Micro Drill Presses

Jewelry Discussion
1

Does anyone have experience with Micro Drill Presses. I’m looking for
recommendations as my Foredom DP-30 is good for most work, but does
not have the finesse required for ultra-delicate drilling… just a
bit too much side to side play and not consistently smooth when
advancing the drill into the work piece.

Thanks
J Collier

2

I really like the Dumore. They’re expensive new, but I found an old
one on eBay a few years ago that I got for less than $100, including
shipping. You can plug your flexshaft foot pedal into it, to get
speed control. It’s really lovely.

Tracy

3 
Does anyone have experience with Micro Drill Presses. I'm looking
for recommendations as my Foredom DP-30 is good for most work, but
does not have the finesse required for ultra-delicate drilling...
just a bit too much side to side play and not consistently smooth
when advancing the drill into the work piece.

Actually we have both. The Foredom Drill press is great when you
want to work at your bench. I like the freedom of having complete
speed adjustment when using a dial rheostat to avoid pressing your
foot and trying to drill (chew gum and walk). However, in a class
room setting, the Micro Drill is great.

One problem that is encountered is not understanding how to properly
drill in the first place. With either the Foredom or Micro Drill, the
drill should be placed above your work no more than 1/2 inch. This
height will give you the maximum drilling power. If you place the
work too far, when you pull down on the lever, all the power goes
away and you have a better chance of snapping your drill bit.

Even on a drill press, always lubricate your drill and give it a
little space to work in, meaning, use a center punch first. For
larger holes, don’t just start out with a giant drill bit and mash
away. Make one or even two holes to gain the largest diameter.

Always, always, always, have the drill spinning in place before you
advance the bit to the work…and…eye protection.

Ok, that’s more than what you asked for, but hey, that’s the teacher
in me. LOL

-k

M E T A L W E R X
School for Jewelry and the Metalarts
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA 02451
781 891 3854
www.metalwerx.com