Foredom K.5240 Woodcarving Kit

I've been through 2 Dremel tools in the last couple of years and finally did a bit of research on rotary tools. As a hobbyist blacksmith and bladesmith, I use this on metal more than wood. However this kit came with the handle I wanted and was less expensive than buying the individual pieces. While this doesn't offer the same high max speed as something like the Dremel, I find that with the torque provided by this motor, you generally don't need the extra speed to get the job done. I don't want to take anything away from the Dremel product. It's solid, especially for the price. I used 4000 series Dremel tools before getting this and they are a fraction of the cost and generally work quite well. I do find, whether used hand-help or with a flex shaft attachment, the Dremel does pull a bit harder than the Foredom appears to, at least so far. The Dremel Fortiflex may be a more apples to apple comparison, but I've never used one. Some folks have complained about the process of changing bits on the Foredom, and that's a fair complaint, but I would say that if that's your only issue, then you can correct that by getting a different handpiece. Foredom offers several chuck, collet, and quick change hand pieces that will probably address your needs. I, personally, don't change tools frequently enough that it's an issue for me.

I do inlay work from time to time and have used many different approaches, from knives and hand chisels, to a Dremel in a router base. Feeling the need to improve the process and try some power carving, I picked up a used Foredom model CC, which, when paired with the right hand piece and router base, worked better than the Dremel, but was still a bit lacking in the power department. I tried an obsolete model S, which turned out to be a cheap copy; not a genuine American made Foredom. It was disappointing at best. Not wanting to get outbid or end up with another knock-off, I bought this Foredom kit with the SR motor. When it arrived, I checked the shaft for grease, connected it to my Stew-Mac router base and got to work. This SR has more power and top speed than the other motors combined. It does the job with ease and made it pure pleasure. Later, I put on the 44T hand piece that came in the kit and one of the carving bits. It ran strong and did not stall no matter what I tried. This kit is going to last and make me happy for a very long time. I just wish I had bought this one in the first place, instead of all the others. It would have saved a lot of time, money, and frustration.

I went back and forth on whether I should buy this or just stick with buying a Dremel (again). I had a Dremel a few months ago, used it briefly and then returned it to the big box store (orange one) because it just wasn't powerful enough for my project/task. Fast forward a few months and then I'm in a position where I need another rotary tool. I was looking for the "best dremel/rotary tool" and a forum post mentioned a Foredom. I had never heard of them before, and decided to check them out... wow... pricey is all I can say. I looked at the various models, mulled it over, and decided to pass on it and put my project on hold. I finally reached a point where I needed a rotary tool and had to finish my project. So buy a cheaper dremel or the more expensive Foredom? Well... I went with the Foredom. For the price of the Dremel 4000 I was looking at spending close to $90 after taxes. Sure I got a lot of bits, but the time I spent trying the other one which I returned, I burned up two bits (I had paid for them outside of the set and didn't return those obviously). The Foredom has an all metal housing for the motor, and it's 1/6hp. The tool holder is excellent as well, all metal and doesn't feel like cheap plastic crap that you find on cheaper/more common rotary tools. The quick release tool/handle is excellent too, just pop it off and switch to another one (if you have one). This could come in handy if you're switching between bits frequently, though for my uses I'll stick with the one and just switch bits. I just set it up and started using it today to test on PVC pipe as well as wood, but haven't done much more than that yet. It's easy to use, and VERY quiet. One word about the bits that are included. The purple headed bits that look like spikes or morning stars are actually metal, NOT plastic like I had assumed when buying it.

Its a bit awkward holding in your hand and the vibration after a short time of use makes your hand tingle. I needed to steady it with both hands. It comes with a standard size handpiece, which is larger, maybe great for a man's hands, but not as desireable for smaller hands. There are additional handpieces that can be purchased for more money ($100?) I purchased the Foredom to hollow out a birch log. I tried a number of different coarse burrs but none were able to cut into the wood which doesnt make sense. In any event, this tool did not perform as needed. I know, everyone thinks this is a woodcarver's ideal tool, I did too which is why I purchased, but sadly it did not do the job.

IMHO, this is the gold standard rotary shaft tool. In effect, it's a handheld 'mini' router that has been used by jewelers since it first came out. This kit comes with various collets and bits, including sandpaper and scotch bright. Bonus is a DVD on carving Birds, Fish and other useless objects. I use it, with a MicroFence base, for furniture inlay. Wood, Argentinium wire, Abalone, etc. Think of guitar inlay and this is the tool you'd want. The newer models are nicer than the older ones, I've owned both. The foot switch lets you keep both hands free, and is variable speed via foot pressure. IMHO, this is a 'buy once' and put in the Residuary Clause of your will. It should last that long.

Perfect

This tool is incredible - I have now completed five carvings with it and it is still running like a champ. The bit selection is pretty good in this package but I immediately bought additional carbide bits from Foredom and others to have more versatility. The bit rack which is on a rotating "lazy susan" kind of mount is excellent with holes for all sizes of bits. I probably have 200 hours or more of runtime on this and I have not had to replace the flex shaft or contacts yet - I just re-lube it about once a month. I bought two more handpieces so I have one set up with each of the three collet sizes or with multiple bits that I go back and forth with. This is WAY better than working with a Dremel tool!!!

It seems REALLY good value for this item. I haven't used it as much as I want, but when I have used it, it's like a different league to the Dremel style of hand-held devices. The torque is impressive and the foot controller is great, although the plastic does feel cheap (I'd expect that at the price to be honest). Great entry into the professional range of products for an amateur coconut product designer - awesome!

Excelente producto: potente, velocidad variable con pedal y reversible, lo que lo hace muy versátil. Para quien quiere trabajar de.manera continua y con calidad este es.el equipo indicado