Chuck difficulties . . .

[j2080]

Well, does anyone know of a .2mm to say 3mm mini-chuck. That would insert its 1/8 inch, 3.175mm, or 1/4 inch, 6.35mm shank ACCURATELY into larger 1.5 - 13mm chuck?

Am trying to use a 10 inch drill press, to sometimes make use of tiny, for example, .2mm drill bits.

I've purchased several mini-chucks, inserted them into the 10 inch drill press's chuck. They fit, of course, but the mini bits wander, accuracy is so far only by chance. If I fiddle with both of them, sometimes get close, sometimes exact, but only by chance. The wobble is obvious, most of the time.

I'm obviously not a big time machine guy. Just a lowly hobbyist, who is trying to avoid another drill press purchase, that I might use occasionally.

Hence my curiosity, if anyone of you has found a good mini-chuck that could be inserted into the 10 inch drill press chuck, and be accurate for using small .2mm, or so drill bits? The shank on this 10 inch press is 16mm, so assume no retrofitting, right?

I've purchased 1/8 shank sized mini-bits, but they are carbon, and well . . . Alternately, do you know of 1/8 shank mini-bits that are of high speed still? Have better luck with steel, versus carbon. Like I said, am not a big time machine guy.

Thanking you in advance . . .

 

[T. Erdelyi]

You're in the wrong forum sir, someone should be able to move you to either maintenance & tinkering or knife makers forum depending on your question.

 

[eKretz]

There are a couple options for this. The best would be something like a 0 - ⅛" Albrecht drill chuck with a straight shank - but these are quite pricy. You can also try a pin vise made by a reputable manufacturer that is made to be used in a drill chuck - be wary however! Most pin vises are not concentric from O.D. to I.D. Only the ones that specifically say they are made to be used this way will be concentric. Starrett makes one and there are a few other decent makers as well.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

First, make sure the drill press is accurate.

 

[eKretz]

Yeah this is one of those areas where you have to make sure everything in the line is as accurate as possible, as you will be stacking tolerances/errors. If your chuck jaws are worn out or not made accurately, you have a problem. Tiny drills can not handle ANY run-out (wobble) or they will break instantly. A good way to check your chuck is to chuck up a dowel pin and spin the chuck - check for run-out with a dial indicator if you have one - if not, you'll just have to use your MK. 5 eyeball.