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Using Dental Tools and Unusual Lathe Tools

6K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  KenHMT 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)

Hi All;

I was on the phone with Karson this morning talking about a new tool he bought for an upcoming project he's planing. It's a Foredom carving system. It's basically a small router which uses small bits.

The shanks on these bits are about an 1/8" in diameter.(actually there are three different sizes, with the 1/8" one being in the middle, I believe).

This lead to a discussion about the drill bits that dentists use. They go through these bits rather quickly, and then throw them out.

These bits, while not sharp enough for working on teeth, they are still plenty sharp for woodworking. If you know a dentist, you may be able to get him / her to save these bits for you. They are high quality bits and will last you a long time. And you can't beat the price.

I mentioned to Karson that the small pics they use are also pretty handy. I use these for miniature turning tools.

I went on to say I turned matching Walnut handles for my turning tools, including these small dental tools.

Later on in the day I realized that my friend is known to say no picture, didn't happen.

Fortunately I had my camera in the shop so I was able to take a few shots as evidence.

If you do any small turnings, these tools are very high quality, hold an edge real well, and are very strong. They also are available in many different shapes
 
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#5 ·
I use these every day in my stained glass work. They come in very handy to "pick" up the glass and place in the lead came.

There are many other uses for these small inexpensive helpful tools. As a matter of fact I paid 2.99 at harbor freight for my last set.

I might add one of the few things I got my moneys worth for what I spent.
 
#6 ·
Hi Dusty;

That price is pretty hard to beat!

I appreciate the information. The place I used to get them from went out of business a while back.

Happy New Year.

Lee
 
#7 ·
Thanks Lee
I guess it's about time for a dental check up.
 
#9 ·




Lee,

The last time I was at harbor freight they had these. I found them in the glass display case near check out.

They come and go. If I remember the metal set was 7.99 and the green set .299.

With out a doubt, hands down the most inexpensive yet handiest tools I have when I am doing stained glass.

Like you I have found other uses for these tools from time to time.

Priceless!
 
#13 ·
Dusty;

I started to daydream about all the things those tools in the picture could be used for. I ended up back at working on teeth, so I guess I went "full circle".

Great resource, thanks.

Lee
 
#14 ·
Scares me that there is some back alley Dentist somewhere that is outfitting his tray at Harbor Freight.
It's amazing the longevity of instilled fear born of some 1950's hack dentist experiences, even though my current Dentist is quite conscientious and accomplished. Getting me to go is still like (rimshot) pulling teeth.
 
#16 ·
I pretty sure the lot of them get their instruments at the accepted vendors. But I'll be willing to wager there is someone out there that does teeth and reads palms, etc. who gets the goods at HF. =:^•
 
#18 ·
Yea rikkor, I like the idea of being on "the other side" of these tools. Think I'll make a set just to keep one in my pocket next time I go to the dentist to level the playing field in my mind… I FREAGIN' hate the Dentist! At least I'm here now though I can Ask 'what's the best way to carve a set of teeth for myself.. Then I can feel like a true blue 'old school' wood worker.
 
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