View our courses and events calendarThis event exceeded my expectations with how well it was organized and the friendly, competent staff. After more than 1,000 shows under my belt, Metalwerx has achieved a very strong attendance and pleasant buying atmosphere.
Flex Shafts Demystified
Course Description
About this course
Confused by the dizzying array of rotary burs, bits, and mandrels on the market? Ready to invest in a flexible shaft machine (or have an old one that needs some TLC), but don’t know where to start? In this essential skill-builder, we will cover all the flexible shaft machine basics, from choosing the right models of motor, handpiece, and rheostat to maintenance and choosing the right bit for the job at hand. Through a series of detailed demos and Kristin’s thorough handouts, students will gain a firm understanding of rotary bits, from drilling, cutting to grinding and polishing.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
Meet the Instructor
Kristin Mitsu Shiga
Kristin Mitsu Shiga is a metalsmith and educator who has been tinkering together her life in the arts since 1991. In addition to showing internationally, her work is featured in numerous publications, including Art Jewelry Today, The Art of Enameling and several of Lark Books' "500" series. From a long line of teachers, Kristin has built a thriving metals programs in New York, Oregon, and in her current home on the Big Island of Hawai’i. You can learn more about Kristin’s work as a maker from her segment on Oregon Artbeat or on her studio’s retail website at okinajewelry.com.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. Click the red text to be redirected to a page where you can reference the item. Students are not required to have these supplies during the course - observers are welcome.
- H.30 Handpiece (Keyed Chuck)
- H.20 Handpiece (Quick Release)
- H.15 Handpiece (Hammer)
- SR Motor
- LX Motor
- SCT Foot Pedal
- SXR Foot Pedal
- Threaded Anvil Points
- Pavé Tip
- #30 Belt Sander Attachment
- #30 Drill Press Attachment
- Handpiece Holder
- Foredom Maintenance Kits
- Foredom Dressing Stone
- Fordom #30 Handpiece Comfort Grip
- 3/32" Reinforced Stainless Steel Mandrel
- 3/32" Wide Head Stainless Steel Mandrel
- 3/32" Slotted Mandrel
- Wolf Sanding Mandrel Set
- 3/32" Stainless Steel Snap-on Mandrel
- 1/8" Point Mandrel
- Bur-Life Paste
- Bur-Life Stick
- Bur-Life Liquid
- Bur-Life Bench-Mount Kit
- Silicone Polishing Pin Set
- Sandpaper Cartridge Rolls
- Uniform Shank Drill Set
- Diamond Core Drills
- Large Diamond Core Drills
- #61-80 Drill Index
- #1-60 Drill Index
- 18-piece Setting Bur Set
- 18-piece Ball Bur Set
- 18-piece Cup Bur Set
- 24-piece Bur Assortment
- Dedeco Try 'Em Silicone Assortment
- Dedeco 7/8" Polishing Assortment Kit
- Dedeco Silicone Midgets Assortment
- Dedeco Sunburst Dual Radial Disc Kit
- Magnum Sanding Discs - 320 grit
- Magnum Sanding Discs - 220 grit
- Aluminum Oxide Separating Disc
- Paper-Backed Snap-On Sanding Discs
- Aluminum Oxide Point Set
- White Arkansas Point Set
- Dedeco Heatless Silicon Carbide Wheels
- Pumice Wheels - SE (Stone Safe)
- Dedeco Silicone Cylinder Polisher - Extra Fine
- Dedeco Silicone Cylinder Polisher - Fine
- Eve Silicone Cylinder Polisher - Medium
- Eve Silicone Cylinder Polisher - Coarse
- Shofu Flat-Edge Brown (Medium)
- Shofu Flat-Edge Green (Fine)
- Shofu Knife-Edge Brown (Medium)
- Shofu Knife-Edge Green (Fine)
- Medium Mounted Combination Bristle Brush
- Soft-End Bristle Brush
- Mop Buff
- Sunshine Cloth Buffs
- Simulated Leather Wheel
- Flat Felt Buffing Wheel
- Soft Felt Polisher
- Felt Cylinder Buff
- PSA Sanding Discs
- Mini Mounted Fiber Wheel
- Minimat Texturing Wheel
- Carbide Cylinder Burnisher
- Margin Roller
- High Speed Steel Cylinder Burs
- Twincut Concave Burs
- Sintered Diamond Cutoff Wheel
- Diamond Bur Variety Set - 240 Grit
- Wax Bur Set
- Clamp-On Motor Stand
- Swing-Away Motor Stand - 42"
- Extra Swing-Away Arm
- Double Motor Hanger
- Flex Shaft Handpiece Holder
The following items are available from West Coast Findings. Email John Vesowate at [email protected] or call 503-227-4401.
- Flex Shaft Bit Kit
- Dedeco White Flexie - SE
- Dedeco White Flexie - KE
- Blue Polyurethane - SE
- Miracle Gold SE
- 3/32" Long Screw Mandre
- Virtual Course
Tuition
$150.00
Instructor
Kristin Mitsu Shiga
Dates
May 5 -7, 2021
Time
6:00 PM -8:00 PM
Length
2 days
Level
All Levels
- No experience needed
No Class Dates
May 6
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
