Dremel teased me earlier today with a promo video for their upcoming Fortiflex flex shaft tool. While we actually posted about the Fortiflex a few years ago, but this will be the first time the Fortiflex will be available in the USA.
Needless to say, I’m extremely eager to get my hands on one. While the Fortiflex looks to be the same model that’s already available overseas, my curiosity has been building for quite a while.
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Nearly a year and a half ago, I gave up waiting for the Fortiflex and ordered myself a Foredom 5240 flex shaft starter kit ($265 via Amazon). The Foredom is an amazing tool, and I definitely plan on comparing the Fortiflex to it if test samples become available. I would scream out flex shaft deathmatch, but that seems a bit extreme.
If I were in the market for a flex shaft tool now, the Dremel would receive strong consideration. One thing I like is that it looks to be compatible with Foredom handpieces and accessories.
Now, if you’re wondering whether you should be interested in this tool or not, ask yourself these three questions:
1) Do I use my rotary tool and flex shaft a lot?
2) Do I wish I had more control over my rotary tool and flex shaft?
3) Do I wish my rotary tool and flex shaft had more power?
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If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, and you don’t already have a flex shaft tool, now might be a good time to consider getting one.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Features
- 2.5A motor (1/5 HP)
- Precision handpiece with 3-jaw chuck (up to 5/32″)
- 0-23,000 RPM
- Variable speed foot pedal
- Heavy duty flex shaft
- Interchangeable handpiece
MSRP is $239
The 9100-21 Fortiflex flex shaft kit comes with a 21-piece accessory set. You can of course use the Fortiflex with other Dremel and other brands’ rotary tool and flex shaft tool accessories. It can be used for all kinds of high precision cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and engraving applications.
For those of you not quite familiar with flex shaft tools, they’re akin to rotary tools with flex shaft attachments, but are more powerful, more precise, and more controllable.
fred
Nice to hear.
I’ve been doing bird carving for some years now – and while I have no fear that any of my work will end up in a museum – I take some pleasure in the pursuit. I do both hand and power carving. For the hand work I’ve been fond of flexcut knives and palm gouges – and Two Cherries full-sized gouges – but I also hear good things about other brands. When I moved to power-carving I started with a Foredom SR series motor and now have several handpieces , an angle grinder attachment, power carving set, and a mini-belt sander. I more recently added a THX motor and usually hang both – although if I had only one – it would be the SR because it is reversible. While I use a foot pedal – I also sometimes bench mount the motor and use a benchtop speed control for some tasks. I added a pyrography (Razertip) set a few years back and an Arbortech mini grinder. If you get into this – there a several sources like Treeline.com, Mountain Heritage Crafters (and their Rotary Pro outlet) that sometimes offer good deals .
Pete
Being in the jewelry/watch industry I’d have a hard time switching flex shaft brands. Foredom is the defacto standard in the jewelry industry and for good reason. Made in the USA (italy for some of the handpieces) / Replacement parts are readily available / Best handpiece around? (well IMHO – duplex quick change). For the hobbiest, I can see the dremel brand helping to promote the purchase of such a product. Im interested to hear your comparison of the 2.
Brian
The added power looks great over a standard hand-held rotary tool. I am curious how the flex shaft tool would compare to something like an air powered die grinder (if there were a foot pedal to control the speed/power)?
Stuart
It might compare similarly in theory, but with flex shaft tools you have a lot more options to change handpieces. When I think die grinder, I think of rough material removal. With flex shaft tool I think of precision and control.
They are designed to be used for very different types of tasks, so I would be hesitant to ever consider die grinders and flex shaft tools in the same light.
fred
As you say they are different tools for different tasks. I loved our Dotco die grinders in the shop – but would not bring one home for bird carving. Also – as I alluded to – I find the Foredom SR series motor to be more than powerful enough for the woods that I work with – and the THX series motor that I bought as a second tool – is probably overkill – and only turns in one direction (a negative)
Dave L
Flex shaft tools are good if you always work at a bench. If you’re mobile, the regular Dremel (or Proxxon, which is heavier duty) tool is pretty much the only choice.
Brian Desselle
will yall ever get a desk top control also does this reverse