Nancy LT Hamilton
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Last updated: 6/13/19
You can use most quick release, hammer handpieces, The Wolf Belt Sander, Jump Ring Cutters, wax carving tools, drill presses, etc. with THE HARBOR FREIGHT FLEX SHAFT! You just pull off the handpiece and snap the other tool on. I know this to be true because I use these attachments with my HF flex shafts!
See my video: How to Remove a Flex Shaft Handpiece and More!
Contents
Question: What collet to use with a Harbor Freight flex shaft?
6/13/19
“I’ve looked high and low but can’t seem to find the answer anywhere. For the harbor freight flexible shaft, what collect do I need to use high-speed steel drill bits from Rio? I have a collet from an old rotary tool but it’s too thick and the drills are too thin for the flex shaft.”
Answer
You don’t need a collet with the Harbor Freight flex shaft. There is a built-in, adjustable collet that is opened or closed with a chuck key. Most jeweler’s drill bits fit into it. For large bits, you’ll need a regular drill or a drill press. But, that is only for large drill bits such as those used for drilling wood. This is probably why you couldn’t find any information on the topic. All the handpieces from these flex shafts and many others, use the adjustable collet system including many of the Foredoms. If you have a quick change handpiece, you will be limited to drills and other tools that have 3/32″ shanks. Check out my webpage: Flex Shafts, Dremels and Drilling Tools for more information. Also, see my video on YouTube: Drill Bits: Drilling, Anatomy and Use for the Jeweler.
Question: Where did you get your polishing motor?
5/10/17
“Would you please let me know where you bought the small motor that you use for polishing your projects, Especially the cones that slip onto the shafts of the motor for polishing wheels and such. At present, I’m using a drill. The cones would be much more convenient for putting on various wheels.”
Answer
I think you are talking about a buffing machine or buffing lathe. Please see this Q&A page: Buffing Motors, Dental Lathes and Polishing Motors, etc.
Question: What attachments do I need for cutting, sanding, buffing and polishing?
“I am about to purchase my first Dremel tool 3000 series and wanted advice on the attachments I might need. I want to start working with coconut shells which is why I need a cutting, sanding, buffing and polishing system. Do you have any advice on the bits I might need?”
Answer
I think that the bits/drills, etc., should probably be purchased as the need arises. There are soooooo many different types of drills and bits available and they are all very specific to a task.
Obviously, drills will be important as will buffing, sanding and polishing implements. Something for cutting like cut-off discs or a metal cutting blade. I love the Wolf Belt Sander for sanding and finishing but, any belt sander would work. I also love sanding discs which are found on my sanding webpage (see below). I would image that woodworker related tools would work well with coconut but, I don’t know as I’ve never worked with it before. Because of my lack of knowledge in that area, I couldn’t recommend specific tools to finish coconuts.
***Have you been to my website? I have a bunch of information that may help you. Here are some links: Flex shafts, dremels and drilling tools (under construction – like most of my website. It is a growing beast!). Sanding, Finishing Jewelry, Safety in the Small Jewelry Studio, Suppliers outside the US. Don’t forget to wear a mask and goggles! See related videos and webpages, below.
Question: Which flex shaft do you recommend?
I’m inquiring about the flex shafts. Just wanted to get to know a bit more. Which do you find yourself using the most? Is there one better than the other? I currently have a Dremel, with different speeds. However only the higher speeds work now, and I hate that it is so bulky for the little projects. Though I believe I saw something about the Dremel coming out with a Foredom flex like handpiece, I’m curious if it will hold up. I think I would like the foot pedal, it would be just like my engraving power assist machine.
Answer
I use my Foredom SR the most. But, I have several other flex shafts made by Harbor Freight. Pricing varies: I bought several for our makerspace at $35.00 each which were on sale at Harbor Freight. I have found, with theirs, that you need the warranty. I think it’s 10.00. There are occasional lemons but, if you have the warranty it’s easy to exchange. The HF flex shafts can last a long time. I’ve had a few for over ten years. Maintenance and avoiding abuse helps to increase their lifespan.
- Most of the add-on tools, that I’ve encountered, work with the HF flex shaft.
- Many jewelry suppliers carry an inexpensive or mid-range flexible shaft. Amazon has several. Glardon-Vallorbe makes flex shafts as does Grobet and Foredom.
- The Foredom is much better made with quality materials. It also has a reverse function. Foredom also has an engraving setup called the Power Graver.
- For foot pedals, try the one from PepeTools.