Customer Reviews

Northern Industrial Mini Drill Press - 5-Speed, 1/3 HP

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had a rear wheel hub for an XJ-6 where the screw-in lug studs had loosened. My way of fixing the problem was to ream the holes for normal pressed-in studs, like most cars have. I needed very precise holes to make the thing work. Instead of trusting the job to someone else, I opted to buy an inexpensive drill press for myself. I was a little bit wary about some that are out there, but I found positive reviews for this model on the Eastern web site and decided to give it a chance. It met my requirements, though I had to cut off an inch and a half of the shank on the long reamer. There is no slop or flex in the spindle and what the spindle rides in, even when all the way extended. The chuck is high quality and held the bits well.The project was a success and the car rides very nicely with its custom lugs.

This drill press is perfectly sized to put on a table or bench in your work area. It is light enough to move around easily. I use it to drill holes in small sterling silver components, shells, sea glass etc. that I put in my jewelry. I love it. It came with some assembly required, but it was very easy. It did need to be cleaned off a bit...it seemed to have a slightly greasy feel to it.

Wasnt expecting something so heavy duty for such a cheap price. Feels beefy & solid when using it. My only complaint would be that to select the '5 speeds,' the top guard must be lifted and the belt moved along 5 slots each for 2 pulleys (motor & drill pulleys). Then the slack in the belt must be tightened out by backing off the motor position lock and actually moving the motor. Not a big deal, but in some of the positions the motor pulley may rub the guard when closed and make noise. I have used exclusively so far on 1100 rpms (which is not a prob), but came set for 1700 rpms...

BTW, the vibration complained about in one of the reviews here may be the result of the motor pulley rubbing the top housing guard (as I mentioned above)...other than that prob, mine was pretty quiet. Also, my spindle was true, but care must be taken during assy to tap the chuck/spindle on the tapered drive shaft, seating it properly...may also have been his prob for other complaint.

As a 25 year veteran to the carpentry world I say that this tool is GARBAGE!! It has a ton of slop in the spindle, it vibrates like mad and there are a few pieces that are in danger of falling off and or apart at the slightest touch. And to top it all off it arrived BROKEN!! The chintzy plastic on/off housing was smashed to bits. That is the last tool I buy from them. Junk.