Pendant Motor Reviews

[Lucie]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to replace my tired old dremel, as it's finally getting a bit too dangerous to use (it has a nasty habit of firing drill bits at me when used at high speeds & i'm slightly worried I might lose an eye)!

I've looked around at the different brands, but can't seem to find any reviews or comparisons.

I'm mostly using it for polishing and drilling and didn't want something that was going to be big & bulky to hold.

Does anyone have a favorite or one they would highly recommend?

Thanks in advance. x

[caroleallen]

I love my Milbro with a quick change hand piece but others favour the Foredom. I've got both and prefer the Milbro.

[Lucie]

Thanks very much for this Carole. Is that the Milbro Pendant Drill With Slip Joint Fitting?

[willem parel]

When it´s only for drilling and polishing you might consider this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/45-000-RPM-D...item19ca0b73cd
I bought myself this type and I like the quality very much for that price.
If you you have in mind to do stone setting with it in the future it is not a pleasant tool because it starts a bit abrubt for that.
If I compare this to what I get from my local reseller this one (the N7) will cost me about 350 euro
https://webshop.bijoumoderne.nl/Webs...tcode=01&cpl=1
They say it will be shipped from China but mine whas shipped from the UK, note you have to let them know how many volts you need 110 or 220.

[Lucie]

Wow, that's a huge difference in price!! Do you know is it's compatable with all the standard "dremel type" accessories (sanding drums, drill bits, etc)?

[Dennis]

Micro-motors are great, but maybe Willem can comment on this:

Most less expensive micro motors will only take one size of shank, 2.35mm. This is the common size for jeweller's tools, but too small for Dremel accessories.

Another problem with cheaper micro-motors is that they lack torque. This means they slow down whenever you press on them, or use a tool with a large head.
If you find this out after purchase, you have wasted an awful lot of money. As a rule of thumb a decent micro-motor will cost at least £450 in the UK.

If you are not sure, take Carole's recommendation, or find reviews of the Foredom. Dennis.

[Eveness]

Hi everyone,

I am a complete newbie to this site (and with only a small amount of silver jewellery experience under my belt) and so I have been searching the forum for some guidance on pendant motors. This and other threads have been very useful but still I have not come to a firm conclusion.

I am looking to invest in a good pendant motor that wont burn out quickly, gives me a professional finish and that I wont outgrow too quickly (I will use it for drilling, polishing...all the normal stuff but I also plan to start gem setting in the not too distant future). That said, I am still a beginner and so top of the range all singing all dancing might be an expensive overspend that is not necessary for me (I saw some reference to micro motors but they seem a fair bit more expensive and the question is, would I ever need something like that? I don't have a clue!).

I also phoned up Cooksons as well as Suttons tools to get their thoughts and recommendations....one recommended the Milbro Pendant Drill With Slip Joint Fitting, 18,000 Rpm, Plastic Foot Control & Hanger and the other one recommended the Foredom SR with slip joint 1/6 horsepower.

It's a big decision, so how I would really appreciate your pearls of wisdom to help me understand which two might be the right one for me (or if in fact there is another I should consider)?

What would you say are the pro's vs. con's for either make/model?

Is one easier to use than the other, better accessories, more reliable, better overall life-span?

Any advice you can share is gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Eve

[Tabby66]

Hi Eve,

If you're going to be giving the motor heavy usage, I would go for a milibro, when my foredom gives up, that is what I shall change it for. Not I hasten to add that I have any complaints about my foredom, I have had it for about 5 years, having started this as a hobby a couple of years before. It is more that my usage on a day to day basis has increased significantly and I think that milibro along with a couple of other makes will be more suitable to my long term needs.

In terms of accessories, you cannot beat foredom........they have everything!!!!

Do say if you invest in a foredom, if you are thinking of purchasing any accessories, I may have some available,......

Best wishes,
Tabby xx

[mikethejeweller]

I did have a Dremel but 2 years ago I bought the foredom with quick change, much more speed control when drilling I use it for polishing and setting (drilling). I would never go back to a Dremel, I have heard a micromotor are better but as stated unless your prepared to spend £500 plus you won't get a decent one, iv been told to stay away from the Chinese versions. I have also got a grs gravermach at and you can get a rotary hand piece for this but again very expensive and have been told not as good as a micromotor. This is what i have its brill http://www.suttontools.co.uk/power-t...plete-kit.html

[Lucie]

Thanks Mike. This is the one I was originally looking at (before finding the other brands & getting confused). Have to agree with you about Dremel. They really seem to have gone downhill. I have friends with archaic ones. Mine is only a few years old but has become pretty dangerous to use!