Drill Press for Modeling

[KenS]

We really need a "tools" forum, but since the CNC thread is on Scenery, I figured I'd throw this question out there too.

I don't think I need a full on milling machine (computer or otherwise), but the one big gap in my modeling toolkit right now is a drill press. There have been a few projects recently where some precise 90-degree drilling would have been helpful, and I see more in my future as I get more into customizing and scratchbuilding my urban structures. My planned styrene streets are going to need a lot of holes for telephone poles, too.

So, considering I want to be able to drill styrene and brass (and maybe light wood) with holes from "wire size" up to maybe 1/4-inch (6 mm), what's the best tool for the job?  I presume a variable speed device, but should I get a "modeling" drill press like the kind MicroMark sells, or just an ordinary table-top drill press from Sears or some similar tool store? What accessories are essential? What are good to have? Which ones aren't worth the bother?

What do people use, or deliberately not use? What experiences can you share?

[cteno4]

Ken,

I had a nice small 5" drill press i had for years that i sold when i got my larger 9" and i wish i had not as it functioned a lot better for the small stuff. i ended up replacing it with a knock off of the little micromark/proxxon jewelers drill press that i found on amazon for $60 shipped (its now about $72)

http://www.micromark.com/MICROLUX-3-SPEED-MINI-DRILL-PRESS,7797.html

http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Press-Bench-Jeweler-3-speeds/dp/B001UOG4TG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292657097&sr=8-1   (looks to be it but not the same seller or price)

this has worked well for the small stuff so far. its an ok drill, not great, but for $60 its good bang for the buck. stable and square and variable speed. i decided if i really found myself needing higher quality in the future i would upgrade.

i was able to pick up the micromark XY table on sale for $69 a while back. really nice to do some simple edge milling or drill a series of holes evenly.

http://www.micromark.com/MICROLUX-X-Y-TABLE-ATTACHMENT,8009.html

the last toy i just got recently was a proxxon rotary tool to replace my dremel that went MIA. glad i got the proxxon as its brushless motor is really really smooth, not the vibration of most rotary tools i have had in the past. i popped for the little stand as well (was $38 i had some amazon gift certs from a credit card deal) for it as the drill press is not that high speed. its about the nicest rotary tool stand i have seen, really solid and simple. i have not yet used it for anything but playing around so far, but expect it to be a good performer.

http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-38472-Precision-Rotary-Tool/dp/B0017PWTX8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292657600&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-28606-MICROMOT-Drill-Stand/dp/B000209ZAE/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_b

thats all my beans on drill presses!

cheers

jeff

ps  yes we do need a tools section for this sort of stuff! jr

[rankodd]

Amusingly, I just got one of those cheap Amazon drill presses from a junk/misc hardware store in Vernon when I was visiting my folks. Haven't used it yet, so I'm glad to hear it's serviceable for hobby work.