Hadewe Medeas Dust Extraction Drill Review

The new Hadewe Medeas dust extraction drill is the top of the range dust extraction drill from long-standing German manufacturer Hadewe.

The latest in the top of the range suction models the Medeas boasts some of the most innovative features in the podiatry dust extraction drill market.

Lets take a closer look.

New Touch Panel Display

One of the most striking new features the Medeas has is the new touch panel display.

Whilst not a new concept Hadewe are always keen to keep up with the latest podiatry drill features.

It can be argued that they are boldly attempting to address many of the known issues with dust extraction drills.

Lets run through setting the drill up

After plugin in the drill to the mains, you need to locate the main on/off switch for the unit. This is found on the back left hand corner of the drill.

TOP TIP:

Not the on/off switch on the front as I found out rather quickly!

The drill takes a few seconds to power up and you’ll be presented with a screen to set your language.

Fit in 5 steps

One of the first of many helpful features is the setup process “Fit in 5 steps” this series of screens walks you though some of the basic setup & tips.

Step 1 – Location & Ventilation

Location of your drill is an important factor as it is a common contributor to drills overheating.

Making sure that’s there is adequate ventilation will mean your dill won’t get too hot.

This problem is found with poorly designed workstations and cabinets.

Step 2 – How to remove the end of the hand piece

Hand piece maintenance is essential to the health of your drill regardless of cost.

No amount of features will help if the hand piece becomes compacted.

On this screen, Hadewe cover the removal of the chuck. This is the first step to cleaning your hand piece.

A video of this process can be found in the help menu section.

Step 3 – Using the right tools

Bent, damaged or damp burrs or mandrels can do serious damage to a hand piece.

Even with Hadewes unique clamping system, the hand piece can be damaged if these steps are not taken.

Step 4 – Filter bags and power button

Changing filter bags regularly will prolong the life of your drill.

If the filter bag is allowed to get too full it will reduce suction power and put unnecessary strain on the drill.

In preparation for using the drill there’s a brief introduction to he functions of the power button.

Step 5 – An introduction to the home screen.

The final step before starting the drill introduces you to the home screen.

Rest assured the help doesn’t stop there. There are several useful videos built into the menu system.

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One of the unique features of this drill is the ability to upload pictures of patient s feet via USB.

Medeas Drill Technical Information

The Medeas drill is at the top end of the weight range at 3kg. Increased sound deadening required to keep the noise to a minimum may be a contributing factor.

Main Unit Facts & figures

• W 273 x H 142 x D 186
  (incl. projecting parts W 313 x H 142 x D 235)
• Weight 3 kg
• Suction motor brush less
• Voltage 230 V
• Noise level min. 49 db
• Noise level full throttle 55 db

Hand piece

• length 144 mm
• diameter 19-25 mm
• clamping system hadewe “knob” clamping
• hand piece motor brush less
• weight 150g
• speed 6.000 – 40.000 rpm
• On/Off switch

How loud is the drill?

One of the most common questions about suctions drills is just how loud they are. Patient comfort especially children and vulnerable adults is an important consideration.

Actual noise level will vary depending on the speed of the hand piece rotation, but more importantly the suctions level.

The highest noise level is claimed to be just 59db! This is highly subjective as it does depend on how close you are to the aperture.

The size and layout in the clinic as well as drill location in relation to the patient will all have a contributing factor.

The drill is definetly quieter than past models and doesn’t have a high pitched whine you can get with other brands.

Summary

This is a well designed dust extraction drill with all of the features you’d expect from a top of the range model.

The addition of a responsive touch screen and help videos are a great addition and bound to help practitioners keep their drill in tip top condition.

Do you own a Medeas drill? What do you think?

Let us know in the comments below.