Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Greg on June 03, 2009, 05:34:27 PM

Title: Drill press?
Post by: Greg on June 03, 2009, 05:34:27 PM

I'm slowly gettin' the tools together to build the Chambers rifle kit I bought. My question is, should I get a drill press? Any input will be appreciated.

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Post by: Captchee on June 03, 2009, 05:52:26 PM

you will do alot nicer job with one.
 even if it just a small one

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Post by: Hank in WV on June 03, 2009, 06:26:09 PM

I couldn't get through life without one.

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Post by: pathfinder on June 03, 2009, 08:08:15 PM

It does make life a lot easier. I use the bench top model,
easier to make supports when drilling tenons and such.

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Post by: FG1 on June 03, 2009, 08:22:37 PM

One of the small $50 benchtop models from Harbor Freight will work fine . And it can be fitted with buffing wheels for polishing too.
I started out with one in late '70's and wore it out before upgrading 15 years later.

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Post by: doulos on June 03, 2009, 11:32:55 PM

just saw one a Tractor Supply for 59 bucks

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Post by: Three Hawks on June 04, 2009, 03:05:22 AM

I just took a quick look at my usual suspects,  Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, and Grizzly.  All have a useful drill press in the $60 range.  I'm glad I got mine when they were in the $25 range for the same drill press.  Sears sells the identical press for quite a bit more, as usual.

Try Craigslist, often a good place for a good price if you know what you're looking for.

Three Hawks

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Post by: DCP64 on June 04, 2009, 07:28:55 AM

Be cautious of the cheap tools brands. Run out can be horrible. If you're going to buy a brill press, get a good one. You'll never regret having done so. The first time you have to drill or bore to exact specifications, and it has to be right, you'll be glad you bought quality.

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Post by: bluelake on June 04, 2009, 08:34:54 AM

Whenever I visit the States, I use my dad's Shopsmith for whatever project(s) I'm working on.  It will get quite a workout this summer  

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Post by: wolfy on June 05, 2009, 06:59:50 PM

I've never encountered a hole that a Grizzly or even a Harbor Freight 1/2" drill press would not drill accurately enough for our needs ;)

I still shoot those rifles, BTW.....and they look a bunch better than some of the crap I see for sale, these days

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Post by: Greg on June 05, 2009, 10:27:40 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm gonna get a small bench top model.

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Post by: Indiana on June 07, 2009, 11:09:09 PM

It's a lot easier with one.  I got one when I first started building my first gun.  Well worht the money.  I think mine ran $100 at Lowes.  It's a benchtop style Taskforce brand.

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Post by: ridjrunr on June 08, 2009, 12:32:07 AM

I think they are well worth the investment.But, when examining a potential purchase do yer self a favor and grab the chuck and make shure there is NO side to side movement in the spindle.If there is any,walk away from it as there are too many good ones available to settle on a poor quality one.Same goes for bench grinders,always check for side-play in the spindle.And like Three Hawks said,Craigslist is a good place to find one real reasonable.

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Post by: Greg on June 08, 2009, 09:19:24 PM

Thanks for educatin' me ridjrunr. I wouldn't have thought to check the spindle.