If you are looking at flex shaft tools, you’ll want to read over this Foredom SR vs TX comparison.
These tools are Foredom’s main offering in the flex shaft rotary tool market, and they have distinct differences which set them apart.
There’s the standard Foredom SR, & the more powerful TX motor series flex shaft tools.
At the bottom of this guide, we include a comparison of these tools with the popular Dremel 9100 Fortiflex flex shaft tool too – so you might like to read that too if it interests you.
In our opinion, Foredom’s flex shaft tools are of the highest quality, and definitely feel solid and well manufactured when in hand.
Let’s look at which one would better suit your needs though …
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Foredom SR vs TX: Which Is Best For You?
In general, a flex shaft tool allows a hand piece to sit in your hand that you can control like a pen – allowing detail, precision and accuracy.
The flexible shaft allows you to get in and around on different angles that a regular Dremel type rotary tool wouldn’t allow you to.
For 80-90% of people looking at getting a Foredom flex shaft tool, the SR motor series will be a better option – for woodworking, jewellery making and cleaning, and general precision and fine/detail tasks.
For the other 10-20% of people who want the most power out of a flex shaft tool, the TX will be better (for heavy woodcarving, and tasks that require extra horsepower).
Foredom SR Motor Series (suitable for most people)
Foredom SR Motor, General Applications Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom SR Motor, Jewellers Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom SR Motor, Woodcarving Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom TX Motor Series (suitable for those people who want extra power)
Foredom TX Motor, General Kit Without Handpiece (on Amazon)
Foredom TX Motor, Jewellers Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom TX Motor, Woodcarving Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom SR vs TX: Differences & Similarities
Foredom SR vs TX Differences
Foredom SR is designed for most regular flex shaft activities like wood carving and jewellery work. TX is designed for heavier tasks like power wood carving and actitivities like porting engines
Foredom SR has 1/5 HP to 1/4 HP (1/6 HP under continuous load), whereas the TX has more power at 1/3 HP
Foredom SR has a max speed up to 18,000 RPM, while the TX has a max speed up to 15,000 RPM
SR comes in both 115 and 230 Volts models, whereas the TX only comes in 115 volts
Foredom SR has 3 main kits available – woodworking, jewellery and general applications. TX only has a base kit and a woodworking kit
The SR is more affordable than the TX – mainly due to the TX’s increased power motor
You’ll most likely have to buy the handpiece separately when you buy a TX, whereas common SR kits come with the handpiece
Foredom SR vs TX Similarities
SR and TX can both run in reverse as well as forwards speeds
Both can accept interchangeable hand pieces with 3 jaw chucks
Both will work with most Dremel bits
Both have a 39 inch long shaft
Both can be hung up on a motor stand
Both can operate with a plastic OR metal food pedal to control speed/RPM
Foredom SR vs TX: Reviews, and Comparison With Other Flex Shaft Tools
Below you can read our guides on the Foredom SR and TX reviews, and a comparison with the Dremel 9100 Fortiflex, which is another popular flex shaft tool.
There is also a short guide we wrote which includes information on one of the cheaper flex shaft tools from SE:
Foredom vs Dremel 9100 Fortiflex Comparison
Flex Shaft Tool Reviews – including the cheap SE flex shaft tool
Top Rated Foredom Flex Shaft Rotary Tools
We have previously done a Foredom review in our guide on the Foredom vs. Dremel Flex Shaft tools.
However, in this guide we look to go into a bit more depth, specifically on the Foredom brand tools.
Whilst Dremel is the most prominent light task rotary tool brand on the market, when it comes to flex shaft tools, Foredom has a lot of quality and overall value to offer.
Let’s take a look at the Foredom flex shaft tools now …
Foredom Flex Shaft Rotary Tools: Reviews
Foredom SR Motor Series Flex Shaft Rotary Tool
What’s Good About It?
In our opinion, the Foredom flex shaft tools are engineered and machined better than the Dremel Flex shaft tool
1/5 HP to 1/4 HP (1/6 HP under continuous load)
Variable Speed – up to 18,000 RPM > higher max speed than the TX
Can run in reverse as well as forwards speeds
Comes in either a 115, OR 230 Volts model
39 inch long shaft
Has a 3 jaw chuck – versatile with which bits it can accept
Can be used with all Foredom accessories. Should accept Dremel accessories – but confirm before you buy.
Can be hung up on a hook/stand – comes with a motor bale
Can also get bench motor models
Foot operated speed control – can get a plastic or metal foot pedal
Comes with a wide range of interchangeable, quick disconnect handpieces you can choose from as extras
Comes in general applications, jewellers and woodworker’s kits
What Could Be Improved?
Metal foot pedals, foot pedal dials, and some of the types of bits you might want are sold separately.
These flex shaft are not the cheapest, but you are paying for quality when you buy Foredom.
