Handpieces and Foot Controls

A quality handpiece and foot pedal can spell the difference between a flex shaft machine that is a joy to use and one that will gather dust instead of generating it. The choices available for both can be bewildering so how do you know what you need?

The Foot Pedal:

Nothing will turn the person off the flex shaft more quickly than a bad speed control. Although a bench-mounted hand-adjusted speed dial allows you to set a specific speed, I vastly prefer a foot pedal control. The foot pedal becomes part of an intuitive feedback loop, with your foot responding to what your eye sees, how the motor sounds, and the resistance your hand feels as you apply the spinning tool. In the dim reaches of flex shaft history, the foot control was a rheostat, like the one on a sewing machine. More foot pressure meant more power to the motor, which meant more speed. The problem was at slower speeds, the diminished power to the motor resulted in very low torque; bits, burs, drills and polishers easily bogged down – even to the point of stopping completely. Enter the electronic solid-state foot control, which pretty much solves the problem, providing a full range of speeds without a loss of torque. Most foot pedals today use a trigger switch similar to the variable speed switch found on electric drills.

Handpieces:

There are many options when it comes to handpieces, but regardless of the manufacturer or style, a good handpiece spins true and grips the bit or tool tightly. For general work there are two types of handpiece; adjustable and quick release. The merits of an adjustable handpiece are obvious. However, the cylindrical shape is a bit chunky and changing flex shaft accessories requires you to locate the ever-elusive chuck key. For someone who uses the flex shaft as an extension of their hand frequently switching between accessories can be frustrating. The remedy is a quick release handpiece. Most of these work on a lever system which opens and closes a collet, allowing for chuck-key free change. Many can even be opened while the machine is running. Quick release handpieces are usually more streamlined and hand friendly, ending in a nosepiece which allows for an accurate grip. It is best to leave a bur or a bit in place when not in use to keep the collet in adjustment.

I hope you find this information useful and can use it to create fantastic pieces of Handmade Jewellery.