All About Flex Shafts / Pendant Motors and Handpieces

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

I been using a Drexel for two years. Never even know there were better flex shafts. I didn't know Drexel had a flex shaft until 2 years ago and I ran out and got one. I been saving my $ for a Foredom SR this last few months. To me it will be worth it because of the hand piece that do other things. The Drexel has saved me time but not a lot of time. I hate the little wrench that I have to use to loosen and tighten the bits. I set it down and I lose it. I finally bought a bunch. Now I have them all over my house and it's frustrating. I have OCD and it drives Mr crazy when things are not in their place. Thank you Andrew for the indispensable advise. I love your channel here on YT.

[@lindsaywang4413]

Could you please do a top 10-15 bur/tools most used on a flex shaft?

[@maureenchandler4371]

ThankyouAndrew, excuse me myspace bar sticks. lol Purchased a SR !?^ HP boredom with the H.30 hand piece. I have not used it yet. Im 72 yrs old little late ya think lol lol but as I am little scared of the power of it. I will make certain my husband is with me the first time I use it. I also purchased a pepe 130 rolling mill. I am slowly getting ready to learn these tools. Im making my brother a bear claw necklace . hope it turns out. I have mosts of the silver cut out and cleaned up the bear claws. they were given to me and also some Elk front teeth. did you know the american elks 2 front teeth are ivory. I took a jewelry making class in the 70's I was a single parent. couldn't afford tools. then in 1982 married a british man in Bedforshire. lived there 5 yrs. and we have been wed 38 yrs now. Im getting back into making jewelry. we live in the colorado mountains now and I have had a wonderful friend who has retired from being a gold and silversmith and he gave me a lot of tools. bless him. i have put together nice little studio. Have 2oz.s of silver scraps from awhile ago ready to melt. I want to get a borax cone. I saw some on amazon but can't find the dish. is it a specific dish or what do I need.? starting up again. Im having some difficulty soldering but as its b e en also time. I will watch you over and over until I get it right. sorry to write so much. wish I could chat to you as I have questions. but I know I cannot. so I will keep watching. thanks to you and your mrs. cheers Maureen Chandler

[@lifeurge]

Curious to know how it’s all going Maureen? What has it been like to slowly learn to use all your amazing tools and how did that bear claw necklace turn out? Cheers, Davey

[@aliceryan3399]

Thanks for a comprehensive comparison of the different types. I've never seen or heard an explanation of the differences. I'm so glad to have found your series; you have a great direct style of teaching that I can understand easily. Keep 'em coming!

[@bjones4097]

Thanks for this Andrew. I have been trying to decide on which flex shaft system & type to buy and this video has settled that for me. I will order the Foredom SR today. Love your videos as they are very informative and helpful to people just starting out making jewelry. Keep em coming!!

[@DaSageBlaze]

Mr Andrew I'm really learning a lot from you I'm preparing to enter jewelry school in Paris and I'm really loving your videos thanks alot

[@wonbadood8243]

As ever, Thanks Andrew. Iv'e been in the game for years and always learn something from your videos.

[@a.nik5647]

Thanks for your useful information. I would like to know more about the universal handpiece. Could you please give some information about 1 to 6 mm

[@paulusmaximus8284]

He reminds me of Yoda: There is no want, only need.

[@sam111880]

Yes this is a piece of equipment i see at some jewelry places looking in. Now i understand what it is. I been trying to use a dremel tool which is good for somethings but for very fine things the model i have is nothing like these pendent motors your show. And the interchangeable tools and heads of them look like you can do everything from polishing to drilling to maybe even cutting some stones.

[@samuellaramsey5824]

Your information is invaluable! Thanks so very much from California!

[@Lemzati.]

Yesterday 3 hanging motors fell down from my sealing in my studio , and hit me in the shoulder... good it was not over my head !! Andrew have you try the Fortiflex from Dremel ? You should try it just the noise of the machine is B E A U T I F U L !! And it is my favorite ! I wonder why you did not have it ? Have a great day !!

[@albertpartridge2194]

great stuff again I got the Fordham a while back cant fault it

[@farshidmoghaddam2198]

Thank you so much,I looked for the differences you told in your video and it was helpful for me

[@jaykay415]

Andrew, can you do a video about how to use the hammer handpiece for bezel setting? I'm trying to do it, but so far it's not budging my bezel.

