[xsailer]

Looks like I'm going to buy micro motor. I've been looking at what bits to purchase. MAN! Do I have choices! I already have several different bits for my Foredom so I'm familiar with different bits. I'm wondering since I'm going to order several bits if and why I would order different bits with several different shank sizes? The micro motor is 45,000 RPM. I seem to be stuck with the shank size concerns verses what action I want. The constant switching of different size shanks and consequent changing of collets is a small pain of inconvenience.

[Paul_Guraedy]

My old Optima 2 came with three collets and shank size was not of great importance to me. Then I got a second one that came with only one collet and started thinking more about shank size. Now, I have just purchased a Foredom micromotor and am really looking at shank size.

Sure would be nice if all of the micromotors would either have the possibility of multiple shank sizes or that all bits would be offered in multiple shank sizes.

Right now I still have my old Optima 2 that uses all (1/8 down) shank sizes. But, I am starting to concentrate on purchasing 3/32 for my new Foredom micromotor and will use them for detail work. The rest will go into my Foredom flex-shaft. Makes sense to me, I am generally looking for torque when using those thicker than 3/32 (basically 1/8 and 1/4).

Like the purchase of hand tools, I recommend buying the bits as you need them rather than purchasing a variety which might not all be used.

Paul

[susieq]

Regarding shank sizes in a micromotor.....would you really want to use anything larger than a 3/32? Even the newer high torque models are still a rather delicate piece of machinery compared to a Dremel or the Foredom flex shaft units.... I have used a micromotor for over 10 years now and love it but the high speed tool is best used for fine details. Carving tiny stuff, texturing, etc... That is just my opinion but because they are quite a bit of money, I never use a micromotor for a job that my dremel or other flexshaft unit can do. I just heard back from Foredom on the repair on my old model 1045 handpiece....new brushes and new bearings, parts and labor $90.

I would love to get the collet for the dental bits though. I have to use an adapter for those right now.

Paul, which Foredom Micromotor did you get? They have come out with one that I really want but will have to save my $$ for. The model 1050 is 50,000 rpms, brushless and the handpiece runs off of a full 110/120 volts. I am guessing that this might mean more power and more torque.

I just bought the Master Carver unit because I had been without my Foredom for two weeks and hadn't heard from Foredom (I found out today that their repair guy had been on vacation) and I had a big project to finish with a deadline looming. The Master Carver is rated at 50,000 rpms and the handpiece looked just like my old 1045 in the picture. I have been carving with it for several days now and I have a couple of problems with it.

First, it comes with a 1/8 collet in it. If you want to use 3/32 bits, there is an adapter that fits down inside the 1/8 collet. Every time you remove a bit to change to a different bit, the adapter come out of the handpiece on the current bit as you remove it....you can hook your fingernail over the edge of the adapter to keep it in place while you pull out the bit but that really is a pain. Luckily for me, because the handpieces are so similar, I was able to remove the 3/32 collet from my backup 1045 handpiece (which also needs to be sent in for new bearings) and put it into the Master Carver handpiece.

Second, even though the Master Carver is rated as being 50,000 rpms, I am not sure I believe it after using it. I will be able to tell better when Foredom gets my old handpiece back to me but this other unit does not seem to be as fast as the old hanpiece which is rated at 45,000 rpms. There is no comparison in permormance. I have put close to 16 hours on the new unit in the last two days. You do get what you pay for.
susieq
ps I don't know what you did with your old micromotor but you might save the different collet sizes and see if they fit your other units....

[Paul_Guraedy]

I bought the 1070 because I had the opportunity to get it at a great price. If I just put it back and wait for one of my others to die, it's a good purchase. But, knowing me, it will be put into use right shortly.

The newer of my Optima 2's has started making a noise that should not be there. I think I will send it off and check on repairs. Did this for the old one and found that the price was right.

In the photo: New Optima 2, Old Optima 2, Foredom Micromotor 1070

I like to have at least two micromotors available when carving, to avoid frequent bit changes. I prefer my oldest Optima (Circa 1995) to either of the other two (Optima, Foredom micromotor) since it really narrows down at the gripping part. The major drawback is that the part holding the collet spins. This has created some rough burns over the years. Still, I like it best.

I have found that the bit is more important than rpms. Depends on what I am trying to achieve. I do agree that "hogging" should be left to the flex-shaft.

[Callynne]

Hey xsailer, I agree with Susieq about not using anything bigger than the 3/32 shaft bits in a microcarver, I use mine strickly for detail carving. Anything else, I use my MasterCarver or Foredom rotary carvers.

I also agree with Paul that the bits are important, both the choice and care of. Be sure to use one of those rubbery cleaning blocks often (just run the bit on it at lower speed) and give them a good cleaning once in while (soaking in a made for that purpose cleaner) is my advice.

Good luck....you're going to love having a microcarver! Deborah

P.S. I'm still loving that tool holder!!
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[BobD]

What do most of you use to clean your bits? I've heard oven cleaner works well...

Bob

[susieq]

Thanks for posting those pictures of your handpieces, Paul. I always like to see the different Micromotors out there. Something between the two Optima styles would be nice....long and narrow to get into tight places easily. I am surpirsed that the manufacturers don't get on to that fact.. The exterior part that holds the bit, turning, is a problem even on the little Dremel flex shaft units.

As for rpms, I started out with a 1045 (45,000) and when you get used to it, it is very hard to go to lower rpms. The texturing cuts are cleaner at a higher speed and the work is easier. But if I had not started with that machine I would probably be happy with something else.

Xsailer, everyone will have a different opinion of what bits to buy. I use mostly diamond and ruby bits, sanding mandrals, also some white texturing stones and dental bits too. I have an adapter for the real tiny ones. It depends on the type of work you are doing.

Bob, I do use oven cleaner on everything except the white stones....they would desolve in it. I have several of those little grey stone blocks that came with the Dremel units....I think. Anyhow, you can clean and reshape the white stones on those. I have to try that rubber thingie that Deborah mentioned.
Keep carving
susieq