Comparing flex shafts

I think from the comments so far it’s like a lottery whether one
gets a long and useful life from any one particular brand.

So I echo R E Rourke in asking for more objective comparisons of the
available flex shaft equipment, “coming to conclusions based on some
sort of standards laid side by side and observing the results”.

I believe it is too easy to develop a single-brand monoculture which
may ignore due research of the others and may lead to less choice.

How useful would be to have the various components compared in
meaningful ways. Motors compared (min/max torque/speed specs), foot
controls compared (for sensitivity at low speed for eg), etc, down
to the flexibility/durability of the flex.

Difficult, I can see that. But I reckon the experience is here, and
it’d fit happily into this professional forum.

Brian
B r i a n A d a m a n d R u t h B a i r d
Auckland New Zealand
www.adam.co.nz

How useful would be to have the various components compared in
meaningful ways. Motors compared (min/max torque/speed specs), foot
controls compared (for sensitivity at low speed for eg), etc, down
to the flexibility/durability of the flex 

When my husband and I used to ride motorbikes, we subscribed to a
couple of bike magazines. Every issue had comparisons of a fleet of
similar bikes from different manufacturers. The articles were spread
over many pages (perhaps as many as 12). Every aspect of each bike
tested, rated and compared in clear to understand tables. We also
play guitar and subscribed to guitar magazines. Again, each issue
would have a few similar new guitars from different manufacturers
compared in much the same way. There’s a pattern forming here.

Perhaps we could persuade one of the jewellery magazines to run a
comparison between the major players in the flex shaft market (or
indeed to include the minor players). There is obviously a lot of
interest in the jewellery community and the magazines are the
perfect platform to conduct and showcase such a comparison.

Helen Hill
Preston, UK

Well folks, I finally got to try my shiny new Foredom flexshaft
today after my hubby manufactured a stand for it. He did take a
semicircular chunk out of the back of my bench though but I can’t
complain as he did a very neat job.

Anyway, compared to the Dremel (hubby’s Dremel on loan) that I was
using, the Foredom is what I can only describe as the Rolls Royce of
flexshafts! It’s so smooth, powerful and yet quiet. It’s an absolute
joy to use and worth every pound (or I should say dollar as it came
from Rio) I spent on it.

I christened it by polishing my wedding ring after stretching it by
two sizes (I’d not been able to wear it for a couple of months).

Anyone in the UK wanting one, I suggest you buy from the States
(special order 220V, 50Hz) as it is still much cheaper than over
here, even after shipping costs, import duty and VAT, oh and another
UK handling charge - and it arrived very quickly. A lovely lady
called Virginia personally handled my order all the way through to
dispatch and was extremely pleasant at all times - a real pleasure
to deal with.

Helen
Preston, UK

Has anyone used the Promax? Variable speed foot pedal control 1/2 hp electrical motor, with hanger, dual insulated, 220-240V, 4A Includes both 1/8-Inch and a 1/4-Inch cullet handpieces, with stand Max rpm: 30,000 rpm 48-Inch flexible shaft…$161.00 instead of hovering about $300.00. Please let me know…thanks…Linda Wisconsin

My flex shaft is one of a few tools in my shop that, if it broke today, I would just replace it even if I had to go into debt to do it. Luckily, that would not be the case. It is a rare piece going through my shop that is not, in some way, touched by one of my flex shaft tools. I purchased my EE over forty years ago. When I rebuilt it a couple years ago, I also bought an SR with a quick change hand piece. These are both Foredom products. I never really thought about another manufacturer because who can argue with forty years of uninterrupted service. I have lately looked at other manufacturers because I may add another flex shaft to be permanently mounted in a vice with a #30 hand piece to be used as a mini lathe. You can see this arrangement in my draw bench discussion pictures. I find that this configuration helps me deal with some arthritis and cramping problems that I have developed. I have enjoyed this discussion because it gives my a good list of flex shaft manufacturers to look at other than Foredom. Thanks! keep it going…Rob