Rotary Tool Suggestions, Please

SmokeStack Lightning

SmokeStack Lightning

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I need a new rotary tool for polishing trigger groups, feed ramps and wot-nots around my crib.

I owned a Dremel years ago when I was still hangin doors and installing hardware on them for the Carpenter's Union.

They didn't make 'cordless' Dremel tools back then and the weight of the tool (and vibration) made doing intricate cuts on metal hardware challenging to say the least.

Now, I see they (Dremel)

make a 'flexible' shaft to remedy that problem but reviews I've read on several sites say the shaft vibrates as much as the power source, and they tend to overheat.

So, further research on the interweb led me to the Foredom Flexible shaft rotary tool.

The Foredom's motor is hung on a stand, (costs extra), and has the flexible cable which is what is held in the hand cutting down the excessive weight of the tool.

So, I'm sorta leaning towards the Foredom. I'm really hung on which kit I should puchase, the 'Jewelers' or the 'General'.

Can anyone make a suggestion on which to buy??

Thanks, SSL
 
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I use rotary tools a fair bit in my car hobby - everything from part restorations to fabbing NLA parts.

In my humble opinion, a rotary tool with a reasonable mass to it actually helps; it's inertia and the gyroscopic stabilization effect of the rotating armature helps stabilize the tool against the bucking and dragging of the bits/abrasives.

I've had a Makita that has given me flawless service for nearly 20 years. The weight rides on the webbing/back of my thumb when the narrow neck is held in a 'pencil' grip. The front bushing has finally started wearing in the last year or so.
Sadly, I don't think they make them any more.

That said, I've never used the flex-shaft type, so I cannot contrast them for you. Nor have I used the cordless styles - - I'm generally underwhelmed with cordless power tools, as the batteries 1) never last very long, and 2) seem like they are NEVER fully charged when you need them.
 
tool

I have two of the foredom tools one hangs on a hook and the other has the stand for the motor. never had a problem with them and I like the chuck instead of collets so you can use just about any size bit for it.
 
ronnie gore said:
I have two of the foredom tools one hangs on a hook and the other has the stand for the motor. never had a problem with them and I like the chuck instead of collets so you can use just about any size bit for it.
Click to expand...

I have a foredom and the variable control is foot control on the floor not sure how the dremel is only one I have is the hand held with rheostat in the back.
 
I have a Foredom. It doesn't get much use any more. I used to use it for porting cylinders on two-stroke race bikes.

Nowadays, in my welding/fabrication trade, I use a lot of air-powered die grinders, both straight and angled (90 degree). I haven't found much difference in quality between the ones that cost ten bucks (on sale) at Harbor Freight and other ones that cost $60-$70.

I also have a Dremel that I use mostly for working on electric guitars.
 
I guess I have an arsenal then

1. B&D Dremel knock off
2. Foredom Clone
3. Roto Zip (older model)

When it positively has to be destroyed in the shortest amount of time, well #3 is the way to go.
I am using #2 more for polishing and removing small amounts of surface stuff.
#1 is still used when I want to cut "complicated" shapes, grooves, etc.

It is truly amazing how easy it is to take something that was marginally working and reduce it to scrap.

Your mileage may vary, pf course:D:D:D:D:D:D
 
I have both a Dremel battey-powered and a Roto-Zip with the flexible shaft. For little, light-duty polishing and grinding that will only take a minute or two, I use the Dremel. For larger, more difficult jobs, I use the Roto-Zip.

You can use all the Dremel bits in the RZ flexible shaft and it has enough power to take on any appropriate job.
 
I use a dremel for polishing the inside of trigger guards,,that's about all I use it for. It's 30+ years old. Hard to control otherwise and can get you into alot of trouble quickly on a firearm. Other than for the very occasional odd job around guns, they should be hidden from view in a gunsmiths shop.

I use a Foredom as it's hooked up to a MMC checkering head. Again probably 30yrs of service and no problems. Lots or acres of checkering to it's credit.
 
I have done an amazing amount of work with my 70's vintage Dremel, I have even replaced the brushes once. I have put it through just about every possible task and although tempted did not use it for some wet plumbing tasks even though it was the one thing that fit in there. I know there have to be new fangled replacements but my old rotary switched, variable speed Dremel will probably outlast me. They are not designed for fine work, you can get away with some pretty good jobs where you have to be very careful and I have been bit pretty good messing around with router bits and the Dremel on bone, I don't know what the professionals use...Dental Equipment?
 
I have 3 Dremels which get used almost daily and a Roto Zip that is still new in the box. I figured when my Dremels burned out I would upgrade to a Foredom but that has not happened yet. Two of the Dremels are over 25 years old (one is fairly new) and they all have flexible shaft attachments on them. The Roto Zip was purchased one day while at my local tool store but I have never had the need to even open it up. I'll more than likely sell it one of these days.
 
I've got a flex shaft dremel that I got in the 80's. You can't have it.

