Tools & Equipment - Pt 2 – High Speed Drill

One of the most important pieces of equipment you will invest in is a high-speed drill. For carving bone, the faster the better. This is probably one of the bigger outlays you will need to make for your setup.

You can purchase basic stand-alone units from jewellery suppliers or hardware stores. Some popular brands are Dremel, Foredom, and Strong Micromotors. They all come with their own style handpieces which can be purchased as part of a package deal or individually.

Some motors are brushless, and all require some basic maintenance to make sure they are always running at their best. I have no real preference between any of these as it depends on the individual style of handpiece you like to work with. Also, what your budget is of course.

Many years ago, I used Foredom motor and handpieces. (Yes, I had two. One for normal grinding and another for fine detailing). Then I started using an air compressor and a highspeed air driven hand piece.

The one I currently use is the MICRO - Ushio "UHT" Micro Grinder 2.34mm. This is for the serious player and for me, it is awesome! The maintenance is low, and speed is excellent. Also, it gives good flexibility when working around water cooled equipment. Plus, a compressor can drive other things in the studio as well.

I run the compressor at around 90 PSI and you need a good sized one otherwise it is going to be running quite hard. This drives my handpiece at around 65,000 rpm.

Another consideration with handpieces’ is with regards to what size burs they take. There are generally two shaft sizes in the market and so it depends on what you have easiest access to and ensuring that the size you choose will accommodate the types of burs you like to work with.

Again, personal preference. The two sizes are sometimes interchangeable within the same handpiece or a simple change of collet will enable both sizes to be utilised. The two sizes are 2.35mm and 3.2mm. I personally use the 2.35mm. The selection and access to burs with this shaft size suits me best.

Armed with this information, do your own research for what is available in your area and good luck!

The next blog is on Burs for your High-Speed Drill…