Turbo Carvers?

[gloriasgourds]

Gary, The Foredom spins at about 35,000-40,000 range if I am not mistaken. The ones I am looking at go 350,000-400,000 rpm! All pricey ,especially since you need a compressor too. I don't mind paying if I can do quality work but I hear complaints( the reason the user went to dental ). That is why I was hoping to get a reply back from him. So far, ones that are recommended for gourd carving I find are the slower ones, good for roughing out, getting the bulk of material out but not good for fine detail, but thanks for the reply! Happy carving. Gloria

[HomeBody]

I'm on my 3rd turbocarver handpiece. Like speeronline, I'm convinced they are junk. I've looked on ebay for handpieces but they are almost all being sold from china. I sure don't see "3 for $85" without ordering from china.

If we could get SPEERONLINE to tell us exactly what he bought, and from who, would sure be a help.

I asked my denstist yesterday if he had any old handpieces I could buy. He said his cost over $1000 and never fail. Um...okay. I guess I won't be buying his brand. Gary

[Speeronline]

Sorry I disappeared...
I just sold a business that I had been running for 10 years and reinvested into a new business that we are starting from scratch again... I figured I would be taking a break from everything for at least a year to focus but the new business took off like a rocket and is now profitable after 4 1/2 months! Yea!

So... Back to Carving again.

As for the Dental hand pieces...
One like "this" is exactly what I have... I just got the 3 for $80 auction.
I figure it was worth at least that much to to know!

If that page goes away >> Search the words "dental handpiece" >> I bought the 4 hole version so I had a blower to keep the work area clear.

Well worth it!
I have only messed one up and that was because it dropped directly onto cement and hit the bur. So I tossed it and pulled out #2.
After countless projects I am still on #2 but have a back up.

PLUS >> If I need >> I can just get turbine insert to replace the air motor if it goes out... Probably less than $20!

As for compressor >> Any compressor will work, I have a HUGE compressor left over from the business I just sold >> It supplies about 20+ CFMs and has a 250 Gallon tank ... I have to be working for hours before it turns on! A cheap $50 pawnshop compressor will do the job, just put it outside so you don't have to listen to it.

I have a Regulator and air filter/drier mounted on the wall by my work center... I just hooked a very small tube to the hand piece. I see on ebay they are now selling the 4 hole hoses so you don't even need to rig anything up for $15.

If you really want to start out cheap >> Do a search for "Disposable Dental High Speed Handpiece" on Ebay and I see they have 10 for about $20! that is still a better deal than the turbocarver brand!

Happy Carving!

[Lailokken]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has tried using this set up and if so, what's your opinion. Pros.. Cons.

Also.. where is a good place to purchase burs for these handpieces.. will the Turbo Carver ones work?

thanks,
-Lailokken