[@nosleepdelirium1214]

"There is no want, you need it!." Hahahha oh my goodness unexpected humour

[@pattiehanan1356]

Thanks so much for this very informative video. Presently I'm trying to learn about flexible shaft drills and hand pieces for wood carving (walking sticks to begin with) and may get into jewelry making eventually. I know zip about this but so many carvers use these that I want to go with one. I'll watch for your other videos I'm in New York, USA.

[@zendozin]

😢

[@twokois7032]

How can I store my foredom for long term storage- I will be doing some traveling and have only a tote to put my items into storage. Hoping this video teaches me how to disconnect my drill at least... thanks!

[@BruceBrandt59]

Thanks Andrew, I was planning to use a Dremmel but I understand now, why that would not be a good purchase.

[@verdabehner8963]

this video answered my questions about flex shafts

[@votaryofjustice1648]

👍❤ In this video you didnt say much about those motor in front of you... brand, model, watt power... would you make a video about motors and their proximate prices... it's been long time i want to buy one but i'm puzzled... a motor which work atleast 5 or 6 hours a day.. thanks

[@Applepie409]

There is a drill which is fitted to the side of the bench, therefore not a pendant drill but it runs soo smoothly and centrally. Wish I could remember the manufacturer. Any ideas please?

[@ctgardener6026]

Thanks for the info.

[@Mark_L]

Never even thought how that is done until I saw this video.

[@pitin321]

What side motor should I use for jewelry making.

[@trimeliaasalaka4416]

Hey Andrew, this video is amazing and very clear. I am going to buy flex shaft myself with Badeco hammer handpiece, What would you recommed to buy for the foredom flex shaft? any specific type? thank you sooo much.

[@only_the_best_stuff5706]

for a starter like me, wanting to carve stone, fire agate to be specific, would a dremel Fortiflex work? in the Netherlands its the only thing that I can find,,

[@bnelson313braveheart]

I feel like I need one!!! thanks

[@carbonsu]

Hi Andrew, this cleared up so much confusion about the connection styles as I'm looking around to buy a pendant motor in the EU. What I'd like to ask though is: would the tips of the foredom hammer action handpiece fit other hammer action handpieces from other brands?

[@rickcrippen5180]

I bought a Foredom tool in the late 80s. Any need to update it?

[@esalenchik]

Really helpful info. Thank you!

[@603storm]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@sirzen100]

great video, notice you have Seco. trying to change the shaft myself as Seco don't make them anymore but how does the flex shaft come out of the motor ?

[@lauratraiber1883]

Hi, Andrew, I’m left handed, I have the Foredom, but I’m not sure I’m doing wright when it comes to the things I atach to the hand piece... any tip for me? Thanks

[@aliv1908]

I wonder if these would be good for iron chasing?

[@andijvie3119]

I just bought a cheap micromotor to try out for stone setting, I feel like it lacks power to do the job like drilling etc. , when do you need lets say 40.000rpm ? I’m using a techdent for like almost 10 years now with only 12.000rpm but it does the job.

[@briansoneberhart3993]

Can you use the hammer headpiece to engrave?

[@dzolotas]

What is the average speed (RPM) used for jewelry? I want to use a larger motor for my dremel flex shaft, maybe with a speed controller.

[@kalita-16]

Hi Andrew, please can you help. I'm looking at buying a pendant drill. I was looking at Foredom quick release but now I am looking at the strong 209 or foredom Micromotor. Please can you tell me what you would recommend a pendant motor or a micromoto? Really appreciate your help. Thanks

[@flipper184]

Thanks

[@flyingcheff]

is the "pendant motor the same as the drill type?

[@JohnVanderbeck]

Is it just me or doe the euro handpieces look slimmer?

[@jordanrogers1848]

HI! , new jeweler here, was just about to place my order for the foredoom SR and i noticed when going to purchase the burs *Busch* that they have 4mm and 6mm , what is the difference between the 4mm and 6 mm does it matter? should i go with a certain one? any advice is welcome and appreciated. Also it is a 110 v 4mm, is this ok for me to use to do everything i need starting metalsmithing!? Thanks Guys.

[@1680nation]

On Foredom, what is the best voltage to get? 115v or 230v

[@Atthebench]

1680nation Hi. Each country had its own voltage. Here in the UK it's 240v, the US it's 110v. Order which ever the voltage is in your country.

