Re: [Harp-L] Re: Dremels, nail buffers, etc. -- Foredom

Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:24:06 -0700

Michael Easton wrote:
When I first introduced the Shofu method I recommended buying Foredom's.
My wife owns one for her jewelry business.  But that was 15 years ago.
The choices have greatly improved over the years.

I always make it a point to listen carefully to people who are expert in 
stuff in which I am interested! :-)

... I tried my wife's Foredom today and found it to be awkward to use
compared to what is available the past couple of years.
You want something that is lightweight, thin, and balanced for comfort
in the hand.

I'm all ears!

... Here is an ebay page full of affordable dental hand pieces that are
variable speed regulated for about the price of a high end dremel.
Make sure the hand piece comes with the benchtop controller if you bid
on one.  Some companies sell the hand piece separate from the
controller.
The Marathon models look like a good buy although I've never used that
brand.  The Buffalo model is also good and they type I used when
I first started in the dental business.  It is either made in the US
or Japan.  I think the Marathon models are made in China.
Go here:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ss+white+dental+handpiece&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1311.R3&_nkw=dental+lab+handpiece&_sacat=0
I didn't know these could be had so inexpensively. Personally, though, I 
would be wary of being the "first on my block" to buy an unknown 
machinski from an unknown Chinese Ebay vendor. I would be concerned 
about reliability, parts and service, etc. I've been down that road...

If you are ready for the big league a Shofu pneumatic hand piece is
the way to go.  Most gourd and egg carvers use those since they are
vibration free.  They run about $450 to $600  depending on where you
buy them.  Then you need a quiet high quality air compressor to run it.

Out of my realm for a single purpose machine.

I should add I still use files and still recommend them. I've seen
some sloppy use of rotary tools w/ dental burs.
If you only tune occasionally I would stick with the files. If you are
into altered tunings or have a repair business a step up from dremels
may be in order.  It will pay for itself in the long run
Take Care

Thanks for the insights from an expert harmonica technician!
However, I still want a Foredom. I could put one to many other uses 
besides working on my harps. Like Smokey I've seen some amazing things 
done with them. :-)
Michelle