Any recommendations or links for a good commercial grade dremel tool would be appreciated

What is the application? An air powered die grinder might be a wise choice if you are looking for something heavy duty and durable. However I probably would not recommend using one on a live horse for safety reasons.

My Foredom flexible shaft tool is sweet. I think it's about 1/3 hp, plenty of power-won't overheat or bog down, the flexible cable is long enough to work comfortable around a horse and it doesn't make alot of noise. Mine has 2 sizes of collets 1/8" & 1/4".

Don't use it often but when needed it's indispensible.

The Foredom is worth looking into. It is alot more $ than any Dremel but it is 10x the tool. I have one that hangs from the hoof stand so it isn't on the floor to trip over, very quiet and alot of torque for hoof removal. I also have a high speed tool. The Foredom might only be 10,000 rpm max so it is good for heavy jobs. My other tool is adjustable 30,000 to 65,000 rpm with a remote power head, but good for the most delicate work. The higher rpm gives more control without as an aggressive head it won't get you into trouble. As Brian noted thye spend most of their time in a case in the bottom of the truck but if you ever need to do any type of messy hoof repair they can make you look like a hero. Also, even though I have hundreds of cutting heads from Ruby to Carbide, I like those little sanding bands that go around the rubber bladder that they sell with the dremel bits in the hardware store for general work.

yeah, I already have a foredom that I use on occasion to work on the incisors if the bite is out of alignment, and occasionally to take down excessive tooth length. But, I now have a regular Dremel tool I bought from Sears for debriding hoof wall cracks. It just doesn't seem quite up to the job, wear and tear has caused me to go through a few of them. I know there is a better make out there that may be built more for professional use. I hate the foot control on the foredom, I have used it to groove hooves and to remove excessive hoof wall from white line cases, but I don't like dragging that thing out untangling the cords and dealing with the foot control. I'm looking for something with the speed control on the handpiece. I might should of been more specific, but thanks for the responses.

Rick Talbert wrote:You are also an equine dentist?

Rick Talbert wrote:
rick in the morning i will get you the model number of the one i have and use from sears it is a 24000 rpm hand grinder .bryan e

I use a battery operated RotoZip with the flex shaft attachment. It actually has a lot of power and good working time with no cords to get tangled up in.

I also have a regular dremel for the smaller jobs.

I would advise against buying a Dremel. Die grinders are much faster, and just as easy to use.


My personal favorite is this flex shaft power pack from Shurer. I have several options for attachments including angle grinder, as well as straight and 90 degree bit holders.


And a wide variety of bits:

I must admit the grinder that Pat is refering to is really nice. I had the oppurtunity to use one at the last clinic he had. Although awkward at first it, was very nice once I was used to it.

thanks for the help