Useful info on drills
- Thread starter RVA
- Start date
Bocc69
Ambassador of Metal Health
Great info here in a cool thread. I just inherited a bunch power tools. Including a big drill press, table saw, sander and other misc saws.
I need to update and modify my shop so I can better appreciate and get the most use out of these fantastic tools. Never have enough tools.
I need to update and modify my shop so I can better appreciate and get the most use out of these fantastic tools. Never have enough tools.
jtcnj
Ambassador of the Crossroad
shop tools poron ranks up close to guitar poron.
My '36, all original except the belt and I put a 3 prong grounded cord on her; photo as I found her some years ago for $35:
I still need to find or make the additional step down pulley but I have not been welding / metalworking much lately.
Want to, just priorities and time..... ugh.
As to your original post, buy what fits your needs and your budget.
My '36, all original except the belt and I put a 3 prong grounded cord on her; photo as I found her some years ago for $35:
I still need to find or make the additional step down pulley but I have not been welding / metalworking much lately.
Want to, just priorities and time..... ugh.
As to your original post, buy what fits your needs and your budget.
gasket
Ambassador of the Guitarded
After posting #11 my ISP went down for periodic maintenance, new day and a new connection
I suggest kerosene to lubricate and cool when drilling mild steel.
Regarding your other question, " if you were going to set the belt for a speed that will likely be good for most purposes, at which speed would you set it?". Naturally it's depends on the job, the chart I posted should serve well but I leave my speed set at about 1,200 RPM as I find most of the time I'm working with mild steel and drilling holes around the 1/4 to 3/8 area.
I’ve had a belt table top press for about 30 years. Mostly for wood working. Very easy to change speeds which I don’t do very often. I use WD 40 for lubing metal drilling. I used water when I had to drill through tile.
Having sharp bits is key to clean drilling.
Having sharp bits is key to clean drilling.
I’m with the other Don, the one with the big O...I’ve had a belt driven, bench top for a few years now... never thought twice about it. I drill mild steel, and aluminum with it, mostly... Amp chassis, and pedal enclosures. WD40 for lubrication, and step bits used.
I’ve got mine set to the speed I like for most of the tasks I use it for. I’d only change it for wood or plastic...maybe. Oh yeah... I used it with a dremel bit to customize the pickguard for my V...worked great.
Of course there isn’t a step bit on it in the pic...
I’ve got mine set to the speed I like for most of the tasks I use it for. I’d only change it for wood or plastic...maybe. Oh yeah... I used it with a dremel bit to customize the pickguard for my V...worked great.
Of course there isn’t a step bit on it in the pic...
OP
RVA
Ambassador
Just to put things in perspective, all my drills are variable speed. They are old, as they were all given to me by my dad. I have no issues with the motors on any of them. Why is everyone so concerned when it comes to a drill predd, which for me (and I imagine most), will get much less use.
20 years from now who is going to be making the electronics replacement parts? A motor and a belt will be around forever.
This same fact is very true in older cars. 50s, 60s, and 70s, are very desired as they are easy to work on and mechanical parts are easily reproduced. Get into the 80s and 90s cars with lots of electronics and guess what, repro parts are nowhere to be found. Their value reflects that point.
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Yep...wish I’d never gotten rid of my 79 Chevy, or Dodge pickups.
OP
RVA
Ambassador
But, at $ 200, isn't it better to have superior functionality for 5-10 years and then get another, which may have additional advanced features? For instance, either of these units has laser sighting. Not necessary, but it does not stink either. Add digital display for rpms and a more efficient motos, and that is a nice list of updated items.
OP
RVA
Ambassador
You could not force me to buy a classic car. I think the choice for me may be different than the concensus here.
OP
RVA
Ambassador
Would you trade it for a model 15 years older?
The laser still needs calibration, and my experiences with it make my knee jerk reaction...meh...if it’s a good deal, and it’s in good shape....capable of more tasks that pertain to my immediate needs...probably. I picked the one that I wanted, so I’m happy with it. I probably wouldn’t be looking to trade.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, I wanted a drillpress. I shopped with my needs in mind. The one I picked had laser sighting. Once I set up and used the laser sighting, I realized that it wasn’t “all that”...but useful enough. The model I chose has lasted me about 8 years so far. It has performed well throughout its time with me...wether I’ve used the sighting or not(it requires separate batteries).
Get what YOU want sir.
I’m only passing my experiences to you.
OP
RVA
Ambassador
Yes, consumerism is hinged on disposability. At leaset we can still fix our guitars...unless it has a circuit board...or piezo..or active something. Ugh.
gasket
Ambassador of the Guitarded
Ray, the consensus appears to be backing belts. You appear to want the newer (more complicated by design) technologies. All good, go for it, I'm sure you'll love all of the whistles and bells. At the end of the day you'll drill a nice hole and post photos for us to marvel over.
OP
RVA
Ambassador
I thank you for the help. I hope you percieve this more as a discussion than a challenge of your choices. In the end, it is a tool to make a hole. Like Gasket said, KISS may be the best approach
OP
RVA
Ambassador
Not so much bells or whisles, I am just not disuaded from varialble speed.Ray, the consensus appears to be backing belts. You appear to want the newer (more complicated by design) technologies. All good, go for it, I'm sure you'll love all of the whistles and bells. At the end of the day you'll drill a nice hole and post photos for us to marvel over.