[Hul Tytus]

rec.crafts.metalworking
measuring play in quill+spindle of milling machines & drills

I'm hoping that some here have measured the play in the quill+spindle
of bridgeport & equivilent millers, which will be a deciding factor when I
buy one in the future.
The measurements that I have made were by chucking a 10 inch piece of
bar stock and pulling 10 lbs left then 10 lbs right at the end with a spring
scale with the quill lock, when present, loose. A dial indicater set on the
spindle indicates the play.
A small bench size drill press, a $60 version, showed 13 thousandths
of an inch play, 8 for a full size and heavier drill press, and 5 for a
spanking new mill/drill from Harbor Freight. The last omitted the scale
which leaves it a bit questionable.
If anyone has made equivilent measurements, posting the results
here would be greatly appreciated.

Hul

[Robert Swinney]

Drill presses inherently have more quill+spindle play than milling machines. Compared to milling
machines, drill presses are not precision tools. While troubling if you measure it, a small amount
of play in a drill spindle is not a bid deal. Even a well-worn drill press will deliver reasonably
straight holes if good drill bits are used in it. Drill bit geometry determines where the hole goes
more than slop in the way it is held. (Think hand drilling here) Tapping in a drill press might be
another matter entirely. Excessive slop could be a real factor in starting taps straight in the
hole. Runout in the tapping spindle can be bad enough to break taps, exp. small ones.

Bob (doesn't mill with a drill)Swinney


"Hul Tytus" wrote in message ...
rec.crafts.metalworking
measuring play in quill+spindle of milling machines & drills

I'm hoping that some here have measured the play in the quill+spindle
of bridgeport & equivilent millers, which will be a deciding factor when I
buy one in the future.
The measurements that I have made were by chucking a 10 inch piece of
bar stock and pulling 10 lbs left then 10 lbs right at the end with a spring
scale with the quill lock, when present, loose. A dial indicater set on the
spindle indicates the play.
A small bench size drill press, a $60 version, showed 13 thousandths
of an inch play, 8 for a full size and heavier drill press, and 5 for a
spanking new mill/drill from Harbor Freight. The last omitted the scale
which leaves it a bit questionable.
If anyone has made equivilent measurements, posting the results
here would be greatly appreciated.

Hul

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