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#1
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving
it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. Runs pretty smooth (rattles a bit like all non-gear head drill- presses). Nice belt change setup and tensioner. Includes a light on a flex arm which is real nice to have and the red laser still shows up fine. Did I say I love the X laser? |
#2
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
I only posses one too with a laser cutting line. My slide mitre saw. I
wouldn't be without it, after first use. The drill press sounds like an awesome thing to have laser, also, but I am not sure about many other tools benefit from it much. Laser on my hammer would be real nice. How do they align the laser markings at any height of drill surface. It would seem to have to shine down the shaft of the drill bit and that doesn't sound possible?? Smoke and mirrors? Moving mechanism? -------------- "SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message ... I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. Runs pretty smooth (rattles a bit like all non-gear head drill- presses). Nice belt change setup and tensioner. Includes a light on a flex arm which is real nice to have and the red laser still shows up fine. Did I say I love the X laser? |
#3
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
How do they align the laser markings at any height of drill surface. It would seem to have to shine down the shaft of the drill bit and that doesn't sound possible?? *Smoke and mirrors? *Moving mechanism? Haven't really even looked at the optics but somehow they cast two lines as an x that stays crossed in the same location regarless of table height (so far) and stay visible right up until the drill tip contacts. My miter laser died and I never looked into fixing it. I only use for rough cuts, construction type stuff withthe exception of crown molding. Then I use a fixture. All precise cross cuts get done on the TS. A laser on my Glock would be good. The 12 guage seems to work well without one. ;^) |
#4
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
OK Thanx for that! Duh!!
It just kicked in how easy the cross hairs would be with two projecting line lasers at 90 degrees to each other on the bit point. ------------- "SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message ... Haven't really even looked at the optics but somehow they cast two lines as an x that stays crossed in the same location regarless of table height (so far) and stay visible right up until the drill tip contacts. ----------------- How do they align the laser markings at any height of drill surface. It would seem to have to shine down the shaft of the drill bit and that doesn't sound possible?? Smoke and mirrors? Moving mechanism? |
#5
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/08/11 4:13 PM, m II wrote:
OK Thanx for that! Duh!! It just kicked in how easy the cross hairs would be with two projecting line lasers at 90 degrees to each other on the bit point. ------------- "SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message ... Haven't really even looked at the optics but somehow they cast two lines as an x that stays crossed in the same location regarless of table height (so far) and stay visible right up until the drill tip contacts. ----------------- How do they align the laser markings at any height of drill surface. It would seem to have to shine down the shaft of the drill bit and that doesn't sound possible?? Smoke and mirrors? Moving mechanism? Well that makes a confirmation the two top posting morons are the same person. -- Froz... The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance. |
#6
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 11:25 AM, SonomaProducts.com wrote:
I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. Runs pretty smooth (rattles a bit like all non-gear head drill- presses). Nice belt change setup and tensioner. Includes a light on a flex arm which is real nice to have and the red laser still shows up fine. Did I say I love the X laser? I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. |
#7
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:16:25 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Obviously, you feel that the lasers aren't reliable enough for accurate repeated drilling. Would you use them if they were or are you of the old school frame of mind ~ preferring the method you've always had to use? |
#8
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 3:13 PM, Dave wrote:
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:16:25 -0600, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Obviously, you feel that the lasers aren't reliable enough for accurate repeated drilling. Would you use them if they were or are you of the old school frame of mind ~ preferring the method you've always had to use? I think they are reliable but I have not yet seen one that you can get a repeatable mark to say 1/32" of an inch. The lines are too coarse. Like trying to measure 32nds" of an inch with a rule that has 1/32" wide markings. |
#9
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
Just aim for the`middle of the lines. This would be no different than
using a steel rule in Machine Shop training for 0.001" accuracy. Now old eyes may change a few things. ------------------ "Leon" wrote in message ... I think they are reliable but I have not yet seen one that you can get a repeatable mark to say 1/32" of an inch. The lines are too coarse. Like trying to measure 32nds" of an inch with a rule that has 1/32" wide markings. |
#10
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 8 Nov 2011 16:25:47 -0500, "m II" wrote:
Just aim for the`middle of the lines. This would be no different than using a steel rule in Machine Shop training for 0.001" accuracy. That all depends on how thick and how sharply the laser lines are definded. |
#11
