Who knew?

   Who knew there was so much to the flex-shaft.  I just started perusing (like that big word?) my new book - "Making the most of your Flex-shaft" by Karen Christians.  

   I've owned a couple of handheld rotary tools over the years that came with all sorts of bits, wheels and mandrels; none of which I knew how to use.  So, they got limited use and weren't very effective (since I didn't know what I was doing!)  

  As I've said in my very first post, I'm not a jeweler.  I'm a metal clay artist who makes jewelry.  I had one jewelry class in college, many moons ago which was all fabrication.  So, I am learning as I go (and there is sooooo much to learn.)  Right now my focus is on the flex-shaft tool (and making metal clay toggles.)

   Anyway, the gist of this post is a book review.  I haven't read it all yet, but I can see that my new flex-shaft book will be an invaluable resource that I will be referring to often.  (Because like most directions that come with tools.... they don't tell you squat!) 

   The book covers every little detail you might want to know from the invention of the flex shaft to maintaining it.  There are chapters on choosing the right motor, the proper hand piece, the proper bur or bit and mandrel.  Then she covers abrasives, grinding wheels, buffs, etc.  There are attachments available to extend the capabilities of the tool and a chapter that goes beyond the basics.  And, finally in the back are resources for jewelers.

  As I've looked through this book, I've had some Aha! moments.  Now I know what that little drum shape was for or that stack of what looked like gritty toothless saws and the pointy screw mandrel.  All those years wasted, while I was waiting for such a book full of information.  I sure could have used the knowledge I've gained from this book when I was teaching.  I would let my students use the rotary tools when we were doing sculptures, but we weren't getting the most out of it.  At least I was aware of the safety issues.  That came from my college sculpture teacher scaring the crap out of us when it came to power equipment and I thank him for that.  (He cut his hand in half using the table saw!)

  Point in case.  This is a must book to have if you have a flex-shaft.