Sensitive Drill Rehabilitated

A few weeks back, I asked for help identifying some small drill presses.

The provenence of the smaller one remains a mystery, but I decided to refurbish it and put it to use.

It's not finished yet, this is just the first time I've assembled the major parts.

I still have to make an ER8 spindle and a few other bits.

There will be a small box on the base plate with on/off and light switches and sockets for power and foot pedal speed control.

Eventually I'm going to paint the castings and base plate in a cream enamel.

Steve

Edited By Steve Crow on 25/08/2023 18:37:17

The counter pulleys are mounted on a sliding knuckle joint so I can adjust the height and distance. The spring damper is intended to help with belt tension.

I got the idea from a Luger pistol breech mechanism.

Lovely work Steve, turned that into a very nice, and useful machine, like the novel tensioning arrangement.

Dave

The fine adjustment on the table should make an effective depth stop.

I'm hoping to use this for consistent depth countersinking and screw counterboring (horological size stuff)

Dovetail motor mount for quick tensioning adjustment. I need to make a locking lever for the central gib screw.

The motor plate is detachable because I intend to use the whole assembly on another machine as well.

The bottom of the motor plate will be lined with a 1/16" rubber sheet to cut down on the vibes.

With LED ring light. You can just swing it out of the way for changing tools etc. as it sits on a friction collar.

I also want to use this for spot drilling small parts after marking out for depthing, for example and I need all the light possible.

This is meant to be very much an "analogue" machine. No measurements as such but everything done by feel and sight.

Very nicely done, Steve

MichaelG.

Finished this at last apart from the drive belt.

Very pleased with the paint finish. I used Paragon Old English White and clear laquer. Started with etch primer and 4 coats of Paragon high build undercoat. And a lot of rubbing down.

Steve

Edited By Steve Crow on 24/09/2023 16:03:42

Lovely work Steve, seems a shame to get it all mucky drilling holes with it!

Beautiful work worthy of the original construction!

I don't think it'll get that grubby, Dave. Steve's making clocks not modifying steam-locomotives, with it!

That is delightful, Steve

MichaelG.