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Micromotor vs Flex Shaft: Which Is Right for You?

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Micromotor vs Flex Shaft: Which Is Right for You?

Quick answer: get a flex shaft if you need torque, heavy grinding or the widest choice of handpieces. Get a micromotor if you want high speed, a light handpiece, quiet running and a tool that fits a small bench or travels with you. Plenty of jewelers and carvers own both.
Shop Micromotor Kits Which Flex Shaft Should I Buy?
Already own a Foredom micromotor? Check handpiece compatibility.

How They Work

Flex shaft

The motor hangs above your bench (or sits on it) and turns a flexible shaft. The shaft drives the handpiece in your hand. Speed is set with a foot pedal or dial.

Foredom Series SR flex shaft motor

Micromotor

The motor is inside the handpiece. A light cord connects it to a small control box on your bench. No hanging motor, no shaft.

Foredom micromotor kits

Side by Side

Flex shaftMicromotor
Top speedUp to 18,000 RPM (Series SR)30,000 to 50,000 RPM, depending on kit
TorqueMore. Best for heavy grinding, carving and stock removal.Less, but the higher speed removes material at a comparable rate with a lighter touch.
HandpiecesThe widest range: quick change, chucks, angle heads, hammer, and handpieces that take 1/4" shanks.Rotary handpieces with 2.35mm (3/32"), 1/8" or 3mm collets, plus a hammer handpiece.
In your handThe shaft has some pull and stiffness.Just a light cord, so it is easier to reach awkward angles.
SpaceNeeds a spot to hang the motor or set it on the bench.A small control box. Battery-powered portable kits need no outlet.
UpkeepLubricate the shaft now and then. Maintenance guideBrush-type motors need new brushes eventually. Brushless motors have none to replace.

Which One Fits Your Work

If you mostly do thisStart with
Heavy grinding, wood carving, metal shaping, engine portingFlex shaft
Fine detail, bright cutting, cleanup on castings, small precision partsMicromotor
Stone setting and engravingEither. Micromotor hammer kit, or a flex shaft with a hammer handpiece.
Working at shows, classes, or away from your benchPortable micromotor
A bit of everythingFlex shaft first. Add a micromotor later for detail work.

Foredom Micromotor Kits

KitBest for
Foredom K.1070 micromotor kit K.1070 High Speed Rotary
Up to 38,000 RPM, foot control included		 Our most popular micromotor. Deburring castings, bright cutting, fine detail in wood.
Foredom K.1040 brushless micromotor K.1040 Brushless
Up to 50,000 RPM, low range 500 to 5,000 RPM		 Top speed and smooth torque, with no motor brushes to replace.
Foredom K.2030 portable brushless micromotor K.2030 Portable Brushless
Up to 35,000 RPM, rechargeable battery		 Shows, classes and small spaces. No outlet needed.
Foredom K.1030 portable micromotor K.1030 Portable, Brush Type
Up to 30,000 RPM, rechargeable battery, 6 to 7 hours per charge		 Brush-type portable. Pocket-size control, or plug it in for all-day use.
Foredom K.1080 hammer micromotor kit K.1080 Hammer
Adjustable hammer action, graver holder included		 Stone setting and engraving without an air compressor.
Foredom K.1090 dual handpiece micromotor kit K.1090 Hammer plus Rotary
Two handpieces, one control		 Setters and engravers who also need a rotary tool.

See All Micromotor Kits Micromotor Parts and Accessories Compare Specs and Handpieces

Micromotor Specs and Handpiece Compatibility

KitSpeedCollet sizesCompatible handpieces
K.1040500 to 50,000 RPM3/32", 1/8"H.MH-140, H.MH-14018
K.1050 dual port1,000 to 50,000 RPM3/32", 1/8" or 3mmH.MH-150, H.MH-15018, plus H.MH-120, H.MH-170, H.MH-17018, H.MH-110
K.10701,000 to 38,000 RPM3/32", 1/8" or 3mmH.MH-120, H.MH-170, H.MH-17018, H.MH-110
K.1080 hammer65 to 2,500 strokes/minThreaded anvil pointH.MH-120, H.MH-170, H.MH-17018, H.MH-110
K.1090 hammer plus rotary1,000 to 38,000 RPM3/32", 1/8" or 3mmH.MH-120, H.MH-170, H.MH-17018, H.MH-110
K.2030 portable1,000 to 35,000 RPM3/32", 1/8" or 3mmH.MH-230, H.MH-23018
K.1030 portableUp to 30,000 RPM3/32" or 1/8"See product page

Torque, handpiece weight and control unit numbers are in the micromotor comparison chart (PDF).

K.1070, K.1080 and K.1090 use the same control unit (HP4-917). Their handpieces swap between them: H.MH-120, H.MH-170 and H.MH-17018 rotary, and H.MH-110 hammer. Own a K.1070 and want to try stone setting? Add the hammer handpiece instead of buying a second kit. The K.1050 dual port runs these too, on its second port.

Need a smaller shank without changing the collet? Collet adapters fit inside the collet of all our micromotor handpieces except the hammer and chuck styles.

Going With a Flex Shaft?

Most people should start with a Series SR. Our flex shaft buying guide compares the SR, TX, LX and PowerGraver and shows what a complete setup needs.

Which Flex Shaft Should I Buy? Shop SR Setups

Already have one? Identify your shaft and handpiece.

FAQ

Is a micromotor better than a flex shaft?

Neither is better overall. A flex shaft has more torque and more handpiece choices. A micromotor is faster, lighter in the hand and takes less space. Pick by the work you do most.

Can I use my flex shaft burs in a micromotor?

Yes, if the shank fits the collet. Foredom micromotor handpieces take 2.35mm (3/32"), 1/8" or 3mm collets. Burs with 1/4" shanks need a flex shaft handpiece.

Do Foredom micromotor handpieces work with other Foredom kits?

The K.1070, K.1080 and K.1090 share the same control unit (HP4-917), so the H.MH-120, H.MH-170, H.MH-17018 and H.MH-110 handpieces work with all three. The K.1050 dual port runs them on its second port. The K.1040 uses the H.MH-140 and the K.2030 uses the H.MH-230.

Can both tools be used on the same project?

Yes. Many people rough out with a flex shaft and finish detail with a micromotor.

Are these tools good for beginners?

Yes, both are. Choose by the work you plan to do most, not by which seems simpler.

What maintenance do they need?

Flex shafts need the shaft lubricated now and then. Brush-type micromotors eventually need new motor brushes. Brushless micromotors have no brushes to replace. Check your manual for details.

Still deciding? Answer a few questions in Find Your Foredom, use the Bur and Accessory Finder, or find a Foredom dealer.

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