[TheForge] More Drill Press stuff

[Andrew Vida]

Aubrey - a rule of thumb is just that - it is a guideline, not an 
absolute.  I believe I did mention that it depends on the specific 
machine in question, e.g. how much power, the strength of the various 
parts including the chuck.

One also has to take into account the method of drilling - specifically 
the depth of cut.  If you have a 1/2" chuck, drill and 1/2" pilot and 
then expect to go directly to 1", you will probably have problems.  If 
you open the hole in more reasonable steps, say 1/8", things should go 
far more easily. Technique is a large part of the equation for success 
in machine work, just as it is in blacksmithing.

Washington, Aubrey O. wrote:
> Andy,
> 
> I'm still a little confused about your rule of thumb.  I have a 16-spd.

  floor model "fish filet (TM)" [1] drill press with a 1/2" chuck that

would really struggle drilling a 1" hole without stepping up to it with

smaller drill bits.  And, I can get it down below 200 rpm.  If a just

have a few large holes to drill, I use my 100 year old hand cranked

post drill.  Does your rule of thumb only apply to the industrial models?
> 
> Aubrey