Small drill press needed

[rafairchild2]

8 hours ago, preprius said:

can you cut the main tube down?

 

I could, but that is something I do not want to do as I lose a lot of potential in the larger DP.  I am just going to get a lower table/stand for it.

BTW, cutting it down would be a bear as that tube is THICK!

[FrankEV]

Well I made a decision so we can put this post to bed. 

First, however,  let me say THANK YOU to all who replied with info and made recommendations.  I liked the price of the WEN 4208T but did not like the need to change belt/pully combinations to change speed.   

I did a lot of research and would have purchased the WEN 4214T as a lot of you have done, but the size and weight was a concern.  A drill press will need to be mounted on a movable base so it can be tucked in the corner of my small shop but be able to be pulled out when needed to use with larger material.  I decided to buy the WEN 4212T which is a little smaller in size and about 30 lbs lighter but does have variable speed control and laser.  It does not thave a work light but I can add a mag-light if needed.   I ordered a Keyless chuck at the same time.

It should arrive Monday.

Thanks again to all.

Edited October 12, 2023 by FrankEV

[kmmcrafts]

Thanks for the update Frank, I think you'll be happy with the decision.. my experience with the WEN tools has been good so far.. However I have read some bad about their newest model scroll saw.. Many of their tools seem to be a knock-off of the higher end stuff and makes me wonder if it's actually the same tool.. I currently have a WEN belt sander that's been used a lot for over 10 years now, a WEN Dremel tool and now this Drill Press.. so far I've been happy with them. 

[rafairchild2]

2 hours ago, FrankEV said:

Well I made a decision so we can put this post to bed. 

  I decided to buy the WEN 4212T ....

It should arrive Monday.

Thanks again to all.

Excellent Frank, I am sure you will like it.  To bad we were not closer (I am in VA Beach), I'd help you put it together and on the bench.

The 4212 is probably the one I should have gotten too, but as you saw in our PMs, I got the 4214 for only a $7 difference.  As I was driving home from work yesterday, I had an epiphany.  My workbenches not only roll, but they are adjustable in height.  So as soon as I got home, got out of my office clothes, I proceeded to lower the work bench the new 4214T sits on by 5 inches.  I could have done 6 inches, but I would lose one bolt securing it then.  (Two is one, one is none.) 

I had to move the "monster" off the workbench, I slid it over to my other bench.  Lowered each bench leg, flipped it back over and then slid the monster back into place.  Of course, the 6-inch difference in height made it a little tricky to move then, so I advise all... don't be dumb like me... .trying to heft a 4214T by yourself.

Combined with me adjusting the chuck movement, I can stay seated in my stool at the same height as I scroll at.  It's only when I carve, I will have to lower it some.  No big deal.

[BadBob]

2 hours ago, FrankEV said:

I ordered a Keyless chuck at the same time.

I have two of these chucks. They are great.

[FrankEV]

8 minutes ago, rafairchild2 said:

Excellent Frank, I am sure you will like it.  To bad we were not closer (I am in VA Beach), I'd help you put it together and on the bench.

The 4212 is probably the one I should have gotten too, but as you saw in our PMs, I got the 4214 for only a $7 difference.  As I was driving home from work yesterday, I had an epiphany.  My workbenches not only roll, but they are adjustable in height.  So as soon as I got home, got out of my office clothes, I proceeded to lower the work bench the new 4214T sits on by 5 inches.  I could have done 6 inches, but I would lose one bolt securing it then.  (Two is one, one is none.) 

I had to move the "monster" off the workbench, I slid it over to my other bench.  Lowered each bench leg, flipped it back over and then slid the monster back into place.  Of course, the 6-inch difference in height made it a little tricky to move then, so I advise all... don't be dumb like me... .trying to heft a 4214T by yourself.

Combined with me adjusting the chuck movement, I can stay seated in my stool at the same height as I scroll at.  It's only when I carve, I will have to lower it some.  No big deal.

I think I will be able to handle putting this one together...only 57 lbs all together. 

I will not be using this DP to do my blade holes, I have a dremel DP setup for that that I use and works well.   I needed this new DP for larger drilling using Fostner Bits and the like.  It won't be getting a lot of use, but when needed, it will be there.  I've cursed not having one more than once.

Not sure exactly how I  will set it up.  Will not go on my WB.  I'll build a stand (fixed or movable still TBD) that will allow me to use it while tucked away in the corner.  Seat height or standing height, again, stil TBD.   I'm thinking a semi-fixed stand connected to the wall, but could be detached and would allow me to move it out if needed for driling a long piece.  Got to be creative, again becae of my very limited space.

After I get it all setup I post some follow up pics.

PS; Virgina Beach? Heck that is only about 12 hours away. We were up there last year for a family Vacation.  Your welcome to come down anytime for a visit.  We have a Guest Bedroom.  

[preprius]

my order came in today.

This WEN is 20x better than my old 24yr old small craftsmen.

