Maintaining the Foredom Flexshaft with Melissa Muir

Metalsmith and educator Melissa Muir explains and demonstrates step by step how to do maintenance on a Foredom flexible shaft machine. For parts go to: www.foredom.ne...

[@pwddogman]

Have thought about this video since I viewed it. Was at Home Depot over the weekend, and in the paint isle you can buy 100% denatured alcohol, which has no water in it unlike the medical product used in the video. You could also buy odorless mineral spirits which is also an excellent grease remover. As a machinest who uses Evaporust a water based rust remover, I can vouch for how quick water will lead to corrosion in mechanical parts. Cleaning your flexable shaft in a product that is 50% water seems like inviting flexable shaft failure when you just schmear grease on the shaft after wiping it with a towel and trapping the water. At a minimum why not spray the shaft with WD-40 first to encapsulate any residual moisture?

[@fvillago65]

I use odorless mineral spirits, no water there

[@calbrittonjewelry]

Thanks for sharing this tip, I wasn’t aware of this!

[@davidristow6939]

Thank you Excellent advice and understandable great job

[@helensalamanca6494]

Hi! I bought this device for my mom as a gift but I'm not sure what kind of lub should be use in this case? Ty😸

[@StevesOutdoorCameraAdventures0]

My Fordom is getting very hot so I’ll strip it down again and clean throughly

[@sandyebdon-jackson2370]

Excellent video - many thanks Melissa. I have a question - is it ok to keep and reuse the alcohol which the flexshaft has been soaking in, or do you discard it after one use?

[@JamiHughesGemgirl]

Hi Melissa, thanks for posting this educational video on using the Foredom. I was grinding the other day and saw an electrical "poof" with my SR 1.7 Amp Motor. I believe that I have blown out the motor brushes. Hopefully this is something easily fixed! I am considering purchasing a replacement motor maintenance kit............Does this seem like a fixable issue? I do not want to buy a new Foredom!!!

[@ForedomElectricCo]

You should unplug the motor. Take out and inspect the motor brushes to make sure that they are at least 1/4" long. Before replacing the brushes they should blow out the moto with compressed air. Hope that helps! Thank you for contacting us!

[@dawnlarsen7152]

What kind of lube ,and is there anyone who can do this for me

[@sandragravesande8657]

Hiya great vid. What is the ‘blow out’ and where do u get this from, or can a hand-held vacuum be used instead?

[@machinethesun9243]

"canned air" sold at office supply stores like staples

[@annwaters9484]

what do you use Foredom oil for?

[@machinethesun9243]

it lubes the inside of the shaft

[@ВладиславДовгаль-э4и]

А по Русски можно?

[@waynepetrevan]

Odd how she doesn't mention that the thread holding the shaft onto the motor is a left hand thread

[@libbyhenderson7567]

Like the video, very clear. This is bad, I’ve NEVER lubed or cleaned and I’ve been using it for 3 years! Yikes, I better get on it!!

[@3DWoodWorks]

i have an older foredom that currently does not have the quick disconnect flex shaft. can it be upgraded to the one with the quick disconnect? i want to be able to use multiple heads like the hammer head and 90degree head

[@ren234]

any tips on removing excess grease from the rubber sheath?

[@ForedomElectricCo]

After you lubricate the shaft and reassemble it with the sheath, hang it down in an unlined trash can without the handpiece and run it at high speed for 20 minutes. Then stop and wipe off any excess grease of the key tip with a paper towel or rag. Always hang up the handpiece or remove it from the shaft after use so warm grease does not migrate into the handpiece. Thank you for reaching out! - Foredom Team

[@rodgantt3497]

My vevor carver has developed a problem, when I put any pressure on a spinning burr it quits spinning even though the motor is working and it spins when not carving. Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks

[@USMC_BABE38]

Hi I own a master carver Gear and I experience this issue with my bit not spinning have you taken the sheeth off the flexible shaft of the motor and checked the set screw. to see if it's lose? On the inside of the master carver flexible shaft ? What I had to do is remove the cover from the shaft on the motor to the master carver, I had to use a small screwdriver to slightly tighten the flexible shafts set screw that was my issue with my carbin bit not having power or spinning note my shaft wasn't broken. It just needed the little set screw tighten up after that was done and put back together on the motor to the master carver Gear I had no issues after that I'm not sure what carver you own but I hope my comment helps 😊.

