Central Machinery 5 Speed Drill Press

[crocogator106]

Anyone had any experience or recommendations on the Central Machinery 5 speed drill press from Harbor Freight? I'm just starting out on a budget and need a cheap drill press. It only has 2 reviews from Harbor Freight but they are both good ones. Link here

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Don't expect it to do what a big 300# drill press does, but it will suffice to drill holes in wood handles, and in annealed steel up to 1/4". Get a simple clamp for holding tne work down. A drill press table vise grip will work for that.
http://www.bing.com/shopping/9-in-d...+grip++&lpq=drill press vice grip &FORM=HURE

 

[TheOTBalisong]

I have one of those, and I haven't got to use it for very long or very intensively.

But after some test drilling in a few varieties of wood (Plywood, natural, stabilized) and some scrap steel I found laying around.
It holds up alright, although try to go light with it.

 

[SBuzek]

I had one for about 3 years,ran the heck out of it.works well for fixed blade knives,but not good enough for folders.It's a good startewr drill press IMO.

Stan

 

[crocogator106]

Thanks guys. I will take it easy and will only be drilling 3/16 metal at the largest (Pre-heat treat).

 

[Russ Andrews]

Do you plan on doing any narrow tang pieces ? If you do, you might want to
take a look at how deep that can drill....

 

[crocogator106]

Good idea Russ, I did'nt even think of that---thanks!!

 

[Big Chris]

I agree with Stan as it is a good starter drill. I have their largest benchtop model and it works well, but I am definitely on the lookout for a floor model and a mill. I have used mine to drill hardened steel a couple times and it got the job done.
My recommendation is to get the biggest you can afford and try to get one with the slowest speed you can. Mine goes to 250 and sometimes I wish it would go slower.

 

[crocogator106]

This is the only information I could find which came from the owners manual. What do you think Russ?
Electrical Rating 120V~ / 60Hz / 2.4A
Spindle Speeds 760, 1150, 1630, 2180, 3070 RPM
5 Speeds
Table Tilt 45º left and right
Swing 8"
Spindle Stroke 2"
Spindle Taper B16
Chuck Capacity 1/16″ - 1/2″ (13mm)
Worklight Bulb Size E14 base, 120V, 15W

 

[Russ Andrews]

Looks like that will only drill about 2". Depending on how long your handles
are, you could get by with drilling from each end, but that will pose problems
too.
I'd recommend taking your time.....maybe looking at used presses. Even if you have
to rewire,replace motor and spindle,you could still come out ahead financially,and have a
better drill press to boot

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Like I said, it has its limits. It has a 1/4HP motor and a short stroke. Most all the speeds are only useful for drilling wood. Drilling blocks for tangs isn't a problem, as the table can be raised or lowered, or you can start with the table and then swing it out of the way and hand drill the hole deeper. For $70 you won't get much better, unless you snag a good used press like Russ suggests.