I've got a roto-zip I'll send you. (right after I receive a signed "hold blameless" clause that absolved me from blame for all the stuff your going to tear up.)
 
I've got a Black and Decker. Works great for most things. I'm rather cautious about using it on any firearms, it'll turn a brushed stainless finish into a polished finish in no time. For important stuff: jeweler's files, stones, and emery paper.
 
I have a variable speed Dremel that I have used for several years. I like to use the slowest speed that will do the job. I screw up less that way.
 
My wife carves lifelike wooden ducks as a hobby; she even sells some at a good profit. She doesn't abuse her tools but has destroyed 2 flex shaft Dremels and one hand held Dremel through simple regular use - not abuse. I bought her a Foredom with the motor that sits on a table stand along with the variable speed foot control. I also bought her the No. 30 size handpiece which is smaller and makes detail carving easier. She has used this rig for a couple of hours a day, 3 times a week for over 10 years and it still runs perfectly. Only maintenance is greasing the drive shaft occasionally. I have also used it for many gunsmithing projects.

Bottom line, I am sold on Foredom products.

Charlie
 
Thanks for all the feedback, guys.

I think I'm gonna get the Foredom "Jewelry" package cuz it comes with all the intricate little wheels, polishers and buffers needed to do a good polishing job. I can always get other attachments and grinding wheels later down the road.

Guess when I order this I'll be ordering a good quality 'Magnifier Ring, Work light', too. 61 years into it and the old eyeballs just aren't what they used to be! (Alltho i just typed this on a iPad w/o my 2x cheaters on my face.) Man, getting old aint for wussies!!
 
Amazon has a nice work light, "Ultra-Efficient 90 LED Magnifier Lamp - Adjustable Arm - 5" Lens" I like this one as it has the cover attached so it doesn't get lost. It keeps the lens clean when now in use. They also have the Foredom 2230, SR motor, Jewelers Kit for $236 unless you can find it cheaper.


Or you could try the auction sites, just watch shipping charges.
 
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gdnagle said:
Amazon has a nice work light, "Ultra-Efficient 90 LED Magnifier Lamp - Adjustable Arm - 5" Lens" I like this one as it has the cover attached so it doesn't get lost. It keeps the lens clean when now in use. They also have the Foredom 2230, SR motor, Jewelers Kit for $236 unless you can find it cheaper.


Or you could try the auction sites, just watch shipping charges.
Click to expand...

Thanks!! I've already added that to my shopping cart!!
That light was the one I had decided to get even before your post.

Hope it works well. Some reviewers say they received a different lamp than the one shown. Hope that isn't the case with me.

I'm picking up a mag well vise block insert while there, too.

They have a white one milled from a solid block of polymer for $10.99 , made in USA. The reviews are pretty positive on that item. Lots of reviewers say it's comparable to Brownell's offering, only it's about 1/3 the cost.

I bought a set of TT-Kewl's barrel vise jaw clamps for my 15/22 which I have been using on my "T" with success.

I still need an upper receiver vise block so I've been looking around for a reasonably priced one that will work well.

I'm open to suggestions for that item also if you or others care to offer advice........

Thanks again, guys.
 
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SmokeStack Lightning said:
I need a new rotary tool for polishing trigger groups, feed ramps and wot-nots around my crib.

I owned a Dremel years ago when I was still hangin doors and installing hardware on them for the Carpenter's Union.

They didn't make 'cordless' Dremel tools back then and the weight of the tool (and vibration) made doing intricate cuts on metal hardware challenging to say the least.

Now, I see they (Dremel)

make a 'flexible' shaft to remedy that problem but reviews I've read on several sites say the shaft vibrates as much as the power source, and they tend to overheat.

So, further research on the interweb led me to the Foredom Flexible shaft rotary tool.

The Foredom's motor is hung on a stand, (costs extra), and has the flexible cable which is what is held in the hand cutting down the excessive weight of the tool.

So, I'm sorta leaning towards the Foredom. I'm really hung on which kit I should puchase, the 'Jewelers' or the 'General'.

Can anyone make a suggestion on which to buy??

Thanks, SSL
Click to expand...

I bought the bigger heavier Fordom..It works fine, but the flexible shaft ain't so flexible....It cuts real well tho...
JIM...........
 
SmokeStack Lightning said:
I still need an upper receiver vise block so I've been looking around for a reasonably priced one that will work well./QUOTE]

I use a Wheeler Engineering Upper Receiver Vise Block and a PRI MilSpec Barrel Nut Wrench on AR's and it has done very well for me. I have no use for the combination "Armourer's Wrenches".

The receiver insert for the Wheeler Bloc also has a pin that extends through the gas tube hole in the receiver to "time" or line up the Barrel Nut to the receiver.

Wheeler® Engineering Ar 15 Upper Vise Block Clamp

Precision Reflex - Product Detail - PRi Armorers Barrel nut torq wrench - $36.65

nitewatchman
Click to expand...
 
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