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:20:34 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote: On 11/8/2011 3:13 PM, Dave wrote: On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:16:25 -0600, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Obviously, you feel that the lasers aren't reliable enough for accurate repeated drilling. Would you use them if they were or are you of the old school frame of mind ~ preferring the method you've always had to use? I think they are reliable but I have not yet seen one that you can get a repeatable mark to say 1/32" of an inch. The lines are too coarse. Like trying to measure 32nds" of an inch with a rule that has 1/32" wide markings. Here ya go, old man: http://goo.gl/K4Hv6 Now maybe you can see those 1/64 and RCH lines on the better tapes. -- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner, so if one's life is cold and bare he can blame none but himself. -- Louis L'Amour |
#12
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:19:04 -0800, Larry Jaques
Here ya go, old man: http://goo.gl/K4Hv6 Now maybe you can see those 1/64 and RCH lines on the better tapes. Hey, have a little compassion for the old guy. He has to keep his hands free for operate the drill press. http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...56,43351,52368 |
#13
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 11:19 PM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:20:34 -0600, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote: On 11/8/2011 3:13 PM, Dave wrote: On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:16:25 -0600, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Obviously, you feel that the lasers aren't reliable enough for accurate repeated drilling. Would you use them if they were or are you of the old school frame of mind ~ preferring the method you've always had to use? I think they are reliable but I have not yet seen one that you can get a repeatable mark to say 1/32" of an inch. The lines are too coarse. Like trying to measure 32nds" of an inch with a rule that has 1/32" wide markings. Here ya go, old man: http://goo.gl/K4Hv6 Now maybe you can see those 1/64 and RCH lines on the better tapes. -- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner, so if one's life is cold and bare he can blame none but himself. -- Louis L'Amour I don't have a problem seeing the markings, as long as they are not under the wide laser beams. |
#14
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. *Am I missing something here? *Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Of course (no pun) for some production or repeated setup I adjust the fence, stop blocks or make a fixture. But even setting up those items the laser helps me get them dead on. Also lots of my daily use is one hole here and there and using a brad point bit and some pencil marks I can nail the center like never before. Maybe it's just me but I always had trouble getting the dill point to line up to marks and often had to contact the wood before I could tell if I was lined up but with the laser I find it much easier. |
#15
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 3:14 PM, SonomaProducts.com wrote:
I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Of course (no pun) for some production or repeated setup I adjust the fence, stop blocks or make a fixture. But even setting up those items the laser helps me get them dead on. Also lots of my daily use is one hole here and there and using a brad point bit and some pencil marks I can nail the center like never before. Maybe it's just me but I always had trouble getting the dill point to line up to marks and often had to contact the wood before I could tell if I was lined up but with the laser I find it much easier. I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. Additionally I find it way to easy to knock the lasers out of alignment. AND My marks tend to be relative narrow compared to the width of the laser, and the laser hides the mark so I don't know if my mark is centered under the laser line or off to one edge of the laser line. |
#16
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser
does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. *Additionally I find it way to easy to knock the lasers out of alignment. *AND My marks tend to be relative narrow compared to the width of the laser, and the laser hides the mark so I don't know if my mark is centered under the laser line or off to one edge of the laser line. I was using a 1 1/3" forstner and don't recall having a problem. Also I was able to see my pencil marks under the laser on black phenolic. I haven't knocked them out of adjustment...yet. Haven't ever calibrated them that I recall (maybe I did when I set it up). But don't even recall exactly where it/they are installed. I just quickly got used to them and found them very effective... for me. |
#17
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:24:41 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. I'm guessing that you're aware you can compenesate for those large shadowding bits by just starting the hole with the tip and then retracting the bit to see if the cross hairs line up with it. But, it does take a little more time and effort. |
#18
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Nov 8, 1:35*pm, Dave wrote:
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:24:41 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. I'm guessing that you're aware you can compenesate for those large shadowding bits by just starting the hole with the tip and then retracting the bit to see if the cross hairs line up with it. But, it does take a little more time and effort. Sounds like my last date. |
#19
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 3:35 PM, Dave wrote:
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:24:41 -0600, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. I'm guessing that you're aware you can compenesate for those large shadowding bits by just starting the hole with the tip and then retracting the bit to see if the cross hairs line up with it. But, it does take a little more time and effort. Yes! but I have broad lines on mine and there is no instruction on making the line of the laser narrower. Basically I can move the mark and it is still under the crossing laser lines. If I need to make repeated holes I simply draw a square line to the edge of the piece that will touch the fence. I drop the bit to touch the line and attach a piece of tape and mark a line on it at the line on the board. Next board aligns to that mark on the fence. |
#20
