Dental Model Trimmers Compared: Ray Foster Wet, Dry, Orthodontic and Arch Trimmers vs Handler

Choosing between dental model trimmers comes down to three things: whether you can run water and a drain, how many models you trim per day, and whether you need angled orthodontic cuts. For most labs, a Ray Foster wet model trimmer with a 10 inch or 12 inch wheel is the workhorse, while dry trimmers, ortho trimmers and arch trimmers fill specific roles. Chase Dental Supply carries Ray Foster, Handler and Meta Dental Corp trimmers, compared below.

Key Takeaways

• The Ray Foster MT10 has a 1/3 HP motor and 10 inch wheel; the MT12 has a 1/2 HP motor, 12 inch wheel and larger cutting surface.
• Suffix “A” adds an automatic water valve, spray attachment and splash shield, “D” a diamond wheel, and “AD” a diamond wheel plus accessory package.
• The Ray Foster MT15 orthodontic model trimmer adds an anodized aluminum angulating work table plus a Vertisquare, Angle Guide and 70mm Adjustment Gauge.
• The Ray Foster MTD1 dry model trimmer needs no water supply or drain and pairs with the CDC1 Cyclone Dust Collector for a self-contained system.
• Arch trimmers (Ray Foster MR20, Meta Dental Corp #907) remove palate stone and complement, not replace, a wheel trimmer.

Dental model trimmers at a glance: wet vs dry vs ortho vs arch

Base models are shown; package variants share the same motor and wheel.

Wet vs dry model trimmers: what’s the difference?

A wet model trimmer uses a water spray to cool and clean the wheel, so it needs a water line, a drain and, as standard lab practice, a plaster trap. A dry model trimmer grinds with an abrasive disc and pulls dust away through a vacuum hose, so it can sit anywhere with an outlet.

The Ray Foster MTD1 Model Trimmer is the dry option. It runs fast cutting 10 inch PSA abrasive discs on a rigid cutting surface, driven by a capacitor-start 1/3 HP motor with no pulleys or belts, and includes a six foot vacuum hose, four extra discs and a power output that switches a dust collector on and off automatically.

The Ray Foster Dry Model Trimmer with Cyclone Dust Collector (MTD1C) adds the CDC1 collector: a 1 HP motor with 112 CFM of suction at 59 dB, a disposable paper primary filter that retains particles 3 microns and larger, and a permanent cloth secondary filter. It suits satellite offices and school labs without plumbing.

10 inch vs 12 inch model trimmer: which wet trimmer should I choose?

Pick 10 inch for moderate volume in a compact office lab and 12 inch if a technician trims models all day.

Ray Foster MT10 (10 inch, 1/3 HP)

The Ray Foster 10 inch Model Trimmer with 1/3 HP Motor offers the features of the MT12 in a compact design for a doctor’s office laboratory. Its 1/3 HP motor (.45 HP actual) turns a 10 inch, 1/4 inch thick wheel with a 4 inch by 4-1/4 inch cutting surface, in a 14 by 14 by 15 inch cast aluminum body.

Ray Foster MT12 (12 inch, 1/2 HP)

The Ray Foster 12 inch Model Trimmer with 1/2 HP Motor runs a capacitor start ball bearing motor (.625 HP actual) and a 12 inch reversible grinding wheel with a 5-1/4 inch by 5 inch cutting surface. It adds an adjustable work table, full radius water spray and a hinged door, and the motor is UL recognized and CSA certified.

Standard wheel vs diamond wheel: the A, D and AD packages

The base MT10 and MT12 use a standard grinding wheel. The Ray Foster 10 inch Model Trimmer with Automatic Water Valve, Water Spray Attachment and Splash Shield (MT10A) adds hands-free water control, and the Ray Foster 12 inch Model Trimmer with Diamond Wheel (MT12D, or MT10D) swaps in a diamond wheel, a common upgrade for long wheel life. AD models add an accessory package; see each product page for contents.

Handler #31 and #32 model trimmers

The Handler Model Trimmers and Wheels #31 listing covers the 10 inch 31 (1/3 HP) and 31X (1/4 HP) and the 12 inch 32 (1/2 HP) and 32X (1/3 HP), each available with a solenoid valve (SV) or diamond wheel (WKD), plus replacement wheels from fine to extra coarse.

