used foredoms

[rickm]

what is anyone's opinion on buying a used foredom? like on ebay ? I dont know if I really trust that venue but i guess its worth looking at , how do u tell if a seller is trustworthy??

[Ed Redwine]

I've known a couple of guys who bought their Foredoms this way and were well satisfied. I think people buy them thinking they are going to do great things and they just wind up selling them. The price would be my motive....

[Magicman]

I have'nt bought a Fordham, but I have bought a lot of other things on Ebay for Woodcarving and have had no problems. One thing was a micro carver and it works great. The only way you have to judge trust is by the Feedback rating and you also can ask questions before you bid. I would say go for it.
Larry

[rickm]

ok so what should i look for in one? I see ads for flexshafts, jewelers grinders etc but not sure what would be good for detail carving and then there is a matter of the bits, which size works in them> can you use dremel bits in a foredom???

[susieq]

Rick,
My husband is a yard sale freak. He goes every Friday and Saturday for as long as I can remember.... you would be surprised what he brings home to me.... But, I have seen a huge variety of Foredoms and they are not all good for carving. There are a bunch of Foredom models that are only for jewelry work or something like that. Low low speeds, no power to speak of.

We've also had a couple real nice ones that he found and they ended up with carving friends of mine. My big old Dremel (the Dremel version of the Foredom..not made anymore) came to me this way and I don't think it was ever taken out of the box before I got it. They haven't been made in over 10 years. I love that thing and don't understand why they quit making it.

Ebay can be a tricky thing though. I've heard some real horror stories. I've purchased a couple things (unrelated to carving) and one turned out well, the other..not so much.

I like to try something out first before buying it used.... plug it in and see if it works, if it sounds good. You know...kick the tires a bit.

Buying one used can really work out for you but you have to be careful. Good luck finding something good for yourself....

[cut up]

I have a used one that belonged to my Uncle. It's the old H model, and it's great for power carving, I don't think a Mack truck could stop it.LOL!!
Michael

[telecarver]

Originally Posted by rickm

ok so what should i look for in one? I see ads for flexshafts, jewelers grinders etc but not sure what would be good for detail carving and then there is a matter of the bits, which size works in them> can you use dremel bits in a foredom???

For detail I prefer a motor that has at least 25,000 RPM. A faster tool cuts much smoother for detail work. For me, this requirement eliminates the Foredom.
I recommend the MasterCarver over the Foredom for this reason

If you are stuck on buying a Foredom, look for one that has at least 18,000 RPMs. It will cut smoother than the 14,000 RPM models. The size of the bit depends on the handpiece but most handpieces fit 1/8" shanks that the Dremel bits have.

You can always add a micro-motor for detail work.

[Donsexton]

Power carvers are the same way over Foredoms as chainsaw guys are over Stihl. They are irrational its only different if it makes a difference. How do you mesure better? Is it faster, stronger lasts longer? Better and easier to return when its broken down? Oh yea I have one fine tool but no better than the 1/2 horse WeCheer or Master Carver. Both tools are faster stronger and easy to return when they break no questions ask. Not my openion just the facts from a right to work guy.

[Stan Curtis]

I bought a much used Foredom at an auction, mainly to get the cutters that were included. To my surprise the unit worked beautifully after cleaning up, lubricating the shaft, etc. I now use it for the heavy work saving my newer model for the detail bits.

[telecarver]

Originally Posted by Stan Curtis

I bought a much used Foredom at an auction, mainly to get the cutters that were included. To my surprise the unit worked beautifully after cleaning up, lubricating the shaft, etc. I now use it for the heavy work saving my newer model for the detail bits.

That's a great way to find tools. I have two Foredoms, a MasterCarver and an off brand that I bought at yard sales, or should I say my wife did. She is an avid yard-saler and gets incredible bargains.
I sometimes hang two or three tools above my work on a cable that I can slide the tools back and forth on. I also have about 8 handpieces ready with different bits in them. It's much quicker to change tools or handpieces than to change bits. This may not be practical for the average carver but because I make my living at carving speed is important.
I have also developed many techniques that speed up the process that I teach in my classes.