Will This Work for Drilling Holes in Tangs?

redsquid2

redsquid2

Rockabilly Interim Pardon Viscount
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Aug 31, 2011
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I have not used a drill press since 8th Grade Wood Shop. I'm 51, so that's about 38 years. I don't know much about them. I do not know the required specs for drilling a hole in a tang. I have been doing that with my hand-held cordless drill. Anyway, this is a picture of something that is for sale by owner:

00l0l_iYEGtoeWFZZ_600x450.jpg


Milwaukee Model #120 IND

I don't think it has to be precise -- I mean the spinning of the bit can have some runout, correct? And it only has to go up and down a couple of inches max. Say I wanted to also drill a hole in a handle block, that would be maybe 2" of up-down. But it needs torque for drilling through steel, right? Low speed, high torque (just like a Harley) :-)
 
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That would be more than adequate for drilling holes in tangs. Yes there can be some run out, although I would check it before buying to make sure the spindle isn't obviously out. By the looks of it it would have plenty of vertical travel for your needs. I'm guessing it is variable speed?
 
Thank you for your reply.

12 speed.

It's just an online listing. I did some more research, and I think his asking price is way too high. I think I will keep looking.





12 speed,
 
How much? I bought the same drill, non-working, about 12 years ago. Helluva drill. Stout and plenty of speeds. Adjustable 9 ways to Sunday. Multiple throw ratios, lockout, etc etc etc. I think 3-3.5" of drilling depth. Huge chuck... Mine was $50 at a neighbor's yard sale, and I negotiated down to $35. A new power wire and working perfectly. I can run a 1.5" step drill through 1/4" stock no problem. I have turned down many times the money I paid for it from the original owner to buy it back. Hah!
 
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He is asking $200 in the listing. I haven't called. Surely I can find a better deal than that.
 
It depends on what you consider a good deal. You can certainly find a drill press for less money. That price is very good however for the quality that you get with that particular machine. You could easily spend twice as much and get half as good a machine. I'd give $200 for it if it was in good condition.

Bob
 
redsquid2 said:
He is asking $200 in the listing. I haven't called. Surely I can find a better deal than that.
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I notice you're in Chicago... you're welcome to have my old drill press. It's an older Chinese bench top model, but it served me well enough for a long time. Plenty sufficient for drilling holes in a tang. Not a whole lot of up-down to it, and I'm sure the runout is a bit more severe than some folks would like, but it'll surely beat using a hand drill... and you can't beat the price :P

As for that drill, I don't know enough about drill presses to make an opinion (surely looks to be higher quality than my old one)... but I do know that it has been listed for a while, so it wouldn't hurt to try and negotiate with the guy. Chances are he's just as clueless as to what it's worth as you are, and a lot of guys are just looking to get whatever they can get.
 
I have one, labled 'Blackhawk' just like it that I bought in 1976. It still works fine and has been a very good investment for me. And yes it will do all you want to do.
 
If it helps, I would pay $200 for mine in a heart beat if I had to buy it again... They really are that good. Of course you can't beat weebus's deal. :)

The generosity I see displayed here daily is awesome BTW. Refreshing.

-Eric
 
the drill just drives the drill bit. Get good bits as well. I like cobalt drill bits
 
I got my Grizzly, which is a similar setup of probably much lower quality, for $200 fifteen years ago and it's just now wearing out with daily use.
I'd think that even though you could get it for less, that's a lot of machine for the money.
Agree with "Lucy" that the table top model will probably take you a long long way!
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
If it helps, I would pay $200 for mine in a heart beat if I had to buy it again... They really are that good. Of course you can't beat weebus's deal. :)

The generosity I see displayed here daily is awesome BTW. Refreshing.

-Eric
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With the way you guys are talking about that drill press, I'm tempted to go buy it myself :P Fortunately I just got a REALLY nice deal on a Grizzly drill press (G7944) off Craigslist a couple of weeks back from a guy who was moving out of state.

As for my old drill press... it's really nothing special, but it drills holes. Probably not 10% of the quality of the one posted above, bu it's what I used on every knife I've completed to date :P Since getting the new one though, it's just taking up space on my already small workbench. For what I'd ask for it on Craigslist, I'd rather not go through the trouble... so if I can give it away to another knifemaker, even better!

Mike
 
Weebus! You're awesome!
 
weebus said:
With the way you guys are talking about that drill press, I'm tempted to go buy it myself :P Fortunately I just got a REALLY nice deal on a Grizzly drill press (G7944) off Craigslist a couple of weeks back from a guy who was moving out of state.

As for my old drill press... it's really nothing special, but it drills holes. Probably not 10% of the quality of the one posted above, bu it's what I used on every knife I've completed to date :P Since getting the new one though, it's just taking up space on my already small workbench. For what I'd ask for it on Craigslist, I'd rather not go through the trouble... so if I can give it away to another knifemaker, even better!

Mike
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The Grizzly is a really nice machine. They honestly put out some really good stuff for the money... And the Milwaukee really IS overkill for the amount and size we drill. I have another little off-brand benchtop press I use from time to time that is plenty to drill what we need and what I used to use. But the big floor press machines let you run the spindle down and lock it right above your work surface for short strokes. Or put a hard stop in your stroke for depth control. Really nice when doing recessed or countersunk holes.

But like Hengelo said... get good bits. As long as there is no play or wobble in your machine it will drill anything you want dead straight. The bits are what do the work. I like Cobalt bits too, but the high speed steel no-name bits from HF are actually good quality. Sharp, strong, and drill nice and easy. For big holes the cheap step drill bits are just fine. They seem to last as long as my $60 Dewalt bits.
Steel likes a nice, steady and slow, lubricated pace. I'd jump on Mike's offer if it were my decision... Spend the dough on some kickin' bits... And a nice x-y cross slide drill press vise. But avoid the temptation to mill with it. ;)
 
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How much h.p. does a drill press need, say if my max bit size would be 1/2"?
 
Honestly most drill presses should be ok if you choose the proper speed. A decent cordless drill will put 1/2" holes in steel so most drill presses shouldn't break a sweat. If you buy an ultralight or super cheap one it will obviously have problems. Are you thinking a bench top? Is there a particular model you've got in mind? Also depends on what you will be using it for mostly. (ie. What would you be drilling 1/2" holes in?)

-mike
 
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I will take your word for it, Mike/North Arm: if a cordless can do it, any drill press should work. If Weebus and I can cross paths tomorrow (16 March) I will see what his old drill press will do. I am sure it will be enough for my needs. I don't see myself using any thicker stock than 5/32", not in the near future.

Thanks for all the replies.

Andy/redsquid
 
Got the drill press yesterday. 1/3 hp and it works great! Much easier than doing it with the cordless.

Weebus, thanks again!
 
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