A jeweler on this list (ringman, I think) had just suggested the Ryobi as an inexpensive alternative so I went to a local big time hardware chain and bought one. I love it and am still using it, although I have replaced my Foredom. What I especially like about it is the handpiece because it is lightweight and narrow - easy to hold. You would want a Foredom, Phingst (sp?) or one of the others if you can afford it, but if funds are low the Ryobi is a great interium tool.
Hi Nancy,
Is the Ryobi that you use just the standard Dremel-like model with a
flex shaft attachment or something different? My dh has the
dremel-type that I’ve thought of confiscating for my own use (and
adding the flex-shaft) but since it is not variable speed I didn’t
know if it would work well for this. Your thoughts on this would be
greatly appreciated. Of course, I’m just waiting until I can afford a
foredom, but trying to figure out ways of making due until I have the
funds.
Thank you to everyone on and off-list who has responded to my
questions and for your overwhelming support! Your support has made me
feel much more confident asking even a basic question when I run into
problems and has indeed made me appreciate even more this incredible
resource of wonderful people that is Orchid.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing more from everyone!
Carrie Otterson