Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Power Tools >> Drill Press

Drill Press

A drilling machine either floor or bench mounted. A rotating vertical axis holds the drill bit and it is lowered into the work usually by a hand operated lever.

A DELTA 17-959L 17" Laser Drill Press from Rockler.

Presses come in many shapes and sizes and a range of qualities. I once had a cheap as chips Chinese bench press that I used for on site drilling. It chattered like hell being lightweight and flimsy. It always suffered from from belt slip and the motor really wasn't up to the job we used it for, which was drilling mostly odd mild steel cleats and angles. Usually we drilled pilot holes first and then up to 18mm diameter in 6mm thick plate.

Bad as it was this press was worth it's weight in gold for the work that it did. It is many many more times efficient to use the cheapest of drill presses than to struggle with a hand held electric drill.

These machines lend themselves to repetition work very well. It is simple to make up a temporary timber base with stops or jigs attached that can speed up and increase the accuracy of many drilling tasks.

Above is a floor mounted press. It is typical of modern small workshop drilling machines with a 3/4hp motor, large three jaw 5/8" chuck etc. It has a few modern touches touches like a dedicated work area light and laser cross hairs that pinpoint the hole center.

Have a look at the machine in detail on this Rockler product page.

• Go To Top : drill press
•  
• << BACK: door sander
• drywall screw gun : NEXT >>

If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900