SPYDERLK
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 10,277
- Location
- VA
- Tractor
- JD2010, Kubota3450,2550, Mahindra 7520 w FEL w Skid Steer QC w/Tilt Tatch, & BH, BX1500
Im wondering at what sized drill press you are talking about that doesnt move around when a Bridgeport does. The whole idea of a mill is rigidity in every direction. A drill press only needs it straight down. If the Bridgeport has back gear for providing comparable low speeds I would just cut a big bit down to 7/8 shank and use the appropriate R8 collet tight. I cant see what would be moving around if the slides were locked.A drill press with a low speed of 250 isnt made for drilling large holes IMO. Sounds like either a bench top model or benchtop that they just put on a floor stand. If you look at the literature I am sure it may only be rated for 3/4" holes.
Even locking the bed down in all axis' on the mill, drilling a large hole at a lower speed you see alot of movement. Wearing things out.
Mills werent made to drill. (allthough they can). Obviously the larger the mill the more ridgid, but most 1-2hp bridgeports with 9x49 table just arent that solid for large holes IMO. Especially used and wore out some.
Not to mention, with most mill setups with R-8, you are limited to using S&D bits with 1/2" shaft. Forget about using MT3 or MT4 bits, which are WAY more ridgid than a S&D bit. A good drillpress with MT4 spindle for 1-1/4" holes is WAY better than a 2HP bridgeport IMO
... Course, having a mill it would be special for me to buy a really big bit. Id just pilot with the biggest I have and then bore the hole to final size.:confused3:
,,,larry