unless you want to invest in a micro motor to augment it, go with the MasterCarver Pro Flexshaft. It is also a good quality tool. I have put mine through many thousands of hours of use with no problems. I own three Foredoms and although they still work fine, they sit in a drawer.

[watereerat]

I, too, have a Foredom flexshaft machine that hangs uselessly in my shop. The shaft just doesn't have enough "flex" for me and after replacing the inner shaft three times (because I just couldn't get the danged thing to reach where I needed it to without bending the shaft too much), I decided to stick with my die grinder and micro-carver.
Here's my question, is the shaft on the MasterCarver Pro more flexible than the shaft on the Foredom? I have a number of 1/4" bits I can use in the die grinder, but the grinder is a bit bulky and awkward for many of the things I'd like to use the 1/4" bits for.
THANKS for any and all input!

[telecarver]

The problem with the Foredom for me is the slow speed not the shaft flexibility. The Mastercarver shaft is not more flexible. The key is proper hanging of the tool to allow the right angle of approach. I have a grid of plastic coated wire on the ceiling of my studio. I hang chains from the grid that I attach my tool to. This allows up and down adjustment as well as side to side by sliding the chain back and forth on the wire and moving the tool up and down on the chain to get the proper angle to avoid binding the shaft.