Which Foredom is best?

The true beauty of the Foredom is the foot-operated speed control. No matter the amount of torque the motor generates, you have very precise control over the speed, just like with a sewing machine. Make certain the models you are looking at have this controller instead of the one speed on-off controller in some of their bundles. In the end, more power is more power for really big jobs, so ignore the torque ratings and focus on speed control.

Make certain you select a model with the keyed chuck rather than the"quick change" collets. The keyed chuck allows you to use a wide variety of different bits, including something as small as a #80 drill bit, where you are limited to three sizes of arbors with the quick change nonsense.

Keep the motor oiled and the shaft itself well lubricated - regular maintenance really extends the life of the tool. I'm going on nearly thirty years with mine and beyond the white lithium grease, the only expense was replacing a split shaft cover around its 25th anniversary.

I would choose the TX ...

 

 

 

Thanks

I have watched that video twice

I am getting the TX model - hoping i dont need the ability to change direction which seems to be only on the SR model

 

 

 

Ncc1762, if you are still around and see this.. Did you end up getting the Foredom? I have been wanting to pick one up, but am having the same problem you were. I however have been trying to decide between the LX and the SR. The LX seems nice for it's lower speeds, ie. easier low speed control, theoretically, but the SR, and other faster models seems nicer for their versatility..

 

If you did end up picking one up, did you still go with the TX? How do you like it? Is it easy enough to control the speed while running under 5k to easily keep from melting plastic, or taking off too much material way too quickly?

My Fordom is over 40 years old and still running strong. My mother used it for wood carving birds.

Close up of the detail on the wings. All done with the foredom.

My set up on my bench is with the motor hangar for the model "S" series motor.

The handpiece is a #44, a collet type. A 16mm Schwinn bycycle cone wrench has a nice long rubberized handle for changing the collets.

I added a three jaw keyless chuck with a 1/8" shaft to make it easier to change bits from #27 down to #80. From Micromark.

The foot control is nice. #FCT-1. From nearly zero rpm to, according to the plate 18,000 rpm.

I use a couple different battery powered ones too, but this thing has more power and will run as long as I want to run it without any recharges.

 

EJ

 

I ended up ordering a Foredom SR with the cast iron foot pedal this morning. Been researching these things for weeks now, and feeling a bit overloaded on information. Figured I'd just pull the trigger on it, and if nothing else, I can find about a million things around here other than modeling to use it for as well! Lol. I suspect I will love it though!

E.J.

 Chuckle time-Is that cute critter in Photo three an extra piece of equipment? I would buy it just for that! I have the Dremel type unit. Now going on 45 years! It's done many Hummingbirds ( Life -Sized) and fish ( Life-Sized). I especially like doing the Well known Tropical tank fish.

Tanker-Builder

E.J.

 Chuckle time-Is that cute critter in Photo three an extra piece of equipment? I would buy it just for that! 

 

Hey TB

I think it's supposed to be a baby hedgehog, but not sure. My grandaughter made these. It's a styrofoam core with some kind of pine cones, cut in half and stuck to the foam with double face carpet tape. The face and front are some kinda needles or something. Almost look like fine wood shavings. Add some white latex houspaint and sparkles for accent and viola, you got a hedgehog.

Anyway, I thought it was cute and told her so she made me one. It has become my model bench mascot.

 

EJ

Well guys, my SR just arrived a little bit ago.. All I have to say is AMAZING!!! If any of you guys have ever tossed around the idea of getting one of these, but weren't sure about dropping the money on one, DO IT! This thing is going to be super handy at the bench, and many other things around the house as well. Going to LOVE this thing when I'm doing a lot of PE work and need to remove molded detail!

Geez;

 I don't have a picture anymore, but my youngest daughter( "Gotta luv em") gave me a life sized plastic fish. A gourami.She put a little suction cup in place of his lips and he " Kissed " my bench light for many years.