[Jewelry making - Article 00313] - Re: [Orchid] Flex shafts & pedals

[Tom Norsworthy]

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>     I have been thinking about getting a newer...."better" flex shaft
>     and or foot pedal. Currently I have the basic......an old Foredom
>     Series-R, a #30, a quick release and a hammer handpiece. My foot
>     pedal isn't running very smoothly, sticky at excelleration, and so
>     using the hammer, or setting stones is a bit tricky. Is this a
>     foot pedal problem? or a flex shaft problem? or both? Does one
>     need different shaft machines for different jobs? And what about
>     different brands? What's your advice and experience? 

    Mary Ann, I have an older Series R machine (0-14,000), and like the
    constant torque feature.  I, too, was considering adding a Series L
    machine for better control of slow-speed operations such as
    repetitive prong-type stone mountings, for which I wanted a better
    method of control.  Instead, I decided to replace the standard foot
    control with a combination of the EMR-1 Electronic Manual Speed
    Control and FCT on/off foot switch (both from Foredom).  You can set
    the dial on the EMR-1 and it stays at the set speed until you change
    it.  The foot switch just turns the power on or off.  If you should
    decide to get the EMR-1 be sure to get the FCT because all of the
    other foot switches are speed controls and introduce additional
    impedance, which can alter the operation of the EMR-1.  This two
    part rig cost me $90, which is less money and somewhat more
    efficient than having two separate flex rigs.  

    In the event your motor is the problem, you should first check to
    see if you have the ball bearing or still older sleeve type. 
    Foredom has everything from brushes to full maintenance kits for
    both R types.  The people at Foredom were very helpful, and I
    ordered the FCT directly from them over the phone.  As of now, I see
    no need to get another flex tool. 

    If I can be of further help, feel free to email me directly. 

Tom N 

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