Foredom TX Flexshaft


When manufacturing and repairing jewelry products, rotary equipment is essential to the process. Nothing is more frustrating or potentially damaging to the task than equipment that offers less than smooth, reliable and strong performance. The Foredom TX flexible shaft is capable of delivering this and more, resulting in greater efficiency, consistency and valuable time savings with the job at hand.

2 Minute Read

By Mark B. MannMore from this author

When manufacturing and repairing jewelry products, rotary equipment is essential to the process. Nothing is more frustrating or potentially damaging to the task than equipment that offers less than smooth, reliable and strong performance. The Foredom TX Flexshaft is capable of delivering this and more, resulting in greater efficiency, consistency and valuable time savings with the job at hand.

This 14 karat yellow gold gent's ring casting will be pre-finished, the platinum top soldered and the ring finished. The final step will be bead and bright cut setting of the 6.5 millimeter diamond.

Bead & Bright Cut Setting using the Foredom TX Flexshaft

Pre-finish the inside of the ring using the Foredom TX Flexshaft, Foredom's # 52 quick change handpiece and 3M Trizact bands. Round the ring on the mandrel and complete the pre-finishing process by filing and cross sanding.
Tack weld the top onto the ring into the precise position then torch solder it using easy flowing solder. File the top to fit the dimensions of the ring. Using dividers locate and mark the center of the top plate. Use an automatic center punch to create a small divot at the center mark.
With the ring secured in a ring clamp, drill a pilot hole in the top using the number 30 handpiece and a lubricated standard twist drill. With platinum, a moderate speed with constant torque is required.
Next enlarge the diameter of the pilot hole using a lubricated reamer bur. Constantly check while burring to make sure your enlarged hole is centered in the plate. Again, use moderate speed with constant torque.
The ring is now ready for the final steps of the setting procedure.
Using a lubricated tapered cone bur, enlarge the top portion of the plate.
Prepare a bearing for the diamond using a 6.4 millimeter or slightly smaller lubricated high speed setting bur. Use a slow to moderate speed when burring and constantly check for depth and level.
Place the diamond in its bearing. The top of its table should be even with or slightly higher than the surface of the platinum top. All that's left is the bead and bright graver work.
The TX delivers smooth even speed for pre-finishing and finishing, constant torque during drilling, burring and stone setting procedures and provided necessary power for completing the job.

Foredom TX Flexshaft

The Foredom TX Flexshaft is ideal for use with the Foredom model DP 30 drill press. The TX has 1/3 HP, the most HP of any Foredom flexshaft unit previously made. The motor is made with highly advanced rare earth magnets giving it more constant and reliable torque at all speeds of operation.

When using the TX, there's no hesitation, roughness or vigorous bouncing when working with it for all jewelry making applications including stone setting, wax carving, pre-finishing, polishing and more. The Foredom TX flexshaft must be used with the special foot or dial speed controls sold with it. A switch for reversing the motors operational direction is also available from Foredom.

For information related to Foredom tools, equipment and accessories contact Michael Zagielski at 203-792-8622

By Mark B. Mann Copyright © Mark Mann 2004
Photographs by Mark B. Mann
All rights reserved internationally. Copyright © Mark Mann. Users have permission to download the information and share it as long as no money is made. No commercial use of this information is allowed without permission in writing from Mark Mann.

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Mark B. Mann

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