I have a project coming up, where I need to route small circles into acrylic plastic, and maybe wood too. I have a couple of Dremel tools, but I’d really like to use my Foredom flex shaft tool if possible. The Foredom allows for better control, greater precision, and overall higher performance.
A small router base would be perfect for this.
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Ah – I know just the thing – my Veritas rotary tool router base that I picked up around the time of Ben’s preview post. Its circle cutter attachment allows for cutting circles as little as 1/2″ in diameter – perfect for my application.
StewMac also makes a small router base, but their circle attachment is specially made for guitar-making and has a minimum arc of 2″.
I recently learned about StewMac’s specially customized Foredom handpiece that features a Dremel-compatible 3/4-12 thread, and ordered one on the spot.
This will allow me to use the Foredom handpiece in my Veritas rotary tool plunge router base, allowing me to take full advantage of the Veritas’ setup.
It arrived recently, and while I hadn’t put it to use yet, it looks like it’s custom-made by Foredom, as opposed to being a StewMac modification. The threaded section takes the place of the finger grip, so I’ll probably only use this for accessory use.
I wonder which other Dremel attachments it can be used for.
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The price is a little more than what a plain H.28 general purpose handpiece costs ($66 list price), and also comes with 2 collets – 3/32″ and 1/8″.
Price: $84.14
Buy Now(via StewMac)
See Also(Foredom Tools via Amazon)
The handpiece fits Foredom’s standard keyed tip shafts.
In case none of this makes sense to you, here’s a look at a typical Foredom flex shaft setup and a better explanation:
You have the motor with a hanger for suspending it above a workbench, a flex shaft, and a foot pedal for controlling speed. The flex shaft is inserted into a handpiece, and that’s where you use a collet or 3-jaw chuck – depending on the handpiece – to attach your cutting, grinding, or polishing attachment.
Because speed is controlled by a foot switch, or a dial knob if you opt for one, and the motor is physically away from your work and hand, you get better control. The motor is beefier too, and can deliver greater performance than any Dremel I’ve worked with.
Normally Foredom handpieces are held in your hand, but this StewMac custom handpiece is designed to fit into attachments specially made for Dremel’s threaded nose, such as this Veritas rotary tool router base:
Foredom flex-shaft handpieces can be swapped out easily, and as the situation calls for it.
It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a difference at all. I think there will be. As well-balanced as Dremel tools are, they’re a source of vibration that can potentially transmit to the work. Plus they’re heavy. Using a flex-shaft tool has its own limitations, due to the power-transmitting cable connecting the motor and handpiece, but it’s in my opinion a far better experience. You do lose mobility, though, even if you switch from hanging your motor to supporting it on a benchtop base.
fred
Darn it Stuart, now a reason to spend more money. You are leading me down the primrose path! I have 9 Foredom handpieces – and thought I had it pretty well covered.
fred
I just spent $94.89 ($84.14 + $10.75 shipping) on the handpiece and another $169 plus tax on the Veritas base. One good thing is that Lee Valley is having one of their free shipping deals.
JMG
Lee Valley has some great items. I have to stay away from their site currently, as my tool budget is shot from this last holiday season. Can’t afford the temptation…
Paul-Marcel St-Onge
This is perfect as I’ve been drooling over the Veritas base system for a large wire inlay project, but didn’t want a Dremel as I have a nice Foredom system. Thanks for the article!
Robert J Tyrrell Sr
I have a question? Will the fordom hand pc fit the dremel flex shaft?
I can never get a clean view of the female hand pc end or the mail end of fordom flex tail.
Is it square like dremel? I’d like to get the hammer mill I believe theres an engravers attachment too.
I like my dremmel has speed control on it. I have the foot pedal ( carbon rid type old sewing machine no electronics to fry) I have collets & keyless chuck system.
If I need to cut tile remove grout or put it in a table like this I can.
Thank you in advance
Robert J Tyrrell Sr
Everyone I talk to at Dremel has no clue what I’m talking about. They either are niave or playing it. Of course Fordom wants me to spend the $900 for their set up & attachments. I can’t get an answer from anyone.
I’m a self taught jeweler I’m pretty good. Nat gemstones only ruby sapphires emeralds diamonds etc. If I can make a few mods without losing integrity, thats nor a problem.
Thanks again .
Oh…If you need a get out of dog house ring etc, I’m custom hand crafted. U.S prec metals only. Just hollar you got my email.😁 Happy wife happy life. Its why I got in it. 33 yrs married. Gets expensive at my age cheaper to DIY. I got some killer gem connections.
Stuart
Foredom starter kits are around $300, and with a $400 budget you can get another handpiece and nice selection of accessories. I’m not sure where $900 comes from.
Most brands’ customer service associates don’t know anything about potential compatibility with competing brands’ products.
Stuart
I don’t believe so, at least not from what I’m seeing when I look at replacement shafts. https://www.foredom.net/product-category/flex-shaft-tools/shafts-sheaths-spare-parts/shafts-and-sheaths/
This handpiece is made to attach to Dremel accessories. I don’t know of any product that allows use of Foredom handpieces with Dremel rotary tools.