[Jim-Iowa]

As I mentioned in Dean's thread I have a Dremel Flex Drive unit.
And I am sometimes impaitent when I have a lot of material to remove.
The limitation of the Dremel is that it only uses 1/8 & 3/32 burrs.
I have been wanting to get a machine that would take 1/4" cutters.
And am looking at the Mastercarver ProFlex machine.
I have considered a pneumatic die grinder, but don't always want to deal with the compressor(already have a compressor) noise.
Anyone have one and could you give me your impression?

[susieq]

Although I have never had the Mastercarver ProFlex, I have only heard good things about it. I do own one of their micromotors and for the money, it's a great tool. I do think you would be happier with one of the larger flex shaft tools at this point in your carving. I have a couple, the large Dremel which is not made anymore, and an old Foredom. 10 years old, that I got new and have used hard. It still runs great as does the big old Dremel.

I think all 3 of these brands larger shaft tools are quite comparable, quality wise. It is nice to be able to put a 1/4 " shaft kutzall or carbide cutter into one and really "hog" the wood.

[Jim-Iowa]

Thanks Susie

[squbrigg]

Foredom has a handpiece that takes 1/4" burrs and plenty of torque to turn them. I find them a bit too aggressive for me, as I don't have much strength in my hands, and it does take strength to hold and guide those big burrs to get the best results out of them. They do make a heavy job a lot shorter, they will remove a tremendous amount of wood, very quickly. You may want to consider upgrading to a Foredom unit at some point.

Bob

[sbirkes]

I have the Master Carver Pro Flex tool and am very happy with it. The receprocating handpiece works well. The smaller handpiece is great for getting into tight places. The 3 Jaw Chuck on the standard handpiece takes up to 1/4 inch.

I am ordering the foot control today. I bought it as a table top model and now know I like the foot control better.

I used the unit for a solid week taking one of David Sabols power carving classes a couple of months ago. I had no problems with it and have used it quite a bit since then with no problems. I believe it is rated at 1/3 hp. I think that is quite a bit more than the Foredom. I also have a Foredom and have used it for years. I bought the Master Carver because of the HPower.

[Jim-Iowa]

Steve, The 1/3 HP rating was one of the reasons I was considering the pro-flex. Being left handed I do need a reversible unit.
Interesting that you mention the reciprocating handle, since I was debating whether to get the two handpiece model or the package with additional reciprocating piece. I was a bit skeptical till I read that it would accept the flexcut blades. I think you have pushed me over the top on this decision. The wife and I have sometimes each been working on our own projects at the same time, and while after 36yrs we do share well, it would be nice to not have to wait your turn.

[Jim-Iowa]

Bob it is hard to debate the reliability of the Fordom units. They have been around forever, there are thousands in use, and they pretty well set the standard by which all others are measured.
I grew up in the 50's & 60's and kind of have that Tim the Toolman mindset"More Power!"
Even if the HP of the powerflex is overstated(not uncommon in advertizeing) it's a big step from 1/10Th HP to 1/3 rd HP.
Since I'm not sure which direction this carving thing is going to take(Fish,wildlife and decoys or smaller characatures and sticks?), I think I would prefer to go overboard on power, as to discover later I need more and underestimated my needs.