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Nov 8, 4:24*pm, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote:
On 11/8/2011 3:14 PM, SonomaProducts.com wrote: I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. *Am I missing something here? *Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Of course (no pun) for some production or repeated setup I adjust the fence, stop blocks or make a fixture. But even setting up those items the laser helps me get them dead on. Also lots of my daily use is one hole here and there and using a brad point bit and some pencil marks I can nail the center like never before. Maybe it's just me but I always had trouble getting the dill point to line up to marks and often had to contact the wood before I could tell if I was lined up but with the laser I find it much easier. I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. *Additionally I find it way to easy to knock the lasers out of alignment. *AND My marks tend to be relative narrow compared to the width of the laser, and the laser hides the mark so I don't know if my mark is centered under the laser line or off to one edge of the laser line. Yup. That's my beef with the whole laser thing...too fat a line. It's like marking a shoulder on a tenon with a crayon. |
#21
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/11 7:11 PM, Robatoy wrote:
Yup. That's my beef with the whole laser thing...too fat a line. It's like marking a shoulder on a tenon with a crayon. (Like) -- -MIKE- "Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life" --Elvin Jones (1927-2004) -- http://mikedrums.com ---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply |
#22
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On 11/8/2011 7:11 PM, Robatoy wrote:
On Nov 8, 4:24 pm, Leonlcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote: On 11/8/2011 3:14 PM, SonomaProducts.com wrote: I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Of course (no pun) for some production or repeated setup I adjust the fence, stop blocks or make a fixture. But even setting up those items the laser helps me get them dead on. Also lots of my daily use is one hole here and there and using a brad point bit and some pencil marks I can nail the center like never before. Maybe it's just me but I always had trouble getting the dill point to line up to marks and often had to contact the wood before I could tell if I was lined up but with the laser I find it much easier. I guess my biggest complaint is when using a Forstner bit, the laser does not reach the work at all with a moderately large bit unless it is way up. Additionally I find it way to easy to knock the lasers out of alignment. AND My marks tend to be relative narrow compared to the width of the laser, and the laser hides the mark so I don't know if my mark is centered under the laser line or off to one edge of the laser line. Yup. That's my beef with the whole laser thing...too fat a line. It's like marking a shoulder on a tenon with a crayon. Thank you Robatoy! I think you actually understand the problem. LOL Now I will say that the laser level, the tool that shoots a level line around the perimeter of a room for putting up cabinets works well enough, unless the floor sinks when you walk near the tripod... Uh Swingman? ;~) |
#23
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Nov 8, 1:14*pm, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. *Am I missing something here? *Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Of course (no pun) for some production or repeated setup I adjust the fence, stop blocks or make a fixture. But even setting up those items the laser helps me get them dead on. Also lots of my daily use is one hole here and there and using a brad point bit and some pencil marks I can nail the center like never before. Maybe it's just me but I always had trouble getting the dill point to line up to marks and often had to contact the wood before I could tell if I was lined up but with the laser I find it much easier. At first I read "... into her" but then saw it was "onto her". Actually, for me either is OK as long as I get to. |
#24
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:16:25 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet wrote:
On 11/8/2011 11:25 AM, SonomaProducts.com wrote: I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. Runs pretty smooth (rattles a bit like all non-gear head drill- presses). Nice belt change setup and tensioner. Includes a light on a flex arm which is real nice to have and the red laser still shows up fine. Did I say I love the X laser? I have a Delta DP that came with the laser and would not miss it if quit working. Am I missing something here? Now I will admit that for coarse locating I am ok with it but not for accurate repeated drilling. Perhaps yours isn't adjusted properly? The lasers on my Delta 18-900L align perfectly over the range of the table. It takes a little work to dial them in but once it's set up it's great. |
#26
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Nov 8, 11:25*am, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. I have a DP-300 with the laser. I seldom use it. It's a pain to re- calibrate if you bump it, and the line width is too fat for accurate positioning. |
#27
Posted to rec.woodworking
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Porter Cable Drill Press
On Nov 8, 12:25*pm, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I bought the 1HP Porter Cable drill press at Lowes for ~$300. Loving it. Can I say I love the laser that throws an X to mark the spot. This is one gimick worth the time to keep working and calibrated. Runs pretty smooth (rattles a bit like all non-gear head drill- presses). Nice belt change setup and tensioner. Includes a light on a flex arm which is real nice to have and the red laser still shows up fine. Did I say I love the X laser? Lasers on my PC chop saw died when the cheap 5 cent flashlight switch died. They worked okay for aligning the head to a layout line, but weren't essential. If I'm shooting for hairline precision on a machine -- say, for drilling in hinges -- nothing makes the job easier than a 60 watt lamp placed within 6" of the mark and a cheap pair of dollar store 3x reading glasses. |
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