Recommendation for a power rotary/carver tool

[tuneswoodshop]

Hello,
I am looking for recommendation for a power carver/rotary tool. I am looking to carve shape and sand. I would like a powerful but smaller hand piece for fine detail but also able to chuck up a little sanding drum. I see lots of options but I want to make sure I get a variable speed quality hand piece. Basically a better quality dremel tool is kinda what I am looking for unless a dremel is decent machine. Thanks for the advice

[TomFromStLouis]

I use a Dremel for small bits here and there and several different wheels on my grinder for larger scale removal. There are products in between but since I prefer the process and the finish of hand carved work I don't have any other experience to share.

[arthropod98]

it's a shame they don't seem to make the dremel stylus anymore, cause i REALLY like that one  --  decent power for it being cordless and pretty small.  i've got 2 of those.

not sure if you have any of the ryobi one+ stuff, but this is a pretty decent one too:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Vol.../308176530

[Cooler]

In our toolroom we use Foredom flex shaft rotary grinders.  The handles are smaller, the power from the external motor is greater and the handle does not get hot.  It is more expensive though.  It depends upon how hard you will be working it.  It is not more tethered than a power cord to the wall outlet.

Ours is at least 20 years old and sees frequent use grinding steel.

They make wood carving kits.  And Dremel also makes a flex shaft version and that is probably cheaper.

https://www.foredom.net/product-category...ving-kits/

Cheaper from Amazon, but still more expensive than the self-contained units.  Offered in 1/6 h.p. and 1/3 h.p.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=foredom+flex+...nb_sb_noss

[Timberwolf]

In our toolroom we use Foredom flex shaft rotary grinders.  The handles are smaller, the power from the external motor is greater and the handle does not get hot.  It is more expensive though.  It depends upon how hard you will be working it.  It is not more tethered than a power cord to the wall outlet.

Ours is at least 20 years old and sees frequent use grinding steel.

They make wood carving kits.  And Dremel also makes a flex shaft version and that is probably cheaper.

https://www.foredom.net/product-category...ving-kits/

Cheaper from Amazon, but still more expensive than the self-contained units.  Offered in 1/6 h.p. and 1/3 h.p.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=foredom+flex+...nb_sb_noss

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I have the Dremel flex shaft and the Foredom, and another "off-brand Look-alike"...The Foredom is tops IMO...The #30 handpiece is used for smaller tools, but I also have the collet handpiece with collets up to 1/4"...Also have the Makita High-speed rotary grinder when size is not an issue..I think it turns at about 25K..with lots of power..use it with carbide burrs. Just depends on how much power you think you will need..The Dremel is light duty..but it may be all you need..

[castguy2003]

..............
I have the Dremel flex shaft and the Foredom, and another "off-brand Look-alike"...The Foredom is tops IMO...The #30 handpiece is used for smaller tools, but I also have the collet handpiece with collets up to 1/4"...Also have the Makita High-speed rotary grinder when size is not an issue..I think it turns at about 25K..with lots of power..use it with carbide burrs. Just depends on how much power you think you will need..The Dremel is light duty..but it may be all you need..

A company named Dumore (don't know if they still exist) made a 1/4 hp hand grinder that you could get either with a 1/4" collet or a 5/32" Jacobs chuck. We had a half dozen or so in the pattern shop. Much more powerfull than a Dremel and more maneuverable than a Foredom. Wish I still had one.

[EricU]

The milwaukee m12 cordless rotary tool looks good to me. HD had a sale with a battery and charger at a price competitive with the dremel 4300, but it's out of stock now.  Tool only isn't as good a deal, but they have it.

It takes Dremel accessories, so you could get the flex handle for it.

[MKepke]

I use the Harbor Freight foredom like rotary tool along with a true Foredom 44t collet hand piece.

I think it works well - it will comfortably do heavy sanding and grinding steel but some of the ergonomics are not great (foot pedal cord it too short, rpms very sensitive to cutting load).

-Mark

[Turner52]

I use the foredom with the flexible shaft and hand held piece. Also use the foot controll switch. It is also reversible which is sometimes usefull. Mine is at least 20 years old. Only maintenance I have ever done is to grease the flexible shaft. Just have to take off a few nuts slide out the drive and put a little of their grease on and put back together. takes less than 5 minutes. Great tool.

[EricU]

I have a dumore tool post grinder for my metal lathe.  I checked not so long ago and it looks like they are still around and still selling flex shaft tools https://www.dumoretools.com/tool-post-grinders