Pros and cons of micromotors vs. flexshafts

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi, friends.

I’ve read some articles on the subject of micromotors but haven’t been able to find the specific answers I’m looking for.

-I mainly need to know if I can use my Foredom bits and drills in a micromotor/ANY micromotor

-Do I have to buy a separate hammer hand piece?

I’m looking at purchasing one for stone setting specifically so I’d need a hammer hand piece attachment. I’ve also looked at dentist micromotors as a cheaper option as I’m not a goldsmith and wouldn’t need a $2,000 machine.

Thanks so much in advance!

Kerry Hicks
www.eyespotsilverworks.ca

1 Like
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There are many recent discussions about micromotors. Use the search tools and limit the search to after 01/01/2021…Rob

3

Thanks Rob. I’ll look again. Maybe I didn’t search properly.

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Yep so the only conversations that came up in those search parameters was ours. Thanks anyway.

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Hi,

with regards to using bits/ burs etc, consider:

  • what size (shaft) bits/ burs/ etc do you have, use, or will use…ie: what your needs will be…ie: 3/32…1/8”…

  • what size collets come with and/ or are available for the specific micro-motor(s) you are considering…”quick change” collets usually accommodate only one shaft size…ie: 3/32…whereas a universal(?) chuck accommodates whatever will fit within the range of the jaw opening

  • if there is a compatible hammer hand piece that either comes with the brand/ set, or is available separately

with regard to a micro-motor hammer hand-piece, the “plug”(?) on the end of the shaft is different than a hammer hand piece designed for use with a flexshaft.

i “think” micro-motors that accomodate hammer handpieces have two shaft ports…one for the micro-motor, and one for rotary (hammer hand-piece), so you need to have that port, even if you do not buy a hammer hand-piece at the same time

just some comments

julie

1 Like
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hi again,

as far as pros and cons…in my own experience

micromotor pros:
do not have to fight the shaft.

shaft does not inhibit positioning of hand/ handpiece
due to radius limitations of shaft.

shaft does not whip around or move

lower torque at low speeds/ less grabby
good torque for overall needs

micromotor cons:
handpiece is slightly longer/ heavier
a bit pricier than a flex shaft, but well worth the expense if it can be borne, and if used often in daily work

i have no experience with a micro-motor hammer hand-piece

julie

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Oh thanks so much, Julie. I really appreciate your answer. I’m wondering if hammer handpieces are common purchases for micromotors. I really would like one for stone setting beyond much of anything else. My Foredom does an adequate job but i feel my hand would be more stable with a micromotor when setting. Again, thanks so much for your time.

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Hi

I ended up purchasing an NSK micromotor
(for me, it was about the micro handpiece size/ shape/ weight…i think​:joy::rofl:

I also considered Foredom, and Saeshin

Foredom has sets that include a micromotor and hammer handpiece.

Melissa Muir has a few youtube videos where she compares and contrasts the different foredom units.

based on what you are saying, i would suggest getting a micro motor with the hammer handpiece,

the handpieces are pricey…the motors are in the handpieces

julie

1 Like
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Following should be a link to a PDF of the search results using “micromotors” and “after 01/01/2020” as the search terms in the archives. This has been a hot topic recently and there is more here than just your inquiry to be found…Rob

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-6X8mUsDbC4S5QAL9vlN8qDOCpbKc1X/view?usp=sharing

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Hi Rob,
Thank you for the pdf

the bolded titles are active hyperlinks to that forum post…very cool!

julie

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Julie - my micro motor has a switch on the control box to change the handpiece from rotary to hammer, not a different plug. it’s a Badeco.
Judy h

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Simple answer from someone who has used both, YES. I smashed up my lower arm and hand badly, I have about 70% usage. Love my micro motor and it’s hammer hand piece.

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Hi Judy,

ok, great to know that about Badeco, thank you!
I do have a Badeco hammer handpiece fiormy flexshaft…

i think i mis-spoke! (i should not have said rotary!…)

i think the consideration comes into play for brush type hand pieces, and brushless-type hand pieces…

ie: i think the foredom hammer hand piece is brush-type, and the rotary handpieces come both ways…

so, if you want to have both types plugged in to same control box, you would need to look into that detail

anyway, i had just wanted to mention that as a consideration during purchase process…

julie