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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 30, 2014 21:17:23 GMT -5
Can I just say this? My new Foredom is sexy. Man, I love this tool! It is so comfortable to use and it goes from a soft, purring hum to a loud, snarling roar. (ok, not really a roar, it's pretty quiet, actually) I had some bezel cups that needed cleaning up- No problem! My only problem was that it can't hang from where I intended to hang it. I had to order a hanger for it. But, I did get lots of bits for it to keep me going for awhile. My foredom just came today. I got it from Otto Frie. The shipping was great, very well packaged. I'm really thrilled with the overall quality this tool exudes. And, it came with lots of literature, too. I'm super stoked! Almost as stoked as selling one of my best pieces today although I will miss it.
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Post by radio on Jan 30, 2014 21:51:17 GMT -5
Congrats on your venture into the world of powerful bench tools! I sure wouldn't want to do without mine, and I was actually surprised at all the uses I found for it one I got it. Probably the most frequent use is using a 1 inch diamond cutting wheel to true the ends of bezel before soldering and of course the nifty 3M radial brushes for inside ring shanks and other tight spots. I've even used it with an 80 grit sanding drum to grind our dogs toenails. Much, much better than the clippers! Careful with that beast though! A Foredom has some serious torque and can and will wrap fingers and articles of clothing and/or hair in a split second!
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Post by pghram on Jan 30, 2014 22:37:43 GMT -5
You're really going now, wow. Congrats on the sale of that beautiful wrap too.
Rich
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,770
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 30, 2014 23:38:58 GMT -5
Congrats on your venture into the world of powerful bench tools! the most frequent use is using a 1 inch diamond cutting wheel to true the ends of bezel before soldering My secret! I was going to share but hadn't found the time. I own two Foredoms and consider them the essential tool for both lapidary and smithing. I really can't count the ways I use mine. Here's another little item I wouldn't be without: Yep, just corner reinforcement hardware still under a buck (I think) at your local hardware store. Attach it to a board, drill a couple of holes through the board and into your bench for temporary pins to hold it in place. Then corral your wild bezel wire as you're wrapping it around a cab to measure where to cut. It makes the job almost a pleasure. I've used mine for many years as you can see from all the stains and dings.
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Post by connrock on Jan 31, 2014 8:40:06 GMT -5
I can't tell you how many uses I found for my Foredom and I'm sure you'll find more along the way! I also have the drill press and it is THE tool for drilling precision holes,,, When our company was downsizing the man in charge of one of our labs came to me and said he had a Foredom that was going to be tossed and asked if I wanted it?I couldn't go and get it fast enough. When I got it home and tried it,it was "growling" something awful so I contacted Foredom in Bethel,CT,,,which is only about a 40 minute ride from me. I shipped the unit to them,,they completely rebuilt it for me and sent it back here for about $60.00. It's a very old model but it purrs like a kitten and works great for me! I KNOW you'll enjoy yours too! Have fun,,, connrock
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Post by connrock on Jan 31, 2014 8:43:02 GMT -5
gemfeller, Excuse an old confused mind but I can't figure out how your "gizmo" works? connrock
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 31, 2014 11:19:07 GMT -5
Yep, just corner reinforcement hardware still under a buck (I think) at your local hardware store. Attach it to a board, drill a couple of holes through the board and into your bench for temporary pins to hold it in place. Then corral your wild bezel wire as you're wrapping it around a cab to measure where to cut. It makes the job almost a pleasure. I've used mine for many years as you can see from all the stains and dings. Great idea!!! I can see where this would be useful. Thanks for sharing!
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 31, 2014 11:21:18 GMT -5
My work area is ridiculously small. I had to order the pole for my foredom and went ahead and got the new workbench system pole so I can add the additional trays later.
Looks incredibly useful.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Jan 31, 2014 11:26:48 GMT -5
foredom is a terrific tool. It's also the primary tool we use for gem carving.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,770
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 31, 2014 13:09:34 GMT -5
gemfeller, Excuse an old confused mind but I can't figure out how your "gizmo" works? connrock It works best with rounded or curved shapes. Just set the cab down next to the inner corner and start wrapping bezel wire around it. There will come a moment when you'll wish you had 3 hands to hold the wire tightly in place around the cab and mark it for cutting. That's when you push the wrapped portion of the cab against the two angles of the corner so it doesn't loosen, overlap the wire at the future solder joint in front and use one now-free hand to mark the point where the bezel will be cut. It's a very simple thing to do but hard to explain. Wish I could make a video. If any questions remain I'll try again.
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Post by Pat on Jan 31, 2014 13:57:24 GMT -5
gemfeller That's a great idea! It would also help it checking to see if X is square. I have two Dremels and a Foredom. One Dremel is dedicated to cutting jump ring coils, the other for miscellaneous. The Foredom is used for carving since it will not overheat as the Dremel would when used for longer periods of time. All are on hangers. I watched your video of the Foredom hanging system. Interesting. I like the idea of getting just a strong magnetic strip and attaching it to a stand I already have on my workbench, not their pole system. Could go on the side of the bench, too.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 31, 2014 18:36:55 GMT -5
I was interested in the trays. I have a wood strip with magnets that I used for glassblowing. I'll try to find a place for that in my corner... somewhere.
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Post by connrock on Feb 1, 2014 9:48:01 GMT -5
Rick,,,Between your explanation and Pt sending me a PM about your gizmo it finally sunk in! LOL Thanks and a great idea! connrock
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