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Post Drill and Center Scribe

7 comments
12 years ago
Videos

I finally found a post drill in good enough shape to add to the shop so in this episode I install it and walk through how it works. I build a simple center scribing tool to demonstrate the drill too.

Since filming this I have messed around even further with the chuck and the V groove I added to the set screw is doing the job nicely. Tiny bits are held center in one axis but do get pushed off center in another so a machinist capable friend of mine (thanks Isaac) made a bit carrier that has fixed the problem completely. Essentially it is a 1/2″ cylinder (mated to the chuck) that holds the shank of the modern bit while the post drill chuck grabs the carrier perfectly on center. I have considered adding a modern Jacobs chuck to this but I honestly don’t think it is necessary. Let’s be honest, the post drill is not meant to be a highly precise machine nor do I ever require that kind of precision when drilling.

 

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Nik Brown

Very cool tool and video. As you were drilling that first hole I was wondering about that chuck. It seemed problematic to use a set screw. Glad you went on to explain why they used to use that method.

I actually recently swapped in a new keyless chuck from pennstate into my drill press and have been supper happy with it for a great price.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TM32KL.html

Ethan

“Just grabbed a 4×4 post of Douglas Fir from my local home store…”

Hrumph… must be nice. Nothing like that at any of the home stores in this area.

Love the post drill! I’ve been keeping my eye out for one for a while, as well. I have a support post in my work shop that I was thinking of (solidly) wrapping in wood. That might be a good place for such a thing!

Now I’m more motivated to find a nice post drill…

Thanks for the post (drill)!

    Shannon

    Really? I thought that was standard inventory (maybe not Fir everywhere) to carry KD 4x4s at Home Depot and Lowes. I’m not talking about that nasty pressure treated crap either. I have found these in Depots up and down the east coast and out in Colorado without fail. Go get some 2x4s and glue them together, problem solved.

    I could have been a real jerk and said “I just grabbed a 8×8 Fir post laying around the lumber yard” but figured that would increase my hate mail volume.

      Wilbur Pan

      Here in central NJ, there’s one Home Depot in the area that carries KD Doug fir 4×4’s. None of the others do. It looks like the lumber inventory can vary from store to store.

Cosmin

Yo gangstah,

This one looks like it has the flywheel:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Champion-Blow-Forge-DRILL-PRESS-Cast-Iron-Blacksmithing-tool-/370771823544?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5653b90bb8

Although I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect a handle on the flywheel.

cheers,
wm_crash, the friendly hooligan

    Shannon

    I already have a line on a flywheel from a local source but thanks anyway. Most of these have a handle on them and I suppose this is just another way to get it moving.