Title, was looking for a cheap option for home hobby jobs.
Specifically 925 silver - will be using a lot of preset molds in 925 silver as itâs my cheapest option to practice.
Dremels use 1/8" collets to hold bits with 1/8" shafts. At least on the Amazon page for the 3000 I did not notice a 3/32" collet among the accessories. Burs have 3/32" shafts so you will need to get a 3/32 collet for the Dremel before you can use almost any jewelersâ burs.
Use candle wax or a block of paraffin to lubricate your burs.
The only drill bits you will be able to use would be 1/8", 3/32 if you get that collet, and very expensive drill bits necked down on 3/32" shafts. To avoid that you would also need some kind of drill with a Jacobs chuck in order to grip regular, small drill bits of various diameters.
Neil A
1 Like
You would likely be a lot better off with something like this for $59.
https://contenti.com/flex-shafts/flexshaft-grinders-micromotors/economy-flex-shaft
The first flex shaft I owned was one I got from Contenti many years ago. It is still in use.
Neil A
1 Like
I would recommend the Proxxon Model and Engraving Set sold on websites like Home Depot. Its versatile, reliable, and has a low cost of entry $90-100.
It comes with a variety of collets and a couple burs and grinding options.
1 Like
ARBE Machine Mfg. on Long Island makes an excellent small flex shaft machine for significantly less than Foredomâs. Itâll be more expensive than a Chinese manufactured machine, but there is an advantage from buying from them in ease of repair and excellent customer service if you need it.
In 47 years I have bought two flex shafts, both Foredom. They last a long time. A flex shaft is one of a few tools in my shop that I would go into debt to replace if I had to. I canât think of a piece of jewelry that I have made that was not touched in some way by a flex shaft tool. You donât have to buy a Foredom, but donât skimp. As Neil points out, 3/32 collets are the standard and you will save a lot of time changing tools if you have a 3/32 handset. Good luckâŚRob
âDiamond Setting toolsâ are not cheap!
Substitution of these tools will only give you a multitude amount of problems.
I use as a lubricant something even cheaper and more easier to find. I use â3-in-1â oil, why do?
Itâs a semi-liquid, but not like a âblock of waxâ as this wax has to be warmed up.;(
âOil of Winter-Greenâ is 100% very dangerous. If you get this in your eyes, this will burn your eyes and then you need to give your eyes a long flushing.
I did this once and I thought my both eyes were literally âfinishedâ!.;(
Please as a warning to everyone, donât use this semi-liquid lubricant.
âGerry, on my insanely busy, iPhoneâ
Hi Gerry, I appreciate your advice about using a semi-liquid (not Oil of Wintergreen, though!), but the issue I have is that I canât stand the odor of 3-in-1 oil. I use it for a lot of different things around the house, but I just could not bear having it near me on my bench. Any other possible suggestions? Thanks so much,
Marian
âŚI canât stand the odor of 3-in-1 oil. âŚAny other possible suggestions?
Mineral oil should work and baby oil is just that with fragrance.
Neil A
Do you approve this foredom tool? Has 3/32 adapter included
My latest Foredom is an SR motor with a quick change 3/32 hand piece. I also have a very old geared motor that drives a Jacobs type H30 hand piece that lets me use the odd size tool. I also use it to drive my hammer piece at the reduced speed it needs. I have the H30 secured to a stand over a hole in my bench that is piped to a shop vac. This is a great way to control the grit in a form that can be collected and send to your refiner. I equipped both tools with a Lucas foot pedal. The Lucas is a step up from the standard Foredom pedal. This all works for me. Please spend time looking at various websites like Foredom, Rio Grande, Otto Frei, Stuller, Gesswein, Contenti and others to see what is out there. You can learn a lot from reading catalogs and reviews as there are other good products available besides Foredom. In the end this is your decisionâŚRob
I have a Dremel 3000 with their flex shaft that includes a hand tightened chuckâŚ
My personal opinion, even though I donât have a foot pedal control, and, thank god, no Jacobs Chuck!, this is the easiest and most adaptable tool to use, and not a toy.(and I have used Foredomâs a lot and that chuck is a PITA). The Dremel chuck will accommodate the smallest drill bits and any other burrs and bits up to at least 3/16". I am not in business so the equipment doesnât get used 40 hours a week but for the part-time crafts person it is perfect for me. My first Dremel lasted 10 years. And when this gives up in 8 or so years iâll get another one. Just sayin
Maybe the wrong discussion?
YepâŚNote the hanger on the unit so that you can position it over your bench.