MIke Zagielski, at foredom can give you the details of
interchangeability of handpieces…(Blackstone industries / Foredom
Co.).
But their are alot of micromotors out there and many cheaper witha
longer warranty.
however, I love hammer handpieces, and feel incomplete without one
(or two)…and a few shaped anvil points and a diamond tip…so go for
the cheaper,carbon brush model if NOT interchangeable…just buy the
brushes as spares whrn buying the unit…perhaps use it as a
bargaining point ( if you throw in a set or two of spare brushes you
have a sale- type telephone conversation)…However, many hammer
handpieces are not universal, so do do the research…
http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundations/store/home.asp
Foredom direct also has alot of sales this time of ear so check that
link first before going through a middleman supply.
Also DON"T OVERLOOK Canyon State Dental Supply…right now they have
two great micromotors one on sale for 299.00-799.00 or there about,
that is not only high torque low speed but variable and reversible
speed…and runs very cool after hours on hours of grinding, carving,
hamering etc. ( i just sent them back a#700 series test unit !- loved
it’s reversible feature, and the run time, as well as the
ergonomically correct handpiece and carbon pile foot pedal…and
SELF_DIAGNOSING features the price was another factor that made it
attractive,and that it comes with two handpieces,one a hammer type
but the anvils will need modification for jewelry purposes- if you
want to modify them, I guess).
http://www.canyonstatedentalsupply.com/specials.htm
I personally would rather change brushes for a few reasons If you are
a beginning jeweler:…they are a great indicator of the way you use/
are using a tool, and when maintenance is needed…I have had sealed
brushless motors, and micromotors ( abeit proxxon ) in the past, and
there was no indication that the units were on their way to death
from overuse…or when it was time to change out a core( on the
flexshaft) or other simple, oft overlooked maintainence details that
would have been easier with a simple turn of a button and brush
examination… and if you do opt for a micromotor you may want to
consider checking globalspec.com, or their vast assemblage of
micromotors and parts primarily intended for a dental audience but
the two arts are so close that all products are interchangeable
between dentistry and goldsmithing…
I have used Buffalo dental micromotors before ( brushless) and for
about 400 bucks,with an optional 140 dollar hammer handpiece- though
both are in the gulf of mexico presently, they worked fine for about
a year or two!!