Who uses a NSK Presto or GRS Ultra 850 Air Rotary system

[BKJ]

Hi,

I'm curious who uses these systems and what you use it for?

They have fascinated me but perhaps they really don't serve us much purpose or maybe they don't offer us much more than a Foredom type tool.

Any thoughts folks?

Thanks

 

[Brian Marshall]

We use 'em mostly for background removal (VERY carefully), though they have other uses in metalsmithing and lapidary as well.


Brian

 

[BKJ]

Thanks Brian, where do you get your bits from?

 

[Brian Marshall]

Mostly dental supply houses, though Rio Grande, Gesswein and the rest of the jewelers suppliers all carry them too.

(But they are bit proud of 'em and price them accordingly)


Brian

 

[KCSteve]

I've got one but don't use it very much - I've got a small compressor and they eat a lot of air.

I always think of it as a metal eraser. Make sure your hand is braced for full control and gently stroke the metal away. If you're doing more than a tiny amount you should wear a breathing mask - it's been pointed out that it's vaporizing the metal.

I generally design for small areas to be removed and haven't decided it would be worth using the rotary to erase the bulk of them and then clean up with a graver versus just removing with a graver. But if I did some larger work, or if I wanted to relieve the background when I cut Titanium then I'd definitely go to the rotary. Titanium is neat stuff, as Arnuad has shown us, but it's also pretty tough stuff.

 

[Sandy]

I use the 850 for metal removal in background areas. And as soon as it touches the metal the metal disappears. The main difference between the 850 and the foredom is no torque. This can be important for control.
I get my burs from www.artcotools.com. They have all sizes and shapes. Hope this helps.

 

[sam]

I have both and use the NSK more as it provides more feedback when you're using it. The 850 is 400k RPM and as Sandy says, the metal disappears when you use it. It requires a very delicate touch because you can't 'feel' it like you do the slower NSK. Both work exceptionally well for background removal which is what I use them for. The 850 does consume a lot of air so if you plan to run it for extended periods this should be considered.

 

[mrthe]

I use the 850 for background removal, expecially for very tiny areas in Clad Cameo Carvings i really like it, for large areas i preferre do it with a 90v graver and flats, but for precitions work i like the 850, i use too a slow speed micromotor similar to the NSK, like Sam say is more easy to control , i use it for jewellery works too maybe is more versatile, but the 850 with practice if you learn in control it well, is a very nice super small turbine handpiece

 

[Lee]

The 850 is also a very effective skin eraser.

 

[Marrinan]

I have found the 850 to be very useful. background removal, carving etc. Air has not been much of an issue for me. guess my compressor is big enough. Fred

 

[Brian Marshall]

<"The 850 is also a very effective skin eraser.">

And I have found it to be very useful for filigreeing fingernails...


Brian


Not to be used around long loose hair. Unless you need a shorter curly patch for your "styling" requirements.

 

[BKJ]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I appreciate hearing from you all.

 

[Mel Joines]

Hi:
I use a slightly different unit, the Paragrave Turbo 300 by Profitable Hobbies. Rotating at 400-500 thousand rpm with no torque and no vibration. I use it for everything from design , shaping . and background removal. In my jewelry design and making.
I have also used it with carving wood, eggshell, engraving stone, crystal, and glass. Profitable Hobbies sells several complete systems, plus all supplies needed for power engraving, including the NSK. I have had the same Turbo 300 since 1992. It still works as well as the first day. It has been described as the Ferrari of the power carving systems. Give them a look, The company based in Utah has a great customer support history. I hope this helps.

 

[Mel Joines]

Check out the Turbo 300 by Profitable Hobbies. I have used the same one since 1992. And I love it, and used it for everything.