Drill Press Upgrade

[@oc6huki]

The depth stop on that old drill press is my preferred type. You can insert a gauge block in there while setting the jamb nuts for typical depths. That feature alone makes this drill press worth saving. It’s a beautiful machine as well.

[@canuhonk7433]

Smart. I commend you for upgrading instead of disposing.

[@AGN_Customs_LLC]

Great idea. I just recently bought the same drill and I will now be upgrading it to VFD for better speed control, thanks to this awesome idea. Thanks!

[@HotRodDad]

It’s a great drill press. I use it all the time. The only issue I’ve had is the belt slipped too much for my liking. I cut a block of wood and dropped it in from the top between the frame and pivot plate to limit the movement. It worked great. Thanks for watching!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Thks

[@Mosfet510]

A lot of them have more plastic than metal today, but that drill press is built like a tank.

[@HotRodDad]

Absolutely. I love old tools for that very reason. Thanks for watching!

[@rl4643]

Great job saving a real drill press. Compared to this drill the ones of today are nowhere as good. I need you as a neighbor.👍🏻

[@HotRodDad]

Thanks, RL. I love that old drill press. It’s been with me a long time.

[@darrylcarter8015]

awesome video mate, thank you, very helpful😊 Did your vsd not have the ability to display RPM ?

[@cottydry]

Most VFD's have a program setting so you can display RPM but it's only for a given belt setting.

[@TurlosGarage]

Nice work slowing down the drill press with a 3 phase motor. Your drill bits will last a little longer now. LOL

[@HotRodDad]

Yep, slower is definitely better when it comes to drilling steel.

[@cogentdynamics]

The video lacks the information I watched for. Can a 1/2 hp motor drill a half inch hole through steel, say half inch thick. That is how I would want to use it. How well will it work?

[@HotRodDad]

I do it regularly, but it can get bogged down. Ideally I’d probably go with a bigger motor. Just go slow.

[@cogentdynamics]

@@HotRodDad thank you, I was considering a 1hp 3 phase and a VFD. Your experience is very helpful. Thank you!

[@samhatfield919]

Why change to a 3 phase? Could you not get a vfd that worked with the original motor?

[@HotRodDad]

There are some limited VFD options for single phase motors, but there are a few out there. I changed for a few reasons. Single phase motors are not as efficient as 3 phase motors, they rely on a capacitor that is prone to failure, and they tend to get hot at full load when they go through a speed controller, but the main reason I switched is that they new motor and controller came out of an industrial piece of equipment that was being scrapped, so it was a freebie. I kept the old motor so it can be put back with little effort. Thanks for watching!

[@samhatfield919]

@HotRodDad thanks for the detailed response.