Drill Press choice...

F

Flamethrower

0
Dec 19, 2011
23
1
1
13
It seems like the drill press is probably the most valuable tool in building cars other than the human brain, is this true?

I am considering picking up a drill press. Which am I better off with and why a Proxxon that would only get used for PWD cars or a 15" floor standing Rigid? Not that I have a huge need for a large press, but I could see myself possibly using in the future on other projects.

I have a store credit that I could use for the Rigid that would make the out of pocket money about the same with either drill press.

I have heard the praises you sing about the Proxxon, but was not sure if the primary reason for choosing it was cost over larger tools. The Proxxon also would take up much less space and could be used just about any where.
 
I have the 15" Ridgid. It's a very nice all around drill press, but it does take up some room, is not easily moved and I have gotten into the habit of re-plumbing the table (for zero toe) before each drilling event. I use a variable angle plate to set the cant and adjust out any inherent offset from the table. I do not use "the Block". Bottom line is that with real square wood I can drill very nice axle holes but it does take some setup time. The main advantage is that this is a general purpose tool that is quickly changed to drill holes in deck posts or anything else. It's not just for PWD. I don't have a Proxxon or similar drill press. A lot of people sing their praises for using it with "the Block", but I have also seen where people then wanted an X-Y table and then found out that there are issues in that setup. I think you need to find out what total package will get the job done either way, and how much value to put on the general usage factor. Do you have another, e.g. 'deck post drilling' quality drill press ? What is your space, storage importance, etc. My recommendation is to look far enough into the both the positive and negatives of each option and make your own decision.
 
I have a micro mark, and regret getting it. it works great for spinning axles, but i just could not recommend it for some one doing just PWD stuff. a proxxon is on my short list of must have things. i used the block, and thought about getting a X-Y table but read alot of reports of the table having a few.001 of movement in it which would make a difference in axles hole alignment.
 
It comes down to budget and use. I have an 10" craftsman Drill press for utility work such as weight pocket drilling, Bore polishing, some drum sanding and other stuff beyond PWD. I also own a Proxxon with X,Y table and the "Block". I must say the precision of the Proxxon is far beyond a regular drill Press. The Proxxon alone has up my game and lower my times on my cars. I have not had any problems with the Proxxon being "out" of alignment or squareness. I have had to do some small maintenance to the X,Y table, but it consisted of tightening the adjustment screws and lubing the slides. The table has been solid. I like the X,Y table for micro adjustments lining up my marks to drill. It also cut down on mistakes on drilling perfect matching block heights on both sides of the car. It is also very easy to use and set up for custom drills. I used to use a standard drill press my first season and although I had jigs ,fences it was always a hassle to keep things consistent. With that being said each tool has it place and use in my shop. Good Luck
 
I have wanted to buy a Proxxon but hate to have things like that shipped so I finally found somewhere local to buy one. In the process I found out they are actually assembled a few miles from my house. I can't wait to get it set up and drill some blocks!
 
Got my Proxxon set up and drilled my first bodies with it. Wow! O don't know if it was just the high expectations but the smoothness and accuracy was definately noticeable, I think I drilled every block I had before I was done. My only complaint is the table size so the xy table is in my future.
 
I started league racing in June 2011, about nine months ago. By the end of the racing season, I just barely made the top 15. That means I still have a long ways to go to match Quicktime or Kinser. So a constant question over the past year is what are the essential tools or other items do I need to become competitive, and what is the priority:

1. A test board at least seven or 8 feet long and 18 to 24 inches wide, to correct the drift. I think this is even more essential than a test track.
2. A single lane test track with a timer. In this case, I made a big mistake and bought a plastic 32 foot track with a gradual curve. it's served its purpose for the first year, but must be replaced.
3. An inexpensive drill press. I just bought a cheap one at Home Depot. the time, I did not even know anything about Proxxons. But even then, you still need a cheap drill press.
4. A good electric sander. Best bet is a Rigid from Home Depot.

I am now faced with the decision of whether to buy a Proxxon or a Best Track. Either choice is about $350, but to buy both, 700+ dollars is currently not possible.

I have decided to forgo the Proxxon, since I can buy over 20 pre-drilled blocks from John (DD 4H) for the same price as the Proxxon. Not only that, I have found that the turnaround time from John is very quick, and the holes are more precise than any I could drill myself, even if I had a Proxxon.

However, I have found out that a timed test track (even the crappy plastic one) in conjunction with the test board (drift) are absolutely essential in creating a car that will climb up the competition ladder.
 
Id recommend a Sigourney sensitive drill press, if you can find one reasonably. I have played with one at work and they are very precise for micro drilling.
 
Got to have the XY table. A necessary addition .
smile
 
i always wanted one of these, but they are kinda pricy.....
http://cameronmicrodrillpress.com/ColletSpindleMachines.html
 
that is VERY NICE !!! i am getting the proxxon next month, after seeing that table, i think i will be doing that as well.
 
DNA,
I went to one of the metal yards and asked to see their aluminum drop. Found the size I wanted and only made 2 cuts. Used countersunk 1/4-20 stainless hardware. I used a couple of aluminum blocks that I threaded under the original table to hold the new table secure. Checked level with dial indicator and it never moved in 360 degrees of movement.
 
oldgeeezer said:
DNA,
I went to one of the metal yards and asked to see their aluminum drop. Found the size I wanted and only made 2 cuts. Used countersunk 1/4-20 stainless hardware. I used a couple of aluminum blocks that I threaded under the original table to hold the new table secure. Checked level with dial indicator and it never moved in 360 degrees of movement.
Click to expand...

thanks for the tips, as a fabricator i have access to a large supplier who owes me one. I will get the tool room to shave it flat and true and good to go.
 
oldgeeezer said:
I thought the table size was small also, so I made a larger table & back guide from 3/4" aluminum.

proxxon.jpg
Click to expand...

A very good addition to a great drillpress, I will be adding one of those to mine. Thank you for the picture.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

flockshot
My Jig Jig for drilling
Replies
5
Views
1K
Alignment
DerbyDad4Hire
DerbyDad4Hire
ScoutDadinVA
Won the Districts - Thanks and Any Council tips?
Replies
20
Views
2K
General Pinewood Derby Discussion
Reecedad
Reecedad
flockshot
Checking Nail Axle Run-Out
Replies
6
Views
1K
Ask The Pros
ScoutDadinVA
ScoutDadinVA
flockshot
Allignment Question
Replies
9
Views
904
Ask The Pros
flockshot
flockshot
flockshot
Thanks to All
Replies
4
Views
543
General Pinewood Derby Discussion
flockshot
flockshot
Top Bottom