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Edge jointing using a drill press and microplane

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Mikey R, Jan 10, 2009.

  1. Jan 10, 2009 #1
    Mikey R

    Mikey R Guest

    Apr 14, 2008
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Hi everyone, bear with me, I know this sounds crazy...

    Im not sure if this is the right forum for this question, but theres a lot of machine tools users here so I thought I might as well...

    Has anyone here used the microplane drum attachments for the drill press?

    [​IMG]

    When I finally get a shed and a pillar drill, Im thinking that it would create less noise and dust to build a jointing fence for the drill press than to use a router table.

    [EDIT] Also, jointing 44mm body wings would require a 50mm router bit, which would in turn require a router with a 12.7mm collet - so that would be getting expensive. :) [/EDIT]

    Or does this just sound stupid?

    For those of you who have used the drum attachment, what kind of surface does it leave? Ready for glue up, or would it need a few swipes of a plane to tidy it up?

    Cheers!

    [EDIT] Ive just read the reviews on http://us.microplane.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=61, they also do a template follower kit so would be useful for tidying body outlines. Could also be used freehand in a hand drill... Im getting sorely tempted now![/EDIT]
     
  2. Jan 10, 2009 #2
    pgnbstrd

    pgnbstrd

    Aug 14, 2001
    Metro Detroit Michigan
    I've used both the 1" and the 2" inch.
    While they're are nice, they're not very strong. I've had three of them "break".
    The break is really more of a tear in surface, but the metal crimps and leaves some nasty gouges in you work piece. On softer woods it did fine, but any wood with some density to it, it had quite a bit of chatter.

    I like using them,(I've bought the replacement blades twice) but I'd be timid of using them as you're suggesting. I think the amount of pressure you'd have to keep against the blade would wear it out quickly. And trust me the gouges it leaves when it crimps is NASTY.
     
  3. Jan 10, 2009 #3
    Stone Age

    Stone Age Guest

    Apr 13, 2008
    Connecticut
    I haven't used it, but Routers are better for the task. I'd suggest ear muffs and some dust collection over trying to switch to a drill press. You should also be able to pick up a good Jointer for under $400, and it's worth every penny.
     
  4. Jan 10, 2009 #4
    gfried84

    gfried84 Guest Commercial User

    May 7, 2005
    Owner Fried Guitars Inc.
    They leave teeth marks and the surface is not suitable for jointing but I do use it to shape the outline of my neck blanks and then clean up with some 220 fre-cut.
     
  5. Jan 10, 2009 #5
    Mikey R

    Mikey R Guest

    Apr 14, 2008
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Ok, so not suitable for jointing, but useful as a powered rasp provided its taken gently :)

    Thanks for the replies!