"AIOE" wrote in message
...
(this message may duplicate from eternal-september when they get around to
sending it in a year or two)

(image links inline with text - questions towards the end)

======================

I have known for several years now that my little 1/4 hp, eight-inch swing
drill press was inadequate for all of my needs (especially the short
swing) My current project has put a head on this, so when providence lined
me up a suitable item, I followed through.

I now own an old Rexon RDM-100A drill press, 1/2 hp, 14" swing, which I
acquired for sixty bucks. Not a Gunner/Iggy "take the machine, the car,
and my teenaged daughter" deal, but I am very happy.

It is still a bench-mount unit, but substantially larger than my old
Delta. It is sturdy enough to do what I need to do with it, but still
portable enough to yard into the carport when I need to do a job outside.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Rexon01.jpg

It also uses an idler pulley, so I now have 16 speeds instead of five, and
can be more precise in my feedrate selections.

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Rexon02.jpg

Something that I think is pretty neat is the built in location for a light
bulb (I'll need to work a spotlight in there on a hinge).

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Rexon04.jpg

This is also the first drill press I have owned which uses a morse taper
(MT2) to accept the chuck arbor, so I will be able to mount drill bits
using collets in those cases when the chuck doesn't grip them tightly
enough (what all do I need to start working this angle?)

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Rexon05.jpg

I was able to figure out that this machine is about the same as the
current Harbor Freight unit 38142, and have the manual for that machine.
That led me to figure out the assumed function of the little chrome-plated
handle shown in this picture, but despite loosening the two thumb screws,
the handle doesn't want to turn more than an 1/8". Where should I squirt
some lube to help free up this mechanism?

http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/Rexon03.jpg

Anywho, I finally have a drill press that I can do some real work with.
Yay!

Jon

Sadly, all new (even used) tools have a honeymoon expiration date. Just
like a new gal, you will soon become satiated and bored, and be looking for
bigger/better. Enjoy for as long as it lasts. The upside is that this is a
repeatable experience that is not nearly as costly as the real honeymoon
repeat scenario, and you can go out and do it again next week, and not be in
the doghouse with SWMBO all the time. Or, as in the case of some of them,
one strike and YER OUT! Sometimes unconscious for many minutes. ;-) And
then you wake up to a lawyer.

Steve

http://cabgbypasssurgery.com watch for the book

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.