For this week’s
#metalsmithsocietyminiseries post I wanted to talk about setting up and maintaining your Foredom SR. Here is the good news: when you purchase a new one all you need to do is take it out of the box! Simply hang your motor, plug in the foot pedal and turn your motor on (I recommend leaving it in an “on” position and using the foot pedal to power!) Then attach your handpiece. No need to lubricate your brand new flex shaft, that will come into play later on when you are ready to do some maintenance. One thing I learned while researching this mini series is the optimal position for your handpiece when not in use is pointing upwards. This prevents lubrication from pooling on the key tip end of the shaft. For this reason I purchased a motor hanger with a mounting clamp (I’ll link in my stories!) It is recommended the shaft should be checked, wiped clean, and relubricated with grease every 40 hours of use. So I attached a quick video showing that process, don’t be intimidated, it is easy! 1️⃣ Be sure to cover your work surface 2️⃣ Unplug your unit from the speed control & remove the handpiece 3️⃣ Loosen the set screw at the top of the sheath (but do not remove it). Slide the sheath off & set aside. 4️⃣ Wipe the shaft down to remove any residue (I use a washcloth rag) 5️⃣ Apply a thin coat of grease from the top to approx. 6” from the bottom 6️⃣ Slide the sheath back up the shaft leaving ¾” of the shaft tip exposed from the grooved end (where the handpiece attaches) & tighten your set screw. 7️⃣ Plug the motor back into the speed control. Allow the sheath to hang vertically into a trash can. Run it for 15 minutes at high speed (without the handpiece attached) to evenly distribute the grease. 8️⃣ Remove any excess grease on the shaft piece and then attach your handpiece, and you’re all set. The other issue you might come across is if your motor sounds like it is rattling! This will require taking out and cleaning/replacing the motor brushes, also very easy! I will share an IGTV(with an impressive before and after). Our friends at
@aajewelrysupply are offering our community 10% off all flexshafts and micro motors with code METALSMITH
#sponsored#flexshaft
