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Info on Hammer handpieces

Jewelry Discussion
#1

Hello All,

I have just had to purchase a new Badeco Hammer Handpiece for
flexshafts (my old one finally, after 25 years, gave up the
ghost/bit the dust, said adios).

I have a question, that has been at the back of my mind for these 25
years, about the speed at which this type of handpiece can be run.
Since my flexshaft motors can run up to 10,000 rpm and the
manufacturer-recommended rpm for the handpiece is only up to 5000
rpm, how can one determine and accurately control the rpm at which
the flexshaft is actually running?

You would think, after the many years of using my old handpiece, I
would know the answer to this, but how can one tell the rpm while
using the tool, and how precise must this be?

I have a Lucas rheostat (pedal), which is quite sensitive to my
control. Other than that, what would I need to do to protect the new
handpiece?

Thanks, in advance, for any and all answers to this inquiry.

Linda Kaye-Moses

#2

Linda!..:wink:

You just bought the very best hammer hand-piece ever made. My Badeco
hammer is well over 15 years old. The speed should be run at the
slowest possible speed…“speed kills” use just enough speed to get
the best control. Fast is bad, as it might overheat! Practice if you
wish. This hammer is like a Rolls/Royce. Handle with great care!!!

Gerry!

#3

The direct answer to your question Linda, is that without a
tachometer, you can’t tell exactly what RPM it’s turning. You can get
an optical tachometer used for tuning model aircraft engines for
around $25 if you really want to know, but I would say that if you
got 25 years out of a Badeco, you can count on the fact that you’re
not abusing it or running it too fast.

I use a series EE Foredom motor to power my Badeco, that’s the one
with the reducing gear box on one end. With the gear box drive setup
and a quality foot pedal, you can slow it down to one strike every
second or two and still maintain total control, which gives you much
more control over how hard it hits. It won’t wobble around nearly as
much at these really low speeds either which gives you much more
control over where it hits. Another nice feature is that with the
gear reduced drive you can’t over-speed the handpiece except maybe if
you run it wide open for an extended time. I think Foredom stopped
making the EE series several years ago, but I’ll wager that you can
still find them on the bay.

Actually, I barely use either one of my flexshaft motors anymore,
geared or direct drive, since I went to a Lindsay Airgraver and a
high-speed handpiece. When I try going back to the old Foredom
powered stuff, it’s like driving an old, worn out truck after getting
used to a modern high-performance car. If there is any way that you
can afford to, I highly recommend upgrading to either the Lindsay or
the GRS Gravermach air powered hammers over the Badeco. Also, break
down and treat yourself to a high-speed handpiece. Foredom makes a
decent and quite inexpensive one. These two tools, especially the
high-speed handpiece will change your life at the bench more than you
can even imagine. I promise.

Dave Phelps

#4

Put a stop in the pedal were it runs about think it’s running 50%
always run my foredoom th the side it’s geared do to run max 5,000
rpm

Richard Dennis

#5

Hi Linda,

I hate to be a ‘me too’, but in regards to what Dave Phelps said:
“What he said”.

I run my Badeco on one of the old Foredom EE motors (with the
right-angle reduction gear set on the end) as well, and he’s right,
it does give a lot more control, and keeps you from overspeeding it.

That said, I figure if you got 25 years out of the old one,
you’redoing just fine in terms of speed. Don’t obsess over the
"exact" speed. That’s my job. Run it SLOOOW, and you’ll be just
fine. Just remember to oil/grease it periodically. Lack of lube
kills more of them than speed ever will.

Equally, I do have a Gravermach, and they do have a lot more control
even than the slowed-down Badecos. How fast I run them depends on
what I’m doing, but sometimes down around a strike a second. 20-ish
strikes/second (lightly) is about as fast as I ever go, with any of
them. At that speed, it’s more about lots of little blows to clean
up and consolidate, rather than heavy blows to really move anything
around.

FWIW,
Brian

#6

Linda

If you watch my video, you will see the Badeco hammer “in
action”…it is probably 1/2 through film that I shot it at!! …Please
listen to the hammer buzzing. that is the slow speed to use for this
roll/royce hammer. nothing faster.

PLEASE!.. Hope this helps you and all!!!

Gerry Lewy

#7

OK so now let’s go on to the next question…maintenance. Would you all (all who know) post your info on the maintenance of the Badeco hammer handpiece (mine has the duplex spring).

Also would welcome input on care and maintenance of flex shafts in general and their rheostats (I use the Lucas rheostats).

Thanks, in advance, of receiving all your sage advice.