Author Topic: Using a drill press as a home lathe (Read 2216 times)

handirifle · « **on:** July 23, 2007, 05:17:45 PM »

I do not have a lathe, and maybe no real need for one, but there are some things that come up from time to time, and I've wondered about using a drill press and one of those drill press vices as a lathe.

The ones I mean are where you can clamp the item in the press and slowly work the item into the bit from the side, with a hand crank.

I really don't have extra hundreds of $$$ laying around to get a real lathe, even a cheap one. Opinions?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:25:27 PM »

I've used mine for what a machinist would normally do on a lathe, wished I had one of these and have looked at this particular one at the local HF, it seems like it would work for what I'd use it for. It's surprising what a fella with a little Yankee ingenuity can achieve!!

Tim

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94276

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:16:04 PM »

Two comments.

Quick, you are EVERYWHERE, you work for the govment?

That is the exact one I was talking about. So it's worked OK for you?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:23:22 PM »

I didn't buy it yet, just looked at it, still thinkin on it!!

Tim

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:25:11 PM »

I did buy it. Works just fine.........if you don't mind using Chinese iron.

handirifle · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:28:09 PM »

Nope don't mind a whole lot.

John Traveler · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:33:46 PM »

The biggest problem with trying to use a drill press as a lathe or milling machine is that the drill press bearings are not designed to withstand sideways pressure. The same applies to the typical jacobs chuck taper shank. Any sideways pressure and the chuck shakes loose. While it's true that a milling table will give you more versatility in drilling, and can be used to do limited light milling, a drill press is still not the best available platform.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2007, 06:38:19 PM »

It certainly isn't the best, but it certainly will work for what limited use I need it for and is a LOT less expensive, I can buy a new drill press for $60 when I wear it out, but that may be a while, it's been going strong for 6 yrs now, one every 6-7yrs is affordable to me.

Takes up less room too!!!

Tim

handirifle · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2007, 07:55:07 PM »

Quote from: John Traveler on July 23, 2007, 06:33:46 PM

The biggest problem with trying to use a drill press as a lathe or milling machine is that the drill press bearings are not designed to withstand sideways pressure. The same applies to the typical jacobs chuck taper shank. Any sideways pressure and the chuck shakes loose. While it's true that a milling table will give you more versatility in drilling, and can be used to do limited light milling, a drill press is still not the best available platform.

Yes I agree, it's not the best platform for machine work, but it might be the best platform for me at this time. I do not have the money or space for a milling machine, and would never do enough with one to justify the cost, so something like this is about right, at this time.

tuck2 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2007, 08:32:09 PM »

I used a drill press to make fireing pins for an old open hammer double barrel 12 Ga shotgun. I cut the head off a bolt, then shaped it with a file. Its not the best way ,but it worked for me.

handirifle · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2007, 10:17:33 PM »

Speaking of "smithing" my drill bits showed up from Brownells today. That's fast service.

Keith L · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2007, 10:25:10 PM »

I got a Chinese drill press a few years ago, and it came with pre-failed bearings. They were noisy from the first, and the spindle had to much run out for doing any work even close to the tolerances you folks are discussing here. I replaced them with a good set of bearings and did the proper pre-loading etc. and it has worked OK. Even so, at best it can be used for some polishing, or minor side loading.

There are some small metal lathes, and small mills available normally from the same source as the drill presses (like Harbor Freight or Menards) that for a few bucks more will do what you want, and even do more. I recommend you consider one of those prior to spending the money.

handirifle · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2007, 05:16:47 AM »

Keith
Do you have any particular items in mind? I am clueless when it comes to milling machines.

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2007, 05:57:48 AM »

LATHE/DRILL/MILL
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39743
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46199

DRILL/MILL
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47158
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44991

I use to use an old bridgeport when I was in high school and college, haven't really done any serious metal work in a while, but its quite possible that I can become really dangerous with one of these........

