Before you buy a 'Micromotor' (read this essay) - 23 photos

  I saw the question "Which is the best micro-motor to buy" on our "Orchid community questionnaire". I would like to comment on some of these (gem-setting) motors, and their attachments. 

 I'm not promoting one brand name over another in this essay, but the names are quite visible in the many photos. I like being 'neutral', you the reader can make the 'buying choice' yourself.

 I have this same micromotor on my bench and it comes with a foot (speed control) pedal. When the motor handle is not being used, it is resting in the handle slot-tube on the side. 

 Just where is the dual speed control? This means manually altering the speed at all times and wasting your time in doing so.

    WHY IS THIS A GREAT MICROMOTOR?

1) Easy-to-read display of speed reference numbers.

2) It has a foot pedal.

3) The handle is easy to hold and work with.

4) There is no need for a pole to hold the motor. It rests easily on your bench.

   

   What are the negative aspects of this 'handpiece'?

1) These hand-pieces are very wide for the hand to grasp.

2) There is no 'flex attachment'.

3) There has to be a key to 'tighten and release' every bur.

4) This is not good for a delicate gemstone-setting action.

 This assortment of features and burs is lacking one item. It is lacking the 'flex' on both handpieces, why is that?

I (almost) approved of this duo of hand-pieces. With the desktop, there is no foot pedal to control the quick changing of the speed.

 With this combination of speed controls, there is both the foot pedal AND desktop. I thoroughly approve of this arrangement!

The micromotor handle has its own resting pad. Good idea as it gives a place for the motor handle to rest, instead of being loose in and on the bench top.

                        

                          There are three problems here!

1) There is no 'flexible bending' during the setting processes.

2) The 'quick-release locking switch' can interfere with the operator's grasp on the handle.

3) Sometimes the 'quick-release switch' can pinch the skin & hand.

 With this motor assembly, there MUST BE A POLE to hold the heavy motor.

 There are few, if any advantages to purchasing these two handpieces. In my estimation, these are not good for gemsetting purposes.

 STUDY IF THESE HANDLES ARE GOOD FOR YOU?

 

 At the very tip of the hammer anvil is a 'diamond crystal' that when used (carefully) can create a 'textured surface' in the metal. This could be a real advantage to your specialized creative patterns.

 This is an anvil before it is hand-shaped to become a Reciprocating Anvil hammer tip.

 This style of motor assembly needs a pole to hold it to your bench.

 This is a very worthwhile micro-motor to purchase, why is this? It comes with foot-pedal & easy-to-read speed numbers on a digital display.

 This is the most common style of pole that is required to hold the heavy motor. It also comes with an added feature of extending the height, if required.

If the pole isn't tightened securely, it will easily fall over. WOOPS!

 This is the epitome of a great Reciprocating Hammer to buy, why?

1) It has a flex shaft in the handle.

2) The handle comes with its own key for minor adjustments.

 I have the same hammer at my bench, why not one for you?

 NO COMMENTS on this hammer is that it lacks many good features for the gemstone setting. I've discussed them above.

 The quick-release locking device might cut into the hand when activated. PLEASE BE CAREFUL! (or just don't buy it!)

 I bought one of these on a trial basis and returned it a few days later.

 This is the key to the basic style of handpiece. There are no other means of tightening or releasing your bur, except using this key.

 I would prefer a 'foot control' when making your purchase.

 Here are a few things to remember when thinking about buying this motor.

 1) A strong pole is required to hold the motor.

2) There is no 'flex shaft' on the handpiece.

3) There is no foot 'speed control' pedal being shown.

 In conclusion, I attempted to give you my preferences & opinions on the various styles of handpieces and micromotors. 

 I avoided any names of equipment but just listing the 'good' and 'best' choices.

 Beware of equipment that is manufactured in 'overseas' countries. "Just because the price is cheap does not mean that it's better".

 Buy with caution at all times.