Sean Jones
Well-Known Member
Hello,
I have a Harbor Freight bench top drill press that is driving me nuts. When I first bought the drill press two years ago it worked fine. I had no problems drilling holes multiple times in 1/8" 1095.
For about the last six-nine months I have been going through drill bits at what seems like an increasing rate. I even bought a Drill Doctor to sharpen bits with little success. Frankly I think I'm having trouble with that as well but that could just be me.
Today though I went and bought a brand new 1/4" Cobalt drill bit at Lowe's. I drilled six holes in 1/8" 1095 and then about 4 holes in a piece of brass. The last hole on the brass was slightly odd shaped from a previous attempt with a dull bit.
That brand new Cobalt drill is now not drilling at all. It simply chatters and makes a small impression no matter how hard I push. The tip looks chipped and basically destroyed. I've had several other drill bits do the same thing, though not all of them.
I believe the press is in alignment. It's bolted solidly to the bench top so I can't see that changing. I've got the drill press on it's lowest RPM of 600. I didn't use cutting oil today but I have before.
I'm at a loss as what to do. I thought it was the way I was sharpening my drill bits, but after today I'm not so sure.
EDITED TO ADD: If it helps to know, I can stall the motor when I push hard on a bit.
Any input or thoughts appreciated
Thanks,
I have a Harbor Freight bench top drill press that is driving me nuts. When I first bought the drill press two years ago it worked fine. I had no problems drilling holes multiple times in 1/8" 1095.
For about the last six-nine months I have been going through drill bits at what seems like an increasing rate. I even bought a Drill Doctor to sharpen bits with little success. Frankly I think I'm having trouble with that as well but that could just be me.
Today though I went and bought a brand new 1/4" Cobalt drill bit at Lowe's. I drilled six holes in 1/8" 1095 and then about 4 holes in a piece of brass. The last hole on the brass was slightly odd shaped from a previous attempt with a dull bit.
That brand new Cobalt drill is now not drilling at all. It simply chatters and makes a small impression no matter how hard I push. The tip looks chipped and basically destroyed. I've had several other drill bits do the same thing, though not all of them.
I believe the press is in alignment. It's bolted solidly to the bench top so I can't see that changing. I've got the drill press on it's lowest RPM of 600. I didn't use cutting oil today but I have before.
I'm at a loss as what to do. I thought it was the way I was sharpening my drill bits, but after today I'm not so sure.
EDITED TO ADD: If it helps to know, I can stall the motor when I push hard on a bit.
Any input or thoughts appreciated
Thanks,
Last edited: