Alden Cole
Well-Known Member
Hello all, any advice on getting a first drill press? Preferably one that's not so expensive and able to punch holes in sheaths? Thanks!
Ditto.A decent, used 10 inch drill press will get you going very well. A 10 inch drill press is a substantial upgrade from an 8 inch.
Now, in the buy once cry once category: The best value I am aware of is the Porter Cable 12 or 14 inch floor model. It has a 1HP motor and a 4 inch travel stroke. This is a $400 machine, but there is nothing in that price range that compares to it that I was able to find.
This is the drill press I have. I've had it for about a year and a half now. For the price I think it's an excellent choice.Depends on how you define "too expensive." Under $400?
Might check out Grizzly: https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-Benchtop-Drill-Press/G7943
I have had good luck with a couple of other tools from them. But shipping adds $100.
I have an off-brand (Jason?) drill press and it is OK for wood and leather and soft metals. Haven't really put it to the test drilling SS and such. I like the built in light on it.
Bwaaahahahahahaa, That is funny right there. Before I made a stitching pony I contemplated trying the toe hold. That is part of the reason I really do not make sheaths anymore.Also, unless you can hold the sheath with your toes while you sew it, get a stitching pony. It's a wooden clamp that you can sit on and hold the work as you sew.
I am hoping to make small to very small tradional style slip joints. I'd like to make 4 or 5 decent quality slip joints a year after some practice using hand filing and abrasives. However I understand that precision is needed when drilling pivot holes in folders and as such I'm a bit perplexed about how to proceed in regard to a drill press.
There is no availability of older high quality used machines in my area. The more I read about new drill presses I'm wondering if it's possible to do what I want to do for less than $800 or a $1000 for the drill press and even then you might still be saddled with a unit with way too much run out and slop. Am I out of line thinking this?
I'd appreciate hearing from those with experience in making small slip joints. Can you make a quality slip joint using a new drill press that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?