Craftsman drill press foot switch

[Youngfd]

Anyone using a floor - foot switch with their vintage drill press? Feedback?

Thanks, Jim

 

[zkling]

They are not that useful unless:
a.) You have reverse wired in and very low speeds for tapping operations.
b.) The press has a power downfeed option.

Now a foot operated down feed can be useful.

 

[zeet]

I've got one switch that I swap from Drill Press to Bandsaw to Table saw (when circumstances demand) I love it and am keeping my eyes peeled for two more.

 

[404]

Yes, I have a unit with with 2 foot switches in it. One spins forward, other spins reverse. I do all my tapping in the drill press.

It did take me quite a few relays to build. When a foot switch is pressed, the relays close to configure the motor wires for the correct rotation, after the configuration is done the power is applied. I use the original switch on the front of the drill press for an extra 240 volt muffin fan to add cooling to the motor when I am doing a lot of stop-start work. Just a Delta 17 inch drill press from Spags years ago, configured for 240V. The relays were all in my giant "junk" ha ha area.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I used to work at a place where we had a momentary foot switch on the drill press, similar to this one: http://www.grainger.com/product/5X361 It was very handy, but unless you're using the drill press a lot every day I don't know if I'd bother for occasional use.

 

[Youngfd]

Thanks for all the input. I really like the micro switch idea. Jim

 

[404]

What happens if the spindle moves down a bit (unlikely?) while tightening the chuck key real hard?

 

[454ragtop]

I have one on one of my drill presses, don't think I've ever used it. Have another cool vintage industrial foot switch I could probably part with if someone is interested.
Jim

 

[Alan Douglas]

What happens if the spindle moves down a bit (unlikely?) while tightening the chuck key real hard?

Or you're just setting the depth stop? Seems like a good way to fool someone who doesn't know about it.

How would you shut it off if the drill jams? Or the part being drilled starts spinning around?

 

[Alchymist]

What happens if the spindle moves down a bit (unlikely?) while tightening the chuck key real hard?

Or you're just setting the depth stop? Seems like a good way to fool someone who doesn't know about it.

How would you shut it off if the drill jams? Or the part being drilled starts spinning around?

One would "assume", (I know) that the on'off switch would be left functional. Still, one could always forget to switch it off while adjusting/chucking.

 

[Bobf]

I always lower the quill to see if I'm dead on to my spot a few times before I "fire for effect." I would definitely have it in series (via relay) with the power switch so it wouldn't activate without "power on."

 

[Youngfd]

I think for safety reasons the micro switch is out. J