[@umeshmore4077]

Hello Andrew sir

[@dariopereira3086]

Tengo uno de esos

[@sarahwarden-smith959]

is there any reason I cannot use a hammer handpiece with a Foredom SR?

[@Atthebench]

You can use a hammer action with the Foredom. Just make sure you don't run the motor too fast or you will damage the handpiece. Who said you couldn't?

[@sarahwarden-smith959]

I thought I read somewhere that you needed a lower torque motor to run a hammer hand piece .... I have a Foredom Speed Control, what is the best speed for a hammer handpiece do you reckon?

[@sarahwarden-smith959]

Ignore my last question, found the info on line :)

[@Atthebench]

Not more than 5,000rpm?

[@magicman9486]

great video. now i feel good about my foredom purchase

[@CrucesNomad1]

I have three damn flex shafts and they all suck. I do need a pendant drill.

[@johnhall8455]

It would be worth mentioning the large amount of Chinese/Indian fake replicas there are now available, especially the Foredom ones which are so much cheaper, even being sold on Amazon. They look the same externally, but the all important internal components certainly are not the same. Buyer beware..

[@nathalieschumann8499]

*sigh* And I just bought a Dremel... 😣

[@nathalieschumann8499]

Arrisina van der Plas I have and so far it works fine for me. I have no way of comparing it to a more professional flex shaft but for me as an amateur jewelry maker the Dremel is absolutely fine.

[@nathalieschumann8499]

Arrisina van der Plas I use it mainly for cleaning or polishing or for structuring surfaces. I think the main advantage of a professional Flex Shaft is that the motor is more powerful. Especially when you handle larger quantities. As I handle only amateur quantities, my Dremel does the job ok.

[@Carte-Blanche-NZ]

Hi Andrew, this video really helped me when I was making the big decision of how much to spend and what to look for. I spent a bit more than I initially thought I would but ended up with a Foredom SR and love it. No hassles!

[@Atthebench]

+Ranne123 456 one of the best flex shafts out there 👍🏼

[@myrtille92100]

Hi Andrew, I have the Foredom flexshaft with US style joint, however I can use it now with the European slip joint handpieces, Foredom provides also adapters to go from US to European style joint and slip joint to US style, they are available at Ottofrei. I gain much more versatility with just one flexshaft motor, using various types of handpieces, whatever the style of the shaft joint !

[@maureenchandler4371]

Hello myrtle 92100 excuse me butty in. I am in the us and saw your text to Andrew. may I ask you please they Ottofrei place you mentioned to get slip joint handpicks adapters to go from USA to European style. is that place in the UKor US. My name is Mo and you can email me at [e-mail] thank you kindly Mo

[@myrtille92100]

Hi Maureen, You may check to Otto Frei site and search for " Foredom H.30SJ Euro Style Slip Joint Handpiece"

[@myrtille92100]

Or search for Slip Joint Adapter

[@myrtille92100]

You may find as well directly on Foredom website www.foredom.net/product/shaft-adapter-for-connecting-slip-joint-handpiece-to-key-tip-shafting/

[@alyona.143]

Hello Andrew, love your videos! I've seen almost all of them. Thank you for sharing, its priceless ! I would like to know if its true, that you can not really use this Foredom hammer handpiece with SR Motor , as it will burn it out. I will order my first SR Motor as a Christmas gift , but don't want to buy LX Motor specialy for this hammer handpiece, as it quite pricey. Thank you.

[@audreyh6628]

I have done a lot of research and am still struggling to get an answer to this same question

[@Sangreal333]

Andrew - excellent presentation; straightforward and clear to understand, even though I'd never explored flex shafts before. I've subscribed because your videos are filled w/ great advice and you aren't trying to be some TV personality jabbering on and on (like the majority of YT vids)!

[@karenmanus2338]

I'm finally grown up enough to advance from a dremel to a flex shaft :D Thank you so much for helping to decide which one suits my needs! I enjoy your videos. They are concise clear and the videography is also well done.