Not guaranteed to hold all Dremel bits – check beforehand.
What Accessories Might You Need To Get?
Motor Hanger Freestanding – Foredom MH-1 Rotary Tool Motor Hanger (on Amazon)
Motor Hanger Bench Clamp Model – Flex Shaft Motor Hangers, Bench Clamp Model (on Amazon)
Cheap Diamond Rotary Tool Bits – SE 82331TF 30-Piece Set of Titanium-Coated Diamond Burrs, Grits 120-150 (on Amazon)
Cheap General Rotary Bit Kit – SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit (on Amazon)
Where To Check It Out?
Foredom SR Motor, General Applications Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom SR Motor, Jewellers Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom SR Motor, Woodcarving Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom TX Motor Series Flex Shaft Rotary Tool
What’s Good About It?
In our opinion, the Foredom flex shaft tools are engineered and machined better than the Dremel Flex shaft tool
Compared to the SR, the TX models are better for more demanding work like hogging out large quantities of wood or porting engines.
1/3 HP (more power than the SR motor series, & Dremel flex shaft)
Variable speed – up to 15,000 RPM
Can run in reverse as well as forwards speeds
Operates at 115 Volts
Has a 3 jaw chuck – versatile with which bits it can accept
Can be used with all Foredom accessories. Should accept Dremel accessories – but confirm before you buy.
39 inch long shaft
Can be hung up on a hook/stand – comes with a motor bale
Foot operated speed control – can get a plastic or metal foot pedal
Comes with a wide range of interchangeable, quick disconnect handpieces you can choose from as extras
Comes in different general applications kit, and woodworker’s kits
What Could Be Improved?
Not a bad thing – but you need to check what comes in your kit. Will usually have to buy hand pieces, metal foot pedals, foot pedal dials, and bits separely with the TX Motor kits.
These flex shaft are not the cheapest, but you are paying for quality when you buy Foredom.
Not guaranteed to hold all Dremel bits – check beforehand.
What Accessories Might You Need To Get?
NOTE: check the kit you buy to see what is included, but you may have to buy the following as extras:
Foredom No. 30 Handpiece/3-jaw chuck that accepts any size shank or drill bit up to 5/32″. Includes HPCK-0 Chuck Key – Foredom No.30 Handpiece (on Amazon)
Foredom No. 44 Handpiece/accepts up to 1/4” diameter shanks, and comes with 3/32”, 1/8” and 1/4” collets, pin and wrench for changing collets and accessories – Foredom No. 44 Handpiece (on Amazon)
Motor Hanger Freestanding – Foredom MH-1 Rotary Tool Motor Hanger (on Amazon)
Motor Hanger Bench Clamp Model – Flex Shaft Motor Hangers, Bench Clamp Model (on Amazon)
Cheap Diamond Rotary Tool Bits – SE 82331TF 30-Piece Set of Titanium-Coated Diamond Burrs, Grits 120-150 (on Amazon)
Cheap General Rotary Bit Kit – SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit (on Amazon)
Where To Check It Out?
Foredom TX Motor, General Kit Without Handpiece (on Amazon)
Foredom TX Motor, Woodcarving Kit (on Amazon)
Foredom Flex Shaft Rotary Tools: Buyer’s Guide
What are the Foredom Flex shaft tools used for?
Compared to a regular rotary tool, a flex shaft tool allows you more precision and greater flexibility of hand movement.
The hand piece of a flex shaft tool fits in your hand like a pen – it’s its easy to carry out fine or detailed work.
A Foredom flex shaft tool would excel at these types of tasks – such as woodworking, carving, jewellery making and cleaning etc.
A Foredom TX in particular gives you that extra horsepower for activities like heavy woodworking and porting engines.
What is the main difference between the Foredom SR and TX motor series?
Most people will get the SR motor series – about 80% of users.
The SR motor series has less power, but a higher top speed – and the kits are usually full kits with everything you need to get started.
The TX motor series have a lot more power than the SR. But, they also have a lower top speed (15,000 RPM, compared to 18,000 RPM).
The TX kits usually require you to buy a few more extras to complete your kit to get started.
What is the main difference between the Foredom Dremel flex shaft tools?
You can read our massively in-depth comparison of the Foredom vs Dremel flex shaft tools here.
Are there cheaper flex shaft tool options than the Foredom and Dremel?
Yes.
SE offers an alternate cheap flex shaft tool which in our opinion doesn’t match the quality or performance of the Foredom or Dremel flex shaft tools.
There’s also a very good chance this SE flex shaft tool won’t last you as long as these other two brands.
If you just want a cheap flex shaft tool though, you can view the SE 979FSG Flexible Shaft Grinder on Amazon here.
Foredom Flex Shaft Rotary Tools: Resources
1. http://www.foredom.net/
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