Air drill for the SB???

[gundog]

Would these work for my SB router? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIUlx250Hqo

I don't need 5 but the owner will not separate they would cost $200 each anyone want the other 3? If I could sell the others I would buy them and keep 2.

Mike

[gc3]

I have a Ritter pocket boring tub with one of those heads...seems a little big for a line drill on the bot

[Gary Campbell]

Mike...
I agree with Gene. They look pretty heavy.

I posted a lot of info on the Mechmate Forum about this. Toolheads section

[bruce_taylor]

I have tried to use one almost like this and it did not hold up under constant use I air drive would not return every time at the same rate and just was not constant enough without keeping a very close eye on what it was doing,
The solenoids are easy and available and I can't say for sure they won't work but just share my history, it was very frustrating and I ended up giving up the idea. Good Luck!

[gundog]

I will just pass on them thanks for the feedback it looked like a cheap alternative but I will continue to do my drilling with my spindle for now.

Thanks Mike

[Gary Campbell]

Mike...
I've drilled a lot of holes with various brands of drills and for the last year and a half with my spindle. Nothing drills holes better than the spindle.

[gundog]

I have a product I started making last year that is a linear rail system for boats to hold fishing rod holders. The rail is a 1/2" thick 6061 AL extrusion that I designed and I am having made by a another company I own the dies.

I sell the rail in various lengths I offer it drilled and countersunk for #10 flat head machine screws. This means I have to drill a bunch of .190" holes in 1/2" AL.

My spindle is a 24,000 RPM 3HP Columbo and they do not recomend me using it for this. Right now I am doing it on my manual milling machine with a fixture I built but it is a slow process and not as accurate as the Bot. I would like to make a fixture and do it on the SB.

I need to put on a drill of some type or keep doing it on my manual mill.

Mike

[Gary Campbell]

Mike...
I agree. Dont drill aluminum with the Columbo

[kubotaman]

Gary Iam just wondering about your response. Why do you say that about a Columbo or is it because of the .5 thickness. Would a HSD be better. No wars intended just curious.

[Gary Campbell]

Daryl...
None assumed. Columbo reccomends against drilling with their spindles. According to 2nd hand info that has been circulating since the IWF a few years back, HSD does not reccomend against it. Thats all. I can add 50K+ holes drilled no problem with an HSD also.

I bought an ATC to enable drilling with the spindle. I DO NOT routinely drill aluminum with mine tho. I use a center drill in the holder and mark all the holes. Then finish on the drill press or tapper.

[bleeth]

I have a Columbo 5HP and have drilled aluminum with it. I use a titanium drill bit (not an end mill), plunge .25" per sec, stepdown of .07, and used peck drilling retracting to 0. Use tapping fluid. I turned the spindle around 12k to the best of recollection.

This was for a large amount of 1/4" holes in 1/4" plate.
The bit stayed cool and the holes were clean with a bit of de-burring neccessary on the back. I wouldn't do this on a highly regular basis without expecting to need to replace my upper bearing more often. As of now my spindle is around 6 years old and has never required service.

I have not drilled thicker on the bot. I think Gary's suggestion of starting centers is a good one. The biggest issue with a drill press is the typical woodworkers model today have too much runout for truly accurate holes.