I've been lucky using a standard drill on many of these small parts. I know my luck will run out eventually.
Looking for suggestions on a hobby sized unit.
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Not sure what you mean by hobby size but try Micro Mark.....Hope I have the name right........Paul
Micromark....
...at this site
I'm sure there are other choices around....like Dremel.
BTW...what size drill bits are you seeking to use with your press??? That might influence choices....esp. when it comes to speed control.
FWIW, always...
KD
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paul 2 posted:Not sure what you mean by hobby size but try Micro Mark.....Hope I have the name right........Paul
Table top. Not some gigantic floor stand unit...
Harbor freight. Get the 20% off coupon.
This will handle up to 1/2" drill bit shanks. For small drill bits you can use pin vises in the chuck.
Also check out the flea markets, tractor shows. I found a nice variable speed one for 5 bucks.
Pete
I use a table-top Craftsman for most work, but have a Dremel setup for my fine work. All reasonably priced.
Art
Chugman posted:I use a table-top Craftsman for most work, but have a Dremel setup for my fine work. All reasonably priced.
Art
The Dremel drill press attachment is an excellent choice for fine work. Their older model was even nicer IMO but won't work with the newer tools.
Pete
I have an inexpensive Harbor Freight benchtop model. It is good enough for what I need to do. I built an outdoor gym (monkey bars) for my boys with it over twenty years ago. It's holding up well.
For fine work I have a Minicraft drill and drill press stand. They aren't made any longer, in concept it is similar to a Dremel. But on the Minicraft the drill moves. As I recall, on the Dremel, the table moves.
With the older Dremel attachment the table moved. With the new one the tool moves. I found the "feel" with the older one was much more sensitive.
Pete
dkdkrd posted:Micromark....
...at this site
I'm sure there are other choices around....like Dremel.
BTW...what size drill bits are you seeking to use with your press??? That might influence choices....esp. when it comes to speed control.
FWIW, always...
KD
My vote is for the Micr Mark!
Here is a pic where I am setting it up to precision drill a K-Line EP-5 front pilot to repair engine.
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I have been using the Harbor Freight drill press mentioned by others above for many years. It has served well considering the low price point.
Brad
Keep your eyes open at yard sales, etc. for one like this....
Complete variable, runs a #80 up to a 1/4" bit.
This one saves on electricity but is a bit ungainly...
Here is a Dremel Workstation from Lowes. I think for $50, minus the Dremel tool.
Jeff T,
A few year back a packed up the Small Harbor Freight work bench Drill Press Norton has pictured in his post. The Drill Press has been working fine for years now, remember to pick up a nice sliding vice for it. I suggest a real nice multi directional vice, I made the mistake of not purchasing a more expensive one from the get go, and now I will probably be investing in a better one sense I have my own Train Room now.
PCRR/Dave
I use a Ryobi bench top model I got on sale from the big box hardware store for $99 on sale. It sits and clamps fine to my Stanley Workmate. Used it many times and its quite handy for making straight accurate bores.
Tin
Thots:
What ever you get make sure it can properly grab the size drills you will be using. Take a careful look at the chuck. Make sure the three jaws touch in the center when fully closed. Take a #60 or what ever drill with you when shopping. I have a couple of drill presses but the one that amazes me the most is my old Craftsman 10" neck 1/2" floor mounted drill press. I normally use a Dremel mini press for small bits but my big Craftsmam can take a #72 drill bit and hold it tight. Crazy.
The other thing that amazes me is the small $27 hobby sized chuck from HD that is intended to be mounted in the chuck of a larger drill press is useless for bits smaller than a #50.
Always use your safety glasses.
I picked up a Proxxon at a yard sale that uses 6 different size collets to hold the bits. Similar to Dremel. But they also offer a drill chuck that handles anything from 1/64 to 1/4. Nice European made unit with tight tolerances.
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Hobby drill presses are not very accurate AND the distance from the drill to the vertical support is too small.
I bought a Delta with a large distance from the drill to the support so that I can accurately drill large pieces.
Long story, but I ended up with 3 drill presses for a total cost of $25. One is a floor standing Delta with 16 speeds. The second is a bench top Delta, and then the Proxxon. I find the Proxxon had tighter tolerances and runs smoother than the Delta's. For larger jobs and jobs that need horse power, I use the Delta. For miniature precision work, I prefer the Proxxon.
If I could only have one, the Proxxon would be my last choice. Not versatile enough.
I like the Grizzly stuff. I don't know if you mean tiny "hobby" sized.
Another vote for the small Harbor Freight cast iron drill, often sold new for around $50.
I have one in each aircraft hangar, one in the kitchen shop, and one converted to a rivet machine. I drill multiple holes every single day of my life, and have successfully drilled #77 holes in a live steam casting.
Proof that these work for the hobbyist is in my articles in OGR in the early 1990s. That is how long these machines last.
I picked up the Harbor Freight drill press just last Friday.
