Drill press question

[FJ and G]

I recently purchased a $40 drill press (8") from Harbor Freight.

Works great & has pulley that you can move to change speeds.

I also purchased an assortment of grinding bits to use with the drill for my RR scratchbuilding wood projects.

I then read the instructions and was shocked to discover that there's a warning NOT to use the drill press for grinding operations.

Can anyone elaborate on this?

[Big_Boy_4005]

Dave, that's their disclaimer. Just be very careful and make sure to secure your work so it doesn't go flying. Always use the side that is turning away from you, and the lowest speed. Remember that as the diameter of the device in the chuck increases, so does the danger that your work will grab and spin. Eye protection is a must, and some kind of clamping device will reduce the risk of injury.

[wrmcclellan]

It is protecting them from you.

Obviously the press assembly is optimized for pressure on the axis of the mandrel and chuck.

If you start putting sideways pressure on it (i.e. use it as a milling machine or as you might do with a grinding tool), the bearing assemblies are not designed for it.

So they do not want you to be able to ask for a new one because you did not use it for it's designed purpose.

Also grinding tools have a habit of exploding. There is also an injury issue.

But hey - for $40 - its diposable.

I use my $90 Sears unit for light milling. Did you see the inexpensive indexed cross-slides for drill presses at HF?

Regards,
Roy

[spankybird]

Hi Big Boy, miss you not being around all the time.

Dave, Drill Press do not have the bears for side thrust like a vertical mill or grinder does.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hi Tom, I've been busy trying to get my portable layout ready for a couple of train shows. Plus, there hasn't been much to say with the topics that are on the board. I still read almost every day.

[3railguy]

Dave, Spankybird is right. Also, a drill press doesn't have the RPM for grinding. Harbor Freight has good deals on bench grinders if you don't own one. Buy your grinding wheels elsewhere though.