rotary tool - do you use one?

[GemstonesnDragonflys]

I'm working on that list of tools I need. I'm wondering if you use a rotary tool for sanding/polishing your soldering on your jewelry pieces?

If so, what brand/features do you like in your rotary tool?

[GemstonesnDragonflys]

Another question I was wondering about - do you use one of those rotary tool work stations that holds your rotary tool for you?( kind of like a drill press)

[Former_Member]

I've got a dremel that I absolutely love. Its got so many different heads that can be interchanged.

And for the bigger stuff I'll go to the router and table.

[khmetalwork]

omgosh yes - I use my flexshaft every time I make anything - from complicated pieces to simple charms. It's an invaluable tool - I have two, and three different handpieces. I would buy a foredom with a #30 handpiece to start. (Otto Frei has kits and a coupon every month). If you can swing it, get a foredom micromotor. I use a rolling double IV stand as the hanger. I'd say in my studio the list of most used tools goes:

flexshaft
rolling mill
saw
torch
files

[Former_Member]

ooh, i was going to ask this yesterday! actually the reason i joined the team, but i forgot to post. i'm interested in brands with lots of details for a beginner :D

[Former_Member]

kh, which rolling mill do you have? i am holding out for a big durston that a wide sheet will fit in, # escapes me at the moment..

[Former_Member]

This is the dremel I bought:

http://dx.com/p/mini-electronic-drill-with-cutting-sharpening-polishing-tools-kit-24812

It was very inexpensive and didn't come as organized as the picture but it works perfectly and hasn't let me down yet!

[CrookedCraftLane]

I love my rotary tool and definately recommend you getting one. I bought a cheap dremel type from Maplin (UK based) but all the dremel bits fit it. It's an essential piece of my set up, drilling, polishing, sanding, now if only I could train it to make the coffee ....

[khmetalwork]

I have a cavallin - italian 120mm combo. I hate making wire and only use the wire rollers to make gold wire. Considering the space I could otherwise use, I would gladly forgo the wire making capabilities for more flat space. Look on Craigslist - I saw one listed down here just last week.

*****

@sewamore - if you can afford it, get a Foredom rotary tool and if you can manage it - get the micromotor - so nice to work with, so nice. The difference b/w the Foredom products and a dremel is night and day.

[GemstonesnDragonflys]

Great info everyone - I need to check these out. My husband is after me for a Christmas list, so I'll be giving him quite a list, from the look of things!

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[Former_Member]

I also love my Foredom flexshaft but also have a dremmel that is great for when i am on the road. I have a large torch set up but would like a smaller more portable set up. A rolling mill is on my Christmas list as well as a kiln for glass, metal clay and enamel as right now I have to do in my large ceramic kiln or torch fire..

[wavejewelry]

I use a foredom flexableshaft drill as well. I love it.

[Former_Member]

I've had my Foredom flexshaft for 4 years, and I love it! I bought the basic jeweller's kit version, but now they have one that has a dual-direction motor.

[FlameOnGlass]

I have 3 Dremels. One with a flexshaft, one battery operated & a regular corded one. I use each of them pretty much every day for different things.

[TheRusticHome]

LOVE LOVE LOVE my Dremel ..... and I use it for everything from carving, polishing, drilling, sanding,...... seriously... they rock.

[vintagecalif]

If you plan to do SERIOUS volume, invest in a Foredom. The foot pedal allows you to free up your hands.

In my bead store I used a Dremel with the flex shaft. Loved it, still use it.

A Lot less money than a Foredom.

Definitely get one that has an adjustable speed control and buy the flexshaft.

LES ♥