accurate bench top drill press

[timekeeper01]

Hello. I have a problem with my bench top drill press. I make folding knives and need to drill very small and accurate holes from 0-80 size up to 1/4 inch. I've found that the drill press I'm currently using is within a couple thousands at the top of the stroke, (with a $100.00) keyless chuck, but when the
spindle is moved down to drill the accuracy goes to crap. Lots of spindle play and the cheap jam screw on the side has such corse threads that the slop
cannot be taken out with binding the quill.
My question is: I'm looking for an accurate drill press in the up to $300.00 or so range..........any suggestions? Speeds arent a consideration, as this would be a dedicated to knifemaking machine, I have a floor model grizzly for the bigger stuff.
Thanks
Kevin.

 

[davidh]

you just may need to build one. a certain test of ability. someone on the forum must have a spindle assembly from a micro mill hiding under their bench. post a "wanted" or "looking for" in the for sale forum.

how much stroke do you need and how much time would you like to spend making one ? I may have a short spindle housing and shaft . . . if your interested.

it actually sounds like a interesting challenge.

 

[mikey]

It sounds like its time for a rebuild. What brand of DP do you have? If you can find a new spindle and drive sleeve I would rebuild it with decent bearings and you should be good to go.

 

[bob vaughan]

The fit of the quill and the head casting is the critical thing with a drill press holding its accuracy. The Asian imports generally don't have it, but some are better than others. It depends on how they were boring the head castings that day.

The best bet is to get a drill press with an adjustable split head casting so that the casting can be clamped around the quill just tight enough to remove slop but loose enough to move freely. A really good fit will be such that a little drag is felt. This won't be convenient for lots of holes, but for a few very accurate ones, it will work.

Second possibility is that the bearings fit loosely in the quill. Locktite will fix that. Third, the spindle fits loosely in the bearings. Again, locktite is your friend.

Below is an example of a split head casting drill press. Its a 1947 Delta DP220 that I fixed up for a precision bench top drill press. You can see the split head casting in the front and the adjusting bolts right above the quill stop collar.

 

[Chuck K]

Have you considered a sensitive drill? They come up for sale now and then. They're real expensive new...but you can pick them up reasonable used.

 

[Kennyd]

I would search for a benchtop mill/drill, used ones turn up for that kind of money occasionally.