PCB Drill Press Using Salvaged Door Hinges

Step 4 Next Steps

I couldn't find a spring strong enough to act as a return mechanism, and I don't have any bungee cord either! Something to get when the opportunity arises. Howver, in practise, I did not find it a problem.

I did find shadows made locating the drill points difficult, which was easily overcome by adding a reading lamp to the base.

I would like to adapt the press to support a foot switch to allow two handed operation of the material.

Overall, a big success. All the parts came from salvage in my garage, and I still have the original drill bit in one piece!

Comments

[bennettcrew]

Just looking at your design... a short spring, of about 1 1/2 inch diameter, or so, between the base and the movable boards, would give the return in a "push" instead of "pull". As for the foot pedal... what about the brake cable mechanism from a bicycle? It would need to be a "levered" type thing... you'd step on the close side of the pedal, this would pull up on the far side, pulling the cable (attached to the stationary and movable pieces of the drill) taught, this pulling the drill down into your work. I think it makes sense enough.
Myself, I'm looking for more of a "full-size" drill press. I'm thinking of making it from metal pipe, instead of wood; but this is causing some other headaches. Good luck with your project!