Hi all,
I just picked up an old drill press for 10 bucks.. My question is… it didn't come with the key to change bits. I've never used a drill press so I'm not sure if it needs one or if there's another way?
It's kinda like some old hand tools I've gotten. Didn't think I'd ever need one, till I've had it a while and now wonder how I ever got along with out it.
Look closely at the chuck for writing that will possibly start with a "K", followed by a number. That indicates the key size, which you definitely need…......... Jerry (in Tucson)
I thought most modern drill presses used the standard sized chuck key? Hard to tell from the sideways, low resolution picture, but it looks like a fairly generic '90s taiwanese tool.
No, sorry there's no way you can use that drill press. Just ship it to me and I'll give you your $10 back Seriously though, that's a great find for $10. I don't see any plastic on it. Don't let that "made in Taiwan" label scare you. There were some fantastic machines made in Taiwan. Just ask a Powermatic owner.
You can pick up a chuck key anywhere that sells tools. There are a few different sizes but if I remember correctly the size of the hole in the chuck is different for the different keys. Find something that fits in that hole and find the key that's the same size. Or, if you have a HF near you, they have a 4 way key that has 4 different sizes.
BTW, it looks like what you have is a keyless chuck chucked up in your keyed chuck. So you can use it as-is for smaller drill bits. If that's what it is, you can just grab those 2 knurled rings and twist. Assuming it's not rusted solid…
Opening and closing the chuck without a key is simple. Getting enough force (closing) on a bit so it doesn't spin when drilling is the challenge (particularly on larger bits). That is one reason you rarely see the keyless chucks on drill presses.
Looks like it has a quick change bit holder in the chuck. Look for spade bits and metal bits with octagon end. You wont need key when changing bits.
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