• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Drill Press

#2
what kind of space do you have? do you do woodworking in general and/or will this be used for anything else?

give craigslist a close watching - you'd be amazed at what shows up for reasonable pricing ...

if you have the room, a good floor standing model is indispensible for certain tasks. if you don't have the room, a benchtop can easily be found for under $300

if you have the time to keep an open eye, you might just come across an older ShopSmith ... a drill press, lathe, tablesaw, and more all in one tool. I'd be hard pressed to be without mine, as it really simplifies certain drilling tasks (like side mounted jack holes)

all the best,

R
 
#4
ok, maybe I should have been a LOT more specific... I want one to own, but thank you, and I am in Port Jefferson Sta.

As far as the room situation, I can fit a standing one if i had to, but with a big ol' bandsaw and a huge working bench it is a bit tough, not to mention the couch and the two massive surfboards.

I guess what I should be asking is what brand or model do you guys recommend?
 
#8
Rodent said:
if you have the room, a good floor standing model is indispensible for certain tasks.
Click to expand...

I'll hijack this thread :hiding:

Rodent what kind of jobs are done easily with a floor standing? I ask this cause Ill buy one in a few months for my next project and thought about getting a small or middle sized one. Your answer can help me and Worshiper to decide to buy a small one or the floor standing model cause as he, I'll be limited with the space but I guess I can accomodate a big one if it worths it.
 
#9
the easiest hole to consider is a side mounted jack (which you drill after rounding over the body sides)

since it's usually angled on a corner you'll need the added height to chock the body into location and still have room for the 7/8" bit. a floor unit is your friend here due to the added travel distance of the bed.

just one example ... but really, anything where you need the extra height when not drilling something thin

all the best,

R
 
#13
joeyl said:
read posts from ARX closer to the end of the thread

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=428330&highlight=press
Click to expand...

lol. Yeah.. Stay away from Ryobi's 12" Variable speed. Pure junk.

I think in general, stay away from all the gimmicks. Just get yourself a bigass heavy drill.

I bought a General International 14" bench top for around $220 Seems nice so far. The lid rattles a bit, which is pretty common, but no other complaints.

I think as long as you go with a large one, you probably could do without a floor stander. Mine's in my apartment, so I didn't want to waste the floor space. It's certainly tall enough for anything I'm likely to drill, and it also puts it at a nice height to work at. I'm really tall, so that's a very welcome bonus.

-Nick
 
#15
Ol'Bass'ead said:
Depending on how fancy you guys get, a floor standing 'press will allow you to use a fairly tall adjustable vise-like a 2-way. Like the one below;

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's nice. I think you could still get away with that on a large benchtop too. I hope so, anyways, because I'm planning to.

Hopefully I'm not jacking the thread here, but have you tried doing any metal milling with that?

Obviously you wouldn't get results as nice as with a proper milling machine, but I'm curious if it would get me by doing some basic stuff with an end mill. I want to make some bridges for my next bass.

-Nick
 
#16
Arx said:
Hopefully I'm not jacking the thread here, but have you tried doing any metal milling with that?
-Nick
Click to expand...

Unfortunately thats not my setup, but I do have G.A.S. for it. I found that over on Beau Leopard Designs website.

It is my understanding though, that the one he uses is one that is intended for use on a milling machine. And is probably more expensive because of that.
 
#18
I too was looking for a drill press to do some light machining with. The advice I got from Grizzly was don't do it, the shaft bearings on a drill press won't take the x-y forces and it will void your warranty. Do a search on DIY CNC milling machines, there are lots of folks making their own and willing to share how to.
 
#19
rollerberg2000 said:
I too was looking for a drill press to do some light machining with. The advice I got from Grizzly was don't do it, the shaft bearings on a drill press won't take the x-y forces and it will void your warranty. Do a search on DIY CNC milling machines, there are lots of folks making their own and willing to share how to.
Click to expand...

Yes, I know you're not supposed to do it. ;)

It doesn't mean it won't work if you're careful. Hopefully someone has had some experience abusing their drillpress this way and can let me know how it went. :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back