Keith L · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2007, 01:16:30 PM »

The above setups are what I was referring to. I have not used that brand, but have used similar machines from Taiwan like them, and for small parts they work well. You won't turn down a barrel with them, or anything like that. But to make little metal parts they are fun.

handirifle · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2007, 04:20:12 PM »

I had looked at those setups, but even the $300 one is out of my reach at this time.

The $729 one looks REALLY fun to learn on. Maybe someday.

I just finished drilling and tapping my first receiver (Savage 93 22WMR). So far so good. It was scarry, but turned out real well and am looking forward to the next job.

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2007, 04:50:38 PM »

Quote from: handirifle on July 24, 2007, 04:20:12 PM

The $729 one looks REALLY fun to learn on.

It maketh me drool.

Keith L · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2007, 11:00:47 PM »

The differences between a drill and a mill are primarily a mill has structure and bearings that allow the machine to take side stress on the quill, and a method for moving predictably the work piece against the cutter mounted in the quill. A drill press is designed for straight line stress as the cutter moves in one direction (normally down) into the work. These differences make up the additional cost.

People can get by with lesser tools if they don't use them much, and if the stresses are kept to a minimum. Those who plan on doing lots of machining can justify the extra cost quickly by the savings of doing the work themselves instead of paying to have it done.

In the past I have gotten good prices on used industrial equipment and overhauled it for my own use. Folks that are mechanically inclined and have a few tools can normally get the job done. If the machine is in fairly good condition to start with, and the price is right then this can be a good way to go. It is important if you choose to go this way to find machines that are set up to run on single phase power. Much industrial equipment is three phase and most homes and small businesses are single phase. The cost of converting can be prohibitive.

Lathes and mills are great tools to have. Makes me want to go out to my shop and make something...

handirifle · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2007, 04:37:32 AM »

Yea, if I can later on I'll buy one of the smaller machines. If I got a larger one it would it would be a waste of money AND space, for me. I don't have the knowledge to take advantage of it nor the time to learn. Although it seems like a fun hobby. Not sure which is messier, wood or metal, but I think metal is harder to clean up, cause of the oil.

Keith L · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2007, 07:17:50 AM »

I have better shrouding on the worktable of my metal equipment than the wood tools. It contains the coolant and the chips, so cleanup is fairly easy.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 26, 2007, 09:41:16 PM »

I don't know what you're using the drill press to machine but it won't take much. The side loads will destroy the spindle quick! If it's possible?? I used to use the local school shop tools. They had a night class in machine shop and we were allowed to work on what we wished. That was a long time ago and schools are a lot more paranoid now.. Filing a firing pin is one thing but trying to use an end mill in a drill press will end badly..

Nessmuk#1 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2007, 03:23:58 AM »

I have a 3/4 hp H-freight press and like it ok. The bolt holding the pulley to the spindle on top broke and I just pressed the pulley on, still going strong, and I use for everything. Don't bother with their cheaper machinist vises, I have one, took a lot of work to make it tight enough to be accurate. They sell a lot better one for a little more money if you look. It's a Bitmor.

PartsMan · « **Reply #22 on:** August 15, 2007, 05:24:50 AM »

Quote from: John Traveler on July 23, 2007, 06:33:46 PM

The same applies to the typical jacobs chuck taper shank.

I tried a little and my chuck fell out.
Scared the heck out of me.

jcn59 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 23, 2007, 09:46:45 AM »

I have one of those $300. mills, and if you can fit the part-to-be on the table, it works fine, as long as you go slow. I made a similar sized mill & bought a cross slide to use with it. I think I paid a bit over $100. for it, and it works good. Earlier I tried one of those inexpensive cross slide-vise combos with a drill press, and 3/8" end mill. It was TOTALLY useless. Buy used American machinery. You can get it really cheap if you deal with used machinery dealers rather than "hobby shops". I bought a "needy" 10" Logan lathe at a county auction for $50. Heck, I GAVE away a Gisholt turret lathe a couple months ago.