Introduction: Micro Drill Press
I shop in thrift stores a lot to find materials for my projects.
On my project list was a drill press to finish home made PCB's.
I found a vintage hobby microscope that is perfect for the job.
Then I bought a rotary tool at Harbor Freight for 7 dollars.
The tool fits very snugly inside a short piece of 1 1/4 PVC sch40 that is modified to replace the original eyepiece.
The base is 4in square. The throat depth is almost 3 inches.
There is no return spring, but the rack and pinion gives plenty of control for drilling.
No mods to the tool are necessary.
But...I couldn't help myself.
The wallwart supplied has a 12v output with barely enough current to turn the motor.
I Googled the motor Part# and found it rated for 24v.
I now run it from an 18v 5A power supply and the performance is more than adequate for the job.
I also added a PWM motor speed controller (that little circuit board on the table).
Works great.
You might get really lucky and find an old microscope at Goodwill, but first I would raid my kid's toy box.
Raid your neighbor's toy box, too.
36 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
I have the same rotary tool, I measured the "12v" wall adapter and found it puts out just over 19v. Just in case you're curious. :)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
The "19V from a 12V adapter" is only when there is no load...
You an check this with a resistor
9 years ago on Introduction
See the new improved Micro Drill Press revision A at:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Micro-Drill-Press-...
I solved the problems of using a cheap rotary tool.
10 years ago on Introduction
sorry about being a little impatient, but my question may have been answered. I would put this in the TL;DR category, so please forgive me.
I would first like to say that this is a great instructable. I really like the PVC tool holder. The only problem that I see is the cheap rotary tool.
Do you find there is a lot of runout on the spindle? I have previously purchased one of these tools and cannot say much for it at all. My spindle had about .040" runout...
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Hiya marky1979
Sorry I haven't been able to reply to comments. Lately I've been using public computers to get online.
I agree that tools made in China are mostly pieces of sh!t. Caveat Emptor.
This cheap rotary tool will work okay IF center marks are pressed into the board before drilling. The bit will find the center and drill without wandering. On my micro drill the runout & slop became unacceptable after just a few months.
So I have updated the drill press to Revision B:
I replaced the rotary tool with a bare 18v DC motor (30,000 rpm!!!) from a cordless drill motor.
I fabricated a new motor mount.
I installed a new collet style chuck.
I extended the control knob shaft.
The drill press now works better than ever (and just a little noisier).
I'm going to update the original Instructable with modifications & pictures, but it may be a little while until I can post it.
This has been one of my favorite tools. It has always worked great, so I spent the time and energy to make a good tool better.
Seeya
wotboa
10 years ago on Introduction
Hey I got the same tool! I only got it for sanding wood and gutting out plastics for mods, but I didnt know I could double the volts! So you just hooked up 18v 500ma to to the wart end of it and it was ok? I have a ton of PC power supplies I converted out of boredom.
10 years ago on Introduction
Does the mini drill press have any side to side "play". I have a dremel drill press currently that likes to wander across the piece I'm drilling - I need to replace it and was considering this route.
11 years ago on Introduction
Just to be sure I've read it correctly - you indicated that you run it from an 18v 5A power supply - is that 5 amps or 0.5 amps (500mA)? Thanks for sharing a great idea :-)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hiya psychlones
These little DC motors use a LOT of current. At no-load the tool uses way less than an amp, but under load the current goes up fast. Three amps should be more than the motor's stall current (my guesstimate). Five amps will give the power supply a little cushion.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
P.S. My suggestion? Build a variable linear PS/ 3-30vdc/ 10+ amps. Use a lot of heat sink. It will be your new 'Bench Power Supply'.
Or...buy a switcher on EBay. They got a lot to choose from for under $20.
Add this LM324 PWM speed controller to feed the motor.
http://www.pcsilencioso.com/cpemma/pwm.html
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Your suggestions are much appreciated and detailed enough to get me headed in the right direction. Thanks very much for taking the time to answer my query. Have a happy!
11 years ago on Introduction
That is genius!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hi jessyratfink
thanks but its not quite genius.
engineers call it elegant simplicity.
later
wotboa
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You took the words right out of my mouth: elangant and simple.
11 years ago on Introduction
I am in love with this. Thank you for sharing!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I'm picking your screen name apart.
Could it be 'The Tingle"?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
No sir, I apprentice with a tinsmith and have taken it upon myself to come up with a name to associate with the tin things I make and sell. I am 'the tin gal'.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Sir? Sir???? This nay be Olde England m'lady. I don't see no sirs in this here room.
Be proud of your craft. The students coming out of college (with degrees) can barely tie their own shoelaces.
take care
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks TheTinGal, my pleasure
Since I'm just the curious kinda guy, I scanned your profile. Join date is TODAY!
I'm your first hit. What an honor.
Welcome aboard. This is a fun website, many things to learn.
Create some 'thing', post it, & have a blast.
seeya
wotboa
PS This is the first instructable I published
11 years ago on Introduction
Wow very good. Never would have thought of the whole microscope thing. Nice job man!