What makes an orthodontic model trimmer different?

An orthodontic model trimmer adds a calibrated, angle-adjustable work table for the symmetrical cuts ortho study models require. The Ray Foster Orthodontic 12 inch Model Trimmer with 1/2 HP Motor (MT15) pairs the MT12 motor and wheel with a hardened anodized aluminum Orthodontic Angulating Work Table, Vertisquare, Angle Guide and 70mm Adjustment Gauge.

The MT15A, MT15D and Ray Foster Orthodontic 12 inch Model Trimmer with Diamond Wheel and Accessory Package (MT15AD) follow the same A, D and AD pattern.

Do you need a model arch trimmer?

You need an arch trimmer if you regularly remove the palate or tongue area from stone models. It complements a wheel trimmer rather than replacing it.

Ray Foster MR20 and MR20C

The Ray Foster MR20 Model Arch Trimmer has a vented stainless steel work surface, a 1-1/2 inch hose connection, a dust collector power output and a safety switch that cuts power when the top is removed. It ships with SaburTooth Carbide Burs and sanding sleeves; the Ray Foster Model Arch Trimmer with Cyclone Dust Collector (MR20C) bundles a collector.

Meta Dental Corp Model Arch Trimmer #907

The Meta Dental Corp Model Arch Trimmer #907 is a compact 100W, 110V plaster grinder with a built-in exhaust port, stainless steel work table and a coarse cylinder lathe bur (E 1/2). For dowel pins and base formers, see our model prep essentials guide and the Meta Dental Corp line.

Which one should you choose?

Match the trimmer to your room, volume and case mix, and pair it with the right gypsum from our Garreco Tecstone vs Fastone vs Labstone comparison.

• Choose the Ray Foster MT10 or MT10A if you run a general practice or doctor’s office lab with limited bench space.
• Choose the Ray Foster MT12 or MT12D if you are a commercial dental lab trimming models every day and want the larger cutting surface.
• Choose the Ray Foster MT15 series if you are an ortho lab or orthodontic practice producing study models with angled cuts.
• Choose the Ray Foster MTD1C if you are a school, satellite office or mobile setup without a water line or drain.
• Choose the Handler 31 or 32 series if you want a solenoid valve option or need replacement wheels in a specific grit.
• Add an MR20 or Meta Dental Corp #907 if you routinely remove palate stone from models.

Shop the Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 10 inch and 12 inch model trimmer?

A 12 inch model trimmer has a larger wheel, stronger motor and bigger cutting surface. The Ray Foster MT12 runs a 1/2 HP motor, while the more compact MT10 runs a 1/3 HP motor.

Do I need a water line to use a dental model trimmer?

Wet model trimmers need water and a drain. Dry model trimmers such as the Ray Foster MTD1 need no water or drain, but they should run with a dust collector such as the Ray Foster CDC1.

What is an orthodontic model trimmer?

An orthodontic model trimmer has a calibrated, angle-adjustable work table for cutting symmetrical ortho study models. The Ray Foster MT15 uses an anodized aluminum Orthodontic Angulating Work Table and ships with a Vertisquare, Angle Guide and 70mm Adjustment Gauge.

What do the A, D and AD suffixes mean on Ray Foster model trimmers?

A adds an automatic water valve, water spray attachment and splash shield, D adds a diamond wheel, and AD adds a diamond wheel with an accessory package. Check each product page for exact package contents.

Is a model arch trimmer the same as a model trimmer?

No. A model trimmer uses a flat wheel or disc to shape the sides and base of a model, while an arch trimmer such as the Ray Foster MR20 or Meta Dental Corp #907 uses burs or sanding sleeves to remove palate stone. Most labs own both.

Match the wheel size, motor and wet or dry setup to how you work. Chase Dental Supply carries the full Ray Foster line, Handler trimmers and replacement wheels, and more bench equipment in our Lab Materials and Small Equipment category. For questions about voltage options or packages, email sales@chasedentalsupply.com.