[@BeachsideHank]

Good stuff here, thanks for the info. In a complete aside however, sometimes I kept thinking "gee, this guy looks familiar", then it hit me: Roy Scheider of "Jaws" fame. ☺

[@GopalNandy13]

Excellent video Andrew, very informative and very detailed as always. I would just like to add that the US Style Flag/Key Shaft that you showed, which works well on bench vise drilling mechanism, has a key to lock the drill bits on it, so its a bit slower to attach a new drill bit on that shaft as compared to other ones that you showed. I have a Freedom Pendent Motor that I got from my dad, and he bought that motor in the early 90s, and its still working flawlessly, although the foot pedal accelerator has become less accurate over time, so I probably need to get that repaired or buy a new one.

[@pepperlalonde3854]

Thank You so much, I just found your video and it is so helpful. I am just beginning and had no clue how to go about buying the equipment. Looking forward to many more of your videos!

[@harpermatthew6655]

Thank you Mr.Berry, you have been most helpful in all your videos. Can't wait to see what you have for us next, keep up the brilliant work!

[@mrmidnight32]

Can you buy a replacement motor from somewhere? My motor for my flex shaft went out and I need a new motor.

[@ottazoubek3279]

Hello Otta Czech Republic, I have a question, the ALI Express have FOREDOM outboard engines for $ 40-50, is it original from the FOREDOM company ???

[@Atthebench]

No. They are counterfeit. They may last but usually they are rubbish. Buy from an authorised dealer

[@ottazoubek3279]

@@Atthebench Thank you very much for your answer

[@rwhughes47]

Your the man Andrew....EXCELLENT presentation on every one of your videos ..thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!!

[@RameshRajasekar]

Hi, Thanks for your videos! Which pendant motor, shaft & bits useful in silver jewelry making??

[@laurabrown6817]

Brilliant, just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much. Although subtitles were HILARIOUS. “Ham piece”

[@paulsearle7871]

I have a RENDA pendant. It has a screw in flexi shaft. I cant find a replacement forthis only shafts with a flat end. Any ideas ?

[@mkivy]

Hey sir, My late mother left me all her lapidary equipment including the Fordham flex shaft...so many tools i will have to look up there actions...is Fordham a good tool? It has a nice flex shaft and long tubing. Juts curious...

[@BigHenFor]

Do you mean FOREDOM? Then yes.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

THANK YOU! This was exceedingly helpful and very much appreciated.

[@chaseybears]

I dont know why people keep saying this but, Its not a "foot" pedal....it's simply a pedal. You operate a pedal with your foot... sorry to be pedantic, but it drives me bonkers.

[@maureennewell5323]

Thanks for the info Andrew. I know what I’m looking for now.

[@chadatchison145]

I should've watched this video before I bought mine lol. Thanks for the tips Andrew. :)

[@virglibrsaglove]

Me, too! I wondered why mine was so awful. Now I have a better idea of what to replace it with.

[@thedazzlingape2006]

no dremels dont have their place! theyre made to last weeks and god forbid you ever run them for longer than 1 hour. shaft motor does the same and lasts years.

[@adrothemix3r725]

If my dremmel comes with a hand peice, could I buy a foredom motor and pedal and it attatch? Id assume dremmel was usa style but im not sure

[@alvarotorijano]

Please could you leave the links to buy those motors and check for the pricing?

[@eljay0110]

I have the universal flex shaft complete set. Does anyone know if that's a good brand?

[@imzzzya5191]

Hi do u know how to change milbro pendant drill inner cable?

[@simonchambi1626]

Pf traducir al Español no entiendo ni j.

[@ak47bobbarke]

You have an awesome channel Andrew, thank you :)

[@TheTopaz60]

Brilliant Andrew, very clearly and precisely explained, no messing, many thanks.

[@leylamcdermott3482]

Thank You Andrew for all the teaching. I am learning a lot

[@RalphManning]

Very clear and informative video. Thank you, Andrew!

[@allanthompson9695]

I watched this before but didn't comment. Lots of options, Ive got used to seeing you with your Foredom and took the plunge, it arrived today yay, its the 1st April 2023, I hope that's not a bad sign haha. Thanks Andrew.

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you for shering good tipp.

[@tayyabm6034]

What is the speed of drive motor, please.

