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Author Topic: Mini drill press recommendations  (Read 5488 times)

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Mini drill press recommendations
« on: March 04, 2019, 06:40:50 am »
Hi,

I'm in the market for a bench top mini/hobby/jewelers' drill press for drilling brass, white metal alloys, wood etc. Recommendations for reliable models available in the U.S. would be appreciated.
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Dave

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #1 on: March 05, 2019, 06:29:35 pm »
I haven't been able to find any new mini-drill presses made in the USA or the EU (not China).

I ended up buying a Dremel Drill Press and it has worked fine for my meager needs.  It's not for everyone, but I am happy with it (in spite of many mediocre reviews on Amazon).

The really nice thing is that I can use the extended cable and leave my Dremel in the press.  Makes it really handy for polishing.

https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-220-01-Rotary-Workstation-Station/dp/B00068P48O/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3OJZDTYBMC2WF&keywords=dremel+drill+press&qid=1551832087&s=gateway&sprefix=dremel+drill+%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2019, 06:42:19 pm »
I bought a Mini Mill, one of the best investments for this hobby that I have made.
https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-Mini-Milling-Machine/G8689

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Jim

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2019, 04:46:44 am »
Thanks both. I see that Grizzly also makes a 'baby' drill press that receives good reviews and is currently on sale. I may give that one a try. I'm not sure I'm ready for a full milling machine. 'Baby' steps...  :)
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Dave

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2019, 10:15:13 am »
Quote from: jerseysteam on March 06, 2019, 04:46:44 am
Thanks both. I see that Grizzly also makes a 'baby' drill press that receives good reviews and is currently on sale. I may give that one a try. I'm not sure I'm ready for a full milling machine. 'Baby' steps...  :)

I had a drill press like the baby Grizzly but I did not like the way the table went up and
down. I bought one like this one at Menards but mine has a belt to adjust the speed.
You will see the crank to move the table which I think is better.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools/drill-presses/performax-reg-10-variable-speed-benchtop-drill-press/zj4116ivqb/p-1490077235566-c-10086.htm?tid=-8085325024368068018&ipos=3
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Carl "There is a better way for everything. Find it."TAE

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2019, 06:21:35 pm »
That's a good tip re: table height crank. Thanks.
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Dave

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2019, 07:16:54 pm »
I've had a Taig vertical mill (USA made) for 5+ yrs now & its done everything I have needed. Jed has a nice vertical mill from  LittleMachineShop. & if I were to buy another one it would probably be their  5500 HiTorque Bench Mill, although they have cheaper models, Jims grizzly is a fine choice as well, I own many Grizzly tools. much to think about....but I would choose quality over price if you can afford it, you'll never be sorry for that decision.

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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2019, 07:40:40 pm »
Dave, (and its always easy to spend others money :) )
The little mini mill that I bought is just the stock standard mill. I'd had a belt drive drill press for 25+ years prior, with the table that goes up and down the column and a vice. It was always a PITA to use to drill accurate holes repeatedly. The mini mill was the first time I'd ever used a drill press with an X Y table, after a few hours of using it.....I could never go back. The accuracy is just too good and the repeatability.
I know that no ones funds are unlimited, but I've slowly come around to that saying "Spend once, cry once".
Just a little sidetrack. Most photographers end up with between 4-6 tripods until they get the one that they should have bought in the first place. If they'd bought that one that the first time, it would have worked out so much cheaper than slowly spending more and more on the preceding 4-5 tripods.
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Jim

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Re: Mini drill press recommendations
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2019, 11:22:35 pm »
I have a mini milling machine similar to Jim's, once you use one to drill holes you will never go back to a mini drill press. And of course you can also do some milling with it.  :)
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Frank C.
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