Drill Press uses ?? Auto & Small Engine

[Johnny A]

I have recently been given a craftsman 1/3 horse drill press. I have never used a drill press for any automotive needs or small engine repairs. Always used a vise & a powerful drill.

Can you all tell me what or how you use your drill press?

Again, I only do small engine & light vehicle repairs..

 

[ken w.]

Well,with small engine it's nice to drill out a broken bolt in a hole with a drill press vs a hand drill. I find a lot of exhaust bolts are broken off flush and have to be drilled out.

 

[rsanter]

It just like how you used to do your drilling...except
You position the work piece to the drill bit verses the other way around

Bob

 

[Troutsqueezer]

When not drilling holes, I keep a wire wheel on mine. It's handy to clean up metal parts and tools.

 

[Johnny A]

Dennis can you post a pic?
Great idea!

 

[Fretters]

That's not something you want to be doing with a pillar drill. You'll likely knack the bearings over time, and a drill with slop is next to useless. Better to buy a cheap bench grinder and whack a wire wheel on there.

 

[sberry]

I actually like the idea, I got a wheel to try.

 

[Troutsqueezer]

That's not something you want to be doing with a pillar drill. You'll likely knack the bearings over time, and a drill with slop is next to useless. Better to buy a cheap bench grinder and whack a wire wheel on there.

The grinder spins too fast and will grab the part from your paws and sling it to where it can never be found again. The drill press spins much slower and the operation is far less dangerous. The side pressure from a small wheel is not great enough to ruin the bearings, IMO.

I can take a pic later today, probably.

 

[4x4gearhead]

The grinder spins too fast and will grab the part from your paws and sling it to where it can never be found again. The drill press spins much slower and the operation is far less dangerous. The side pressure from a small wheel is not great enough to ruin the bearings, IMO.

I can take a pic later today, probably.

I usually use a pair of vise grips to hold onto my work when it comes to using wire wheel on bolt threads and other small items. I would agree with not putting the wire wheel on the drill press as it would end up creating a lot of runout on the spindle after awhile.

 

[uart]

I have recently been given a craftsman 1/3 horse drill press. I have never used a drill press for any automotive needs or small engine repairs. Always used a vise & a powerful drill.

Can you all tell me what or how you use your drill press?

Again, I only do small engine & light vehicle repairs..

Hi Johnny. Compared with a handheld drill, a drill press provides much better precision, and much better control of speed, feed and point pressure. Once you get those things right you'll find that you break way less drill bits and that they stay in better shape for longer too.

Obviously there are some things that you just can't get to the drill press, or that won't fit, so you still need your portable drills.

 

[893cv]

I use my shops floor mount drill press to disassemble/assemble motorcycle forks. I have a 3/8 extension that goes in the chuck and holds the correct size socket for the fork cap and a d/p vise that holds the bottom of the outer tube. I've also marked the table position on the column so that I can quickly set it up. I don't like springs and fork caps flying around my shop!

 

[cheechi]

let's back up a sec here. How precise is this free Cman drill press? if there's already plenty of runout, and not interested in fixing that, a wire wheel or sanding drum might be just want you want on it. Certainly wouldn't want to drill holes with it right?

I can see over time a lot of wire wheel use could cause a problem. An occasional or light use though, not really. And based on the description, if the piece is small enough to get lost it's not likely going to be something you really bear down on the wheel with anyway. I use mine with a drum when I need a really good look at what I'm sanding. DP lights are easier to position and use than the ones on a grinder.

Besides the tool is there to be used right? Depending on the size of the engine and DP, you might could use it for honing or light polishing.

 

[uart]

Certainly wouldn't want to drill holes with it right

How can you be so sure about that.

He says he hasn't previously used one, so I assume it's the only one he currently owns. Why wouldn't he want to use it for drilling holes?

 

[cheechi]

if there's already plenty of runout, and not interested in fixing that, ... Certainly wouldn't want to drill holes with it right?

You have to read all of it.

 

[Johnny A]

guys, thanks for the advice/opinions.

I always come to this forum for advice. You guys have great advice that has bailed me out & has saved me money & time. I asked the same question at the pub the other night & had my balls broken for over 20 min.

This is a great website with great members!

Thanks again.

 

[ez-duzit]

Don't side load a drill press, ever.

If you learn how to use it properly you will find many uses.

 

[Outlawmws]

I can see it now: "Hey! it's DP man!" as you walk in...

 

[Troutsqueezer]

When I drill into wood, I don't care about runout.
Accuracy to a quarter inch is fine.
When I need an accurate hole, usually in metal, I'll use my milling machine to drill it.
Drill presses are typically inexpensive.
Use them until they break.
Then buy another one.
Bet'cha you won't break it even if you tried.
Get your money's worth and use it every which way.
If it saves you time and you are getting things done, then do it.
My Ryobi drill press doesn't care what I use it for.
The belts on the pulleys are probably putting more side load on the bearings than I do with a wire wheel or a buffing wheel.
I guess my philosophy is abuse your tools until they break.
Then go buy another one.