[@thomashanson7600]

Andrew. . .l finally bought a Foredom SR Flexible Shaft after 50 years of licking my lips. I bought the hand piece with the quick change lever. All of my burrs, mops, brushes etc. have .125" - 1/8" shafts. The SR quick change hand piece takes 3/32" shafts. I thought. . .well l need a 1/8" collet. but Foredom dosen't have them. What do I do?. . .drill the 3/32" collet to 1/8"? I shouldn't have to work on a tool right out of the box. In fact, one of the Foredom burrs that came with the package was milled down to 3/32" from the upper 1/8" shaft. I have never felt such a fool for assuming the best used the world wide accepted 1/8" shaft size. Please warn your followers of this asinine aspect of the tool. Why in the world would Foredom drop the shaft 1/32"? Any ideas? Do you know of a way to exchange the collet to an 1/8" size. Honestly, I could kick myself in the pratt for not buying the Chinese knock-off. It would outlive me. Love your site. P.S. If you know of an answer to my conundrum, please message me. Have you ever used Niello as an inlay metal? I know it contains lead, but for untouchable pieces it look grand. Found this in Oppi's classic textbook in 1970. Can any other metal be used you know of? TDH e

[@johnhall8455]

Get a handpiece that accepts 1/8” shafts..

[@vj5003]

I want this item

[@jamestwyman7020]

seco is beautiful , i visited the british workshop and meet the guys , they made my drill for me that day , 30 years later still perfect , never needed any fancy hand piece's , the speed is in the proper training of the goldsmith not the toys

[@manoloramirez6456]

Which is best of all

[@szymonpollak8096]

Hi! Which model of Foredom will be the best for gemstone carving? greetings!

[@shoptwoblooms]

I'm been researching these for the past few days. The advantage of the H.30 chuck style handpiece with the Foredom is that is allows you to use different size bits as it goes from 0-4mm. I have an old dremmel tool that uses 1/8" (3.2mm) & 3/32 (2.4mm) and with the H.30 chuck style handpiece I can use my old dremel bits. The quick change style the Foredom H.20 limits you to only using the smaller sized bits so you have to buy all your bits in that one size.

[@MrJKS247]

Thank You, This is the answer I've been looking for!

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@MrJKS247 and the one to avoid... buy collet hand pieces... i run 4... 2 ea of 1/8th & 3.2mm

[@davidflinn3599]

Thanks Andrew, Very informative. I have refurbished a 60Watt 12,000rpm Quayle "Derotor" motor and I am now looking for a replacement inner flexi cable/shaft which has 3mm female screwed ends at 39 1/2 inch length. I live in UK and would appreciate some help finding a supplier. Please!!!!!

[@albertoromero214]

Dear Andrew: It seems that Pfings brand shaft and sheath with its both metal connections to motor/handpiece plus springs are of superior quality in comparison with Foredom ones which doesn't have same components. I very kindly ask you if detailed Pfings sheath/shaft is compatible with Foredom motor, both motors uses same keyhole joint type.

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you

[@ChargedPulsar]

Thank you for the only info no bullshit video Andrew, I have learned much from this. Now I understand why I wasn't happy with Dremel or Proxxon or other brand rotary tools, they just didn't have enough torq for my needs.

[@kayartist]

Hello, thank you so much for the super informative video. Could i please ask your advice? What would you recommend for a plaster sculpture or a wooden sculpture? They both have multiple holes around 1" in depth. Thank you. Kay

[@Applepie409]

Quick release handpiece is good and the other requirement is good smooth cutting at low speeds, with gradual smooth cutting with burrs as you increase the speed-essential for stone setting. Are all pendant type drills controlled via a foot pedal? Not too chunky a handpiece is probably a good thing to have.

[@Michael28407]

I have the Grobet USA flex shaft. The inner spring on the shaft has come loose and is not rotating. I'm based in Ireland and in the off chance do you know anyone that repairs these in Dublin Ireland? Loving your video tutorials, very inspiring.

[@maurikuria]

Hi all, can you please advise on flex shafts motors brands that are reliable ? I leave in Greece and we don't have many foredom motors here. Also if you know any good online sellers in Europe that ship the product I will really appreciate it, thank you!

[@billmnfl]

As I have looked at the Foredom Flex Shaft units, I see it is available with a 4mm or 6mm shaft. For doing fine work in jewelry making, which would you recommend?

[@michaelflynn6178]

Whats the difference between the blue label SR Foredom and the red label one Thanks

[@Atthebench]

They are the same model. The red label is the 240v version. The blue label is the 110v version