[@TheSteveanna]

So glad you did this video! Great tips and demonstration. Thank you1

[@MikeG-js1jt]

I wouldn't buy one of these wayyyy overpriced foredom tools anyway, I bought a vevor, just as good, in fact better as they come in even higher powers if desired at a price that does not exceed $65!! ................. have lasted folks for years and is smooth and quiet plus takes ALL the handpieces you make too!

[@therealmccoyxxx]

Haha, if that’s what you can afford that’s all you. I personally don’t support chinese knock off companies who try to knock off everyone else products.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

@@therealmccoyxxx Haha, the ability to afford is not a factor, its the unwillingness to be ripped off, so Haha, if your willing to be ripped off, well, thats all you.

[@therealmccoyxxx]

Trust me, I definitely didn’t get ripped off, I paid for an american made product that’s been around for longer than you, from the leader in flex shaft tools. Unlike buying a chinese knock off, that rips off everyone else’s product and sells cheap ass tools. You pay for what you get and understand that you couldn’t get the best tools out there.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

@@therealmccoyxxx you have to pick your battles, some tools are better when made by certain manufacturers, this type of tool is NOT one of them.... if you choose just because of a particular manufacturer or just because it was "made in America" you are getting ripped off a lot of the time.... a lot of these companies are garnering exorbitant prices not necessarily because of performance or quality, but because they are riding on the coattails of their own name, like apple............marketing money spent equals more sales but also higher prices and quite often a false sense of product superiority...this is marketing 101.

[@therealmccoyxxx]

No one is getting ripped off when they are happy to pay for something at whatever price point. There definitely value in supporting American jobs vs a chinese company who has countless shady reviews and horrible ratings and many lawsuits for ripping off trademark and intellectual property. But I’m glad you’re happy with your purchase as well as I am more than happy with mine. The thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars my foredom flex shaft has made has tremendous value. There’s definitely a difference in professional tools vs “harbor freight tools”. Just like there’s a difference in a hobbyist and a professional in their craft. The video has nothing to even do with the price of a tool but rather how to maintain and you felt the need to come trash a company because you bought a chinese knock off which you think is now superior based on price and how many ever years of service you have your knock for. I’m sure many people have bought Vevor products and have been happy with their purchase, same as Harbor Freight customers. Sounds like your motive here to advertise vevor products. If it’s that important to you then maybe you should do a review video.

[@johnlowry1055]

good coverage of the 'how to"

[@rodrigosouza3192]

Thanks Melissa great video, I just got the kit that cames with the motor, flex shaft and the hand piece, the hand piece says that I dont have to lubrificated but what about the flex shaft ut self do I have to lubrificated it? Thanks!

[@myexoticfurscattery3210]

Hi, I used my for cut jump rings . I decided to change the blade, put new one. Everything on order, motor working, blade spinning, not wobbling , but it’s not cutting anymore, or cut 1-3 rings on coil , even smoke from blade coming out because I try to force little bit . It’s very frustrating, it’s almost new and cut perfectly before. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you. Olga

[@ForedomElectricCo]

There could be a number of issues. First is the blade on correctly to cut in the forward direction? What would happen if the put the old blade back on? Is the motor in the forward direction? You should call me, Mike Zegelski 800-272-2885

[@dmitryponyatov2158]

washing solvent must totally match the lubricating type we are using how can I detect of find some info about the original and cheap china lubricants sold as FOREDOM originals? what widely used lubricants can I buy in any car shop and use with the flexible shafts?

[@ForedomElectricCo]

The handpiece attaches to the sheath not the shaft. The proper way to adjust the shaft and sheath is to slide the inner shaft coupling up completely on the motor shaft and tighten the set screw on the shaft flat. Then thread on the motor connector all the way, snugly. Next, insert the key tip end into the plain end of the sheath and slide the sheath up over the shaft. This is after the shaft has been lubricated with our shaft grease MS10006 which is a high-temperature lithium grease. Insert the plain end of the sheath into the motor connector until only 3/4" of the shaft tip extends out the bottom. Tighten the motor connector set screw. The handpiece catch ball and C spring clip snaps on into the grooved end of the sheath. Then run the unit with no handpiece attached at high speed for 15 to 20 minutes with the shafting hanging down so that the grease is redistributed and any excess comes out the bottom. Wipe off the excess grease and attach the handpiece. Always hang the handpiece up or remove it when done so grease does not migrate into the handpiece which will make it run hot.

