rod
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
Many a workshop has been using the Dental Laboratory electric handpiece that accepts 3/32 shaft diameter burs with speed usually 0-20,000 rpm, not to be confused with, say, Fordom's battery operated pistol grip handpiece, at about $90, a waste of money, because of wobbly chucks and next to no torque.
Thirty years ago, the dental laboratory type handpieces could rarely be found under about $800, and even today, some units are around $1000. These expensive units are probably excellent in every way, however I want to recommend to the budget conscious engraver, who is building up desirable tools, some very good units at $250.
I have been working to death these units over the years in my flute making activities, as well as some engraving applications, and after many years of service, one of my three units started to make buzzing noises in its control box. By the way, I solved the buzzing sound, however I preemptively ordered a new one, from my favorite source, Stuart, at Pearson Dental. He recommended a newer design that went all the way from 0-45,000rpm, called:
MicroLab 450
Make sure you order this unit with its variable speed "foot control" as well as its hand dial speed control... these two control options are standard at the $250 price ... some handpiece units only have an on/off foot control, that does not vary the speed!
I now have it, cost $250, which I believe is the best price I can find, usually nearer to $290.
It works just great, sweet running, precision chuck (interchangeable) running very true with no vibration, good torque.
A tip from Coincutter/Steve alerted me to the fact that you can get the higher speed range 0-45,000, and interchangeable collet chucks, beautifully ground and accurate proper collet chucks that will allow you to work with 1/8, 3/32. or 1/16 shaft sizes. They work great. Better yet, you can get precision bush inserts that allow you to keep one size, say 1/8in size, and simple slip in the small, bushed insert. to reduce to 3/32 and 1/16 inch shaft sizes, for occasional back and forth use.
There are tons of 1/8 inch shaft burs in diamond and steel now available at low prices, and this handpiece can mount all the sizes.
I am certain the pricier units are excellent, yet these new less expensive models are certainly worth a try if your budget is tight.
I have no shares in Pearson, however salesperson, Stuart, is happy to deal with odd ducks like me, as well as proper dental professionals. So here is a link:
https://www.pearsondental.com/catal...44&dpt=0&mysort=&cat_link=&subcat_link=&mart=
Another link to Pearson's supplier of this unit showing the different chuck sizes, etc. They are friendly, give them a call:
http://www.ramprodinc.com/c-178-accessories.aspx
Rod
Thirty years ago, the dental laboratory type handpieces could rarely be found under about $800, and even today, some units are around $1000. These expensive units are probably excellent in every way, however I want to recommend to the budget conscious engraver, who is building up desirable tools, some very good units at $250.
I have been working to death these units over the years in my flute making activities, as well as some engraving applications, and after many years of service, one of my three units started to make buzzing noises in its control box. By the way, I solved the buzzing sound, however I preemptively ordered a new one, from my favorite source, Stuart, at Pearson Dental. He recommended a newer design that went all the way from 0-45,000rpm, called:
MicroLab 450
Make sure you order this unit with its variable speed "foot control" as well as its hand dial speed control... these two control options are standard at the $250 price ... some handpiece units only have an on/off foot control, that does not vary the speed!
I now have it, cost $250, which I believe is the best price I can find, usually nearer to $290.
It works just great, sweet running, precision chuck (interchangeable) running very true with no vibration, good torque.
A tip from Coincutter/Steve alerted me to the fact that you can get the higher speed range 0-45,000, and interchangeable collet chucks, beautifully ground and accurate proper collet chucks that will allow you to work with 1/8, 3/32. or 1/16 shaft sizes. They work great. Better yet, you can get precision bush inserts that allow you to keep one size, say 1/8in size, and simple slip in the small, bushed insert. to reduce to 3/32 and 1/16 inch shaft sizes, for occasional back and forth use.
There are tons of 1/8 inch shaft burs in diamond and steel now available at low prices, and this handpiece can mount all the sizes.
I am certain the pricier units are excellent, yet these new less expensive models are certainly worth a try if your budget is tight.
I have no shares in Pearson, however salesperson, Stuart, is happy to deal with odd ducks like me, as well as proper dental professionals. So here is a link:
https://www.pearsondental.com/catal...44&dpt=0&mysort=&cat_link=&subcat_link=&mart=
Another link to Pearson's supplier of this unit showing the different chuck sizes, etc. They are friendly, give them a call:
http://www.ramprodinc.com/c-178-accessories.aspx
Rod
Attachments
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microlab.jpg
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