I am doing some work that entails drilling many tiny
holes over a large area.
My flex shaft is too big to control the tiny drills bits.
Can anyone recommend a brand and style of small electric drill to use.
I am drilling copper and silver sheet.
I looked and looked on Amazon to see if they have any thing but most of the
small ones are cheap and I think for wood or plastic and very poor quality.
Thanks for any help.
Sharron…in cold central Mexico
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a compact drill for your jewelry projects? We recommend:
I use a cheapie benchtop drill, EuroTool DRL300, and it has worked just fine for me. If you go that route, make sure you purchase from a reputeable source as some online vendors sell knockoffs and claim otherwise.
I don’t think I bought it from Amazon, but at the time I had called EuroTool and they recommended me a vendor so I picked it up for $80 shipped. The first hit on Amazon shows the ShopPage (above the product title) is from EuroTool, but I would just call EuroTool and confirm it’s them. They were very nice and can answer any other questions you may have.
Try ULC “Under-Writers Laboratory” If it hasn’t any form of certified
testers, cancel the order immediately. If you bought it, I’d return it!
Please “play & work” SAFE!!!
I have a small Chinese Press I bought from Rio Grande. I have always been happy with it. Requires a silicone “O” ring for a belt but I have never had to replace the one I am using. Looking at the photo from Amazon when searching EURO TOOL drl300 it looks to be the same drill press. Once I have complete my shop I will buy a larger drill press I believe but still small by wood shop standards.
I don’t know as I would want to do what you describe with a hand drill. There is an inexpensive drill press for sale for less than $100 at several of the suppliers that sell to us that will likely work for you. I bought one 5 years ago and have used it for a number of things to include water flooded diamond drilling of lapidary pieces and the type of work that you describe. It does tend to wander a bit before it starts to drill, but once you figure out its nature, you can compensate for it. You might give it a try before you overspend on something that you don’t need. Good luck…Rob
The MicroLux (MicroLux® 3-Speed Mini Drill Press) isn’t bad. It’s made in Japan, and is functionally identical to the Proxxon that’s made in Germany. I bought this, because I’d been using a full-size press that was too large for jewelry making (particularly piercing).
I’ve been mostly satisfied with two exceptions: it’s great at its low speed, but at its highest speed, it vibrates a little too much for my taste, and the chuck capacity is a little small.
Eventually, I’ll likely upgrade to something that will accommodate a sensitive drill chuck like the one I mentioned in the other thread I think you began.
-Alec
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a compact drill for your jewelry projects? We recommend: