Peggy,
the #30 quick change which only accepts 3/32" shafts or the #30
which I can use both 1/8" and 3/32. " The quick change is appealing
since I'm always having to stop and change out a bit, which can be
a bit time consuming using my Dremel. But I'm worried it also might
be limiting to just use the 3/32" shafts.
There must be a typo there, as the #30 handpiece is always a jacobs
chuck style, which can hold anything from a #80 drill (If it’s a good
chuck. Some don’t go quite that small, especially the handpieces that
copy the Fordom, but are not that brand), all the way up to a bit
over 1/8 inch. While it is indeed slower to change bits and
attachments with a jacobs chuck style, like the #30, this should be
your first handpiece. With the quick change type, you are limited to
only 3/32 shanks, which means, for example, that the only drill bits
you can use, other than an actual 3/32 drill, are the carbon steel
types, like Busch or others, that put whatever size drill on a 3/32
shank. These, while handy, are not as long lasting as high speed
drills, and cost more. And there are times when you’ll want to hold a
1/8 inch shank as well. So while slower, the #30 chucks are more
versatile. A plus is also that they last a LOT longer. I’ve had any
number of types of quick change chucks, and they simply don’t last
forever. The collets, or the parts the collets fit into, or the parts
that open the chuck, all suffer wear and tear, and need to be
periodically replaced. Sometimes that can get costly. The #30 chucks
are pretty much indestructable. I say pretty much because, well, I’ve
seen them worn out or damaged, but it takes some real doing to do so,
or it takes a long time. I’ve got one #30 chuck that I’ve had for
over 25 years, and it still works just fine.
So start with the #30 chuck, genuine Fordom brand preferred. They
cost less than the quick change, and do more, just more slowly. Then,
if over time you find you’d like more speed in changing between
attachments, then get a second handpiece, a decent quick change. If
you do any stone setting, that quick change might even be your third
handpiece, with the second one being a good hammer handpiece like the
Badeco. You can do setting work without one, and in fact some setting
tasks are more safely and better done the manual way, but usually,
the hammer handpieces are wonderful time savers, and can do some
things easily that are a PITA to do with a punch and chasing hammer.
That handpiece does things a quick change or #30 cannot, so if you’re
upgrading handpieces in order of utility, I’d guess that one might be
second, if you do stone setting. The quick change duplicates what you
do already with the #30, just speeds it up.
One thing, by the way, that helps speed up the use of the #30 is how
you open and close it. The standard little chuck key has a habit of
getting lost. Put it on the end of a cord or chain so it’s always
exactly where it should be. You can also get chuck keys on a plastic
handle. Easier and faster to use, and easier to find in a bench pan
too.
Hope that helps
Peter Rowe