[OCtoolguy]

The one thing that I miss from my very old Craftsman drill press was the spindle lock. I could pull the spindle down and just turn the little arm on the left side to lock it in any position. Very handy feature that is no long on any of the drill presses that I have looked at. If I ever run across another DP like my old one, I'll snatch it up.

[Scrappile]

One of the great features of my jet drill press the chuck closes all the way.  I drill holes with a #70 bit lots of times.  

[BadBob]

I'm not sure how small they will go but I use a #60 my Wen chuck with room to spare.

[FrankEV]

Quick update:  

The WEN 4212T Drill Press arrived yesterday (10/16/23). Piece of cake to assemble.  Not too heavy to put the head on.

The DP size is perfect and it will fit in the space I planned nicely with out protruding too far into my tiny walk-around area.

Only one problem...the drill feed on the one I received did not work.  The feed mechanism just goes round and round with out the chuck shaft moving.  I called WEN, and they said I have to send it back to Amazon.  Amazon approved the return and my account will be credited the cost.  So it is all packed up and ready to have UPS pick it up later today.

I already ordered a new one and it will be here tomorrow (10/18/23).   Lets hope this one in not defective. 

[rafairchild2]

6 hours ago, FrankEV said:

Quick update:  

The feed mechanism just goes round and round with out the chuck shaft moving. 

When I installed the chuck in my WEN DP last week, I made sure the chuck jaws were open all the way.   I used a rubber mallet to drive the chuck arbor (shaft) up into the drive, but you could also seat the chuck with the table. Just raise the table and push the chuck in to lock it in. use a piece of wood on the table though to the chuck.

[Sycamore67]

Glad to hear you found a drill press.  They are very handy.  The keyless chuck works well for most things.

[FrankEV]

2 hours ago, rafairchild2 said:

When I installed the chuck in my WEN DP last week, I made sure the chuck jaws were open all the way.   I used a rubber mallet to drive the chuck arbor (shaft) up into the drive, but you could also seat the chuck with the table. Just raise the table and push the chuck in to lock it in. use a piece of wood on the table though to the chuck.

That was not the problem. I know how to seat a chuck onto a tapered shaft.  

Something inside the body that feeds the rotating shaft down or up, is not engaged.  Feels like a drift pin, or key was not installed and the horisontal shaft, that the 3 handles turn, just goes around and around and did not do anything.   

Motor ran fairly quite and smooth,  speed changing worked and the table cranks up and down, altough quite a sloppy fit that will require require some heavy grease.  

UPS picked it up for return today.  The replacemnet will be here tomorrow. 

[rafairchild2]

11 minutes ago, FrankEV said:

...and the table cranks up and down, altough quite a sloppy fit that will require require some heavy grease.  

 

That is probably my one big complaint... That table crank is SLOPPY as all get out!

[OCtoolguy]

57 minutes ago, rafairchild2 said:

That is probably my one big complaint... That table crank is SLOPPY as all get out!

I have a 10 inch Delta and mine is too. 

[FrankEV]

1 hour ago, rafairchild2 said:

That is probably my one big complaint... That table crank is SLOPPY as all get out!

if you have access to some axle grease, pack it with some. it will help somewhat.

[preprius]

I did not like table crank either.  Crank it down and nothing happens,  then all of a sudden it drops like 4 teeth worth.  If I lift up front of table to take weight off, it cranks down smoother. 

For main stem tube, the directions say remove oil and apply wax.  What kind of wax did you guys use?

 

Oh yea the speed handle is pretty stiff.  Is there a way to make it less tight?

Edited October 18, 2023 by preprius
added speed lever question

[FrankEV]

6 hours ago, preprius said:

...For main stem tube, the directions say remove oil and apply wax.  What kind of wax did you guys use?

Oh yea the speed handle is pretty stiff.  Is there a way to make it less tight?

 The same paste wax you use on your scroll saw table should work.

The speed handle is changing belt engagement.  The DP must be running while changing speed.  I would not atempt to mske it easier to operate.  Might mess up the internal changing mechanism.

 

 

 

[preprius]

thanks Frank,  I never used a variable speed drill press before. I viewed the exploded diagram and kinda understood the lever was expanding some diameter of a pulley. So I was very hesitant to try anything.  

Me. Mark Eason

[Rolf]

Some very nice shop pictures posted.

 rafairchild2  I would love to see a picture of the Mustang. 

Regarding drill presses I have never been a fan of benchtop units, mainly because I do such a variety of work. I had a inexpensive table top unit where the chuck fell out when ever the bit chattered (it was not a normal #2 morse taper)

Bought a Delta floor model Belt drive. I got tired of changing belts for speed as I do metal and wood.

Finally bought a direct drive variable speed, floor model 50- 5500 RPM super smooth and quiet,  

 

[rafairchild2]

3 hours ago, Rolf said:

Some very nice shop pictures posted.

 rafairchild2  I would love to see a picture of the Mustang. 

 

 

THe first photos show the car after I installed a chin spoiler.  I have done a lot of resto-mods.  2006 S197 model. Windveil Blue

Edited October 18, 2023 by rafairchild2

[Peter N White]

Great looking car.