DIY high speed sensitive drill press.

[tonyfoale]

A regular drill press spins too slowly for very small drill bits and parasitic forces reduce the "feel" for what the drill bit is doing. Both of these factors often contribute in a major way to broken small drills.

For some time I have been thinking about making a sensitive high speed drill press using the high speed spindle that I use only occasionally on my mill and also lathe. A few days ago a drill press meant for pistol drills came up on a local classified for sale list. It was of higher quality than most items of that genre that I have seen, and I bought it for only 20 euros.

Click images for full size versions.

Only a minimum of work was required to mount the spindle on it but a little more work was required to make and fit a counter-weighted balance system.



I have made a 20 minute video which explains the conversion as well as demonstrating the requirements of a sensitive drill and showing some tests of how I checked the success of my efforts.

Don't forget to like and share the video, and subscribe to my channel for news of new videos.

[olderdan]

Great video as usual and in depth analysis of requirements. I am in the process of making a high speed drilling attachment for my tailstock for the same reasons as I have a low speed lathe. Up to my neck in house renovation at the moment but I will post when I finish it.
Regards
Olderdan

[tonyfoale]

Great video as usual and in depth analysis of requirements. I am in the process of making a high speed drilling attachment for my tailstock for the same reasons as I have a low speed lathe. Up to my neck in house renovation at the moment but I will post when I finish it.
Regards
Olderdan

Looking forward to seeing it.

[rgsparber]

Tony,

Wonderful design and explanation!

Thanks,

Rick

[tonyfoale]

Here is the finishing touch. Most things to get drilled on this will be small and hand held, the original large T-slots in the base were a nuisance so I added a flat plate. This has made it more convenient to use.

click for full size image.

[DIYer]

Thanks tonyfoale! We've added your Sensitive Drill Press to our Drilling and Drill Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: tonyfoale's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Sensitive Drill Press by tonyfoale

tags: drill press, spindle

[DIYer]

Thanks tonyfoale! We've added your High Speed Drill Table to our Drilling and Drill Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: tonyfoale's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

High Speed Drill Table by tonyfoale

tags: table, drill

[wizard69]

Nice build Tony!

That drill press support is what I would call a lucky fine. I have not see anything of similar quality.

Here is the finishing touch. Most things to get drilled on this will be small and hand held, the original large T-slots in the base were a nuisance so I added a flat plate. This has made it more convenient to use.

click for full size image.

[tonyfoale]

Nice build Tony!

That drill press support is what I would call a lucky fine. I have not see anything of similar quality.

I couldn't agree more.