Steel City Drill Press. I like it.

[else24]

I've had this DP for about six months. Used it several times but until this project I hadn't really put it through its paces.

It's this cradle:

headboards require 13 holes in each of four pieces at precise angles. I've done that sort of thing with other drill presses but I was pleasantly surprised how fast it was with this machine. Because it has a spindle lock, I was able to lock it down and eyeball the angle while I used both hands to tilt the table. Because it has a six-inch quill travel, I was able to go from top piece to bottom piece without changing the table height. Because the depth stop had a quick-release and fine tuning I was able to quickly reset the stops for each set of holes from piece to piece. I know those things can be found on other DP's but until this weekend, I didn't think I'd appreciate all those as much as I do now that I've used 'em and seen what it means to time saved and aggravation missed.

One way I measure a tool is whether I ever step back and grin at it just because it's fun to use and this Saturday, I patted myself on the back. I like this drill. :-)

Oh, and no it doesn't have a laser on it.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Be sure to post pictures of the cradle when done. I can see where a good drill press makes life easier with the way the ends are on that.

[Joe AutoDrill]

Speaking of drill "press" machines... You got me thinking... And I remembered this post from another forum so... Take a look at this metal forming press operation. How many of YOU would work in conditions like this:

Agro, Jr. [phone]

[Andy]

carpal tunnel is a workplace hazard - I wonder how many limbs they lose per year? And to the OP, I'm glad you're happy with your DP, and thanks for the review - if my old Atlas ever dies (yeah, right) the Steel City would definitely be a consideration as a replacement. Mine has something like 4.75" quill travel, and I've appreciated that several times! I can't believe most of the low- and mid-priced modern ones only have 3 inches or so of travel. Six would be great. Enjoy! Andy

[Edwin Pawlowski]

But then they would not be low and mid priced any more. You have to pay for those extra inches. I'd pay for an extra 3 inches.

[Andy]

carpal tunnel is a workplace hazard - I wonder how many limbs they lose per year? And to the OP, I'm glad you're happy with your DP - if my old Atlas ever dies (yeah, right) the Steel City would definitely be a consideration as a replacement. Mine has something like 4.75" quill travel, and I've appreciated that several times! I can't believe most of the low- and mid-priced modern ones only have 3 inches or so of travel. Six would be great. Enjoy! Andy

[Joe AutoDrill]

De Ja Vuuuuuuu!

Regards, Joe Agro, Jr. [phone]

01.908.542.0244 Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: Spindle Drills:

[Larry W]

I get emails every day asking me to pay for an extra 3 inches...

[Dan]

On Mon 21 May 2007 10:19:54p, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in news:ujt4i.21587$ [e-mail]:

I just posted a photo to abpw with subject "Dryfit cradle".

I've been a little busy of late. I was told things were going to happen a little early. Now it's back to July 2, but I was in panic mode and it's done as it's going to get and I'll deliver it next weekend.

I didn't mention that this is my second one. I promised one to my niece and before it was finished my daughter announced. Yeesh. Building the first with a Harbor Freight benchtop dp was the reason I dug up the resources for the Steel City. :-) And it was worth every penny. Even used the quill lock before I was done.

But if I never build another one of these things I won't lose much sleep. Good plans and good looking piece, just an awful lot of work and I want to do something else for a while. Future grandchildren will use THAT one.

[George]

Picture looks great. I built a lot of cradles when still in the service. Even though I was an old man still flying because of a late start, the rest of the squadron was of prime breeding age. Granddaughter's sleeping in the crib I built, because she did her cradle time in her mom's. Twenty-five years makes cherry look really rich!

I have a Steel City myself. Concession to age more than need, as my old Craftsman had no table crank, and my back isn't what it used to be. I like their combination of features, and the price was right. As good as the old Craftsman, no, but as good as any other out there that I could see.