[@TheNosarajr]

I would like to use the chisel, Do I have to use the LX motor?

[@ForedomElectricCo]

You don't have to use the LX motor but you do have to use a slow speed. Some people use a dial control to help ensure this.

[@music120811]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[@mauricefrancis4078]

Hi, how do you clean the hand piece

[@ForedomElectricCo]

This cannot be answered until we have the model of the handpiece. They are all different. What is the specific cleaning issue? Do they want to open it up and clean it or just blow off the collect? Is it getting hot or are they having a problem with the collet or burs? Have you read the owner's manual and instructions that came with the handpiece? You can contact me, Mike Z, at 800-272-2885. Thank you

[@nicolasthomas1968]

Very intresting. i have a rotary hammer flexshaft. and it is not hammering anymore. what could be the cause? do you have a link of how to make maintenance on this kind of foredom flexschaft? thks again best nicolas

[@ForedomElectricCo]

Here is a link to the manual www.foredom.net/wp-content/uploads/om_flexshafts/PowerGraver_Manual.pdf We also have live chat on our website during US Eastern Time Monday - Friday www.foredom.net They are knowledgeable and might be able to help you.

[@siamaklighvani3951]

Thank you very much Mellisa , one vital advice that increase the life of the flex shaft and motor is that , when you work on something make sure you give a break , it is good physically and mentally as well as the motor cools down . We should have a feeling for the motor as well .

[@simonchambi1626]

Aquí en La Paz Bolivia hay algún sucursal? PRECIO ?

[@scottshawwoodworking1752]

Excellent video, Melissa. Thank you for the tips.

[@MelissaMuir]

Thank you.

[@rockartgeorge]

Well explained. Priceless vid. Thank you.

[@MelissaMuir]

Thank you.

[@USMC_BABE38]

What carver are you using in this video I have a master carver but I don't know the model of it how often should I put new grease on the shaft I don't tend to apply new lub to my shaft unless it breaks or needs replaced should I start blowing out the brushes because we never have done that before my dad has had his master carver for years no issues with it yet except it gets hot if you run the motor non stop I will be doing monthly maintenance on ours from now on . We don't on ours.

[@ForedomElectricCo]

Great questions! Thank you so much for reaching out to us. Please call 800-272-2885 or email us at: [e-mail]​ for help.

[@Therozone1]

Excellent - exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much.

[@electronicantichrist334]

Really great video, I needed a refresher and this does it beautifully. Thanks!

[@frome3697]

Thank you Melissa! Do you have a video on cleaning the handpiece?

[@karen806]

Gracias por los subtitulos❤️

[@tontobb8956]

I’d clean and use petrol on the flex shaft.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

Interesting. Go thru the process of using alcohol on the cable, but dont address the sheath itself? Half clean is better than none, but wouldnt it be a much more through job if there were some way to clean contaminants from the sheath as well? Thanks for all the vids, can't wait to use my new SR. Supporting USA built tools is a reward in itself...

[@felixf5211]

Please feel free to show us all how it's done, once you actually use a flexshaft.

[@shanesplanetshane3795]

@@felixf5211 I merely asked a question. Don't be so defensive. I never claimed to know how its done. When comes times, I"ll see if theres something to clean the sheath too, or I'll find that its a fool errand.

[@МаксимЧернышев-ч8п]

Hello, what type of lubricant can I use for the flexible shaft instead of FOREDOM MS10006 970?

[@clivemilner]

Following

[@Greyswyndir]

Is it alright to use some white lithium grease to lube the flex shaft if I don't have the Foredom grease on hand?

[@ForedomElectricCo]

We have heard that people use that with good results. Be careful not to use too much or it can go into the handpiece and cause overheating and damage.

[@Greyswyndir]

@@ForedomElectricCo - Thank you, I'll be careful not over do it.