I went to Big Lots today and got a 5 speed drill press for only $39.99. I think it was a good deal. It will work for my model'n needs, so I just wanted to pas the word on if you been looking for one.

Chris

Harbor Freight Tools got the same deal, I want one![>:]
Joe

Got a similar one and it's great for hobby use. Just an idea though - the table is too small to hold a drill press vise, which I found out when trying to drill a motor mount. Made a 3/4" plywood piece to fit on the table and mounted it with countersunk bolts through the slots in the cast iron table and wood cleats underneath. Now no matter what you are drilling the table is big enough to slide the vise around.

I've got one of those, have drilled up to 1/2 holes in steel plate.....and it'll go fast enough to put a Roto-Zip bit in it to do cut outs in ply bulkheads...

that is a GREAT idea...i would have never thought of that...what?do you set it on the fastest speed??? i'll give it a try tomarrow...

john

I have a jig saw, disc/belt sander and a drill press. It's hard to figure what I'd do without any of them. I got my drill press from Harbor Freight & Tools and wouldn't part with it. Super tool for getting holes vertical to a flat surface.

[quote]ORIGINAL: jboy381-RCU


that is a GREAT idea...i would have never thought of that...what?do you set it on the fastest speed??? i'll give it a try tomarrow...


It's whatever you will be comfortable with, just don't let you're fingers slip into the tool...it will not know the difference between skin and wood..

If you put a Dremel cutoff wheel (small grinding disc) in the spindle, and raise the table to 1/8" or so away, you have a great platform for slotting for pinned hinges.

As always, DO be careful! Yes, the little discs eat up skin in a heartbeat.

The hinge slotting idea is great. Wish I'd thought of it first. Thanks for the tip !!

I realise this is a pretty old thread but it relates to my needs. How much do one of these things weigh?
Is it reasonably accurate? I am not planning on doing critical engine work just general modeling purposes.

Robert

Good one!! [sm=thumbup.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]

Similar tool........ 90 bucks though
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38119
Weighs about 50 pounds
This type of tool is fine for general modeling. Maximum spindle speed for most of these is in the 3000 rpm range

Robert,

My Craftsman 1/2" drill press weighs about 25-30 lb... Found it on sale for $45 and had a Sears warranty... no brainer. Sears runs sales about once every two or three months, so if you're in no hurry, suggest you add them to your list.

When I was looking for a drill press, I checked out a fair number, including Harbor Freight. IMO, the quality control on the "offshore" versions is so - so, but if you get one that runs straight and the spindle doesn't wobble, it's accurate and pretty bulletproof for modeling use...

Suggest taking a small square and a long drill to the store and ensuring the spindle runs true and operates truly vertical and straight with no sideways slop in the spindle bearings, and that all the controls operate freely but snugly. Should be good to go at that point..

Cheers!

Jim