Old BICO (Taiwanese vintage in '60s) has significant runout which is a major problem when drilling holes in pen blanks. Spindle nut is an oddball size (1.381 across flats) and standard 1 3/8 will not fit due to socket OD interference, so I cannot check/replace bearings.
Want a floor model with large square table with t-slots so I can anchor stuff from the top but such DPs are few, only finding a Grizzly, a Rikon and an offbrand at HF. Not sure of their runout so I don't want to find out too late they are just big hogging machines.
Steel City has high quill travel but am more concerned with accuracy, then table size, then travel. Looked at a new Delta but the tension arm shaft is anchored with only a maybe 1/16 inch diameter rivet , imminent failure point. Grizzly has what I want but will not commit, although they speak highly of their track record in low runout numbers.
Tried boring with the lathe but there are problems PM needs to address.
Any recommendations. Need asap so I can continue with Santa stuff. For a new hobby, I've overcommitted on pens and stuff. I have found a used press and currently getting transfer worked out, but cannot take a chance in case it gets sold before I get there.
BTW where are individual brad bits available in 10.5 and 12.5 mm? Found on the web but cannot find again...(maybe in one of those woodworker's dreams :biggrin. Bought standard twist drills in these sizes from CS but I think they will tear the wood rather badly.
Want a floor model with large square table with t-slots so I can anchor stuff from the top but such DPs are few, only finding a Grizzly, a Rikon and an offbrand at HF. Not sure of their runout so I don't want to find out too late they are just big hogging machines.
Steel City has high quill travel but am more concerned with accuracy, then table size, then travel. Looked at a new Delta but the tension arm shaft is anchored with only a maybe 1/16 inch diameter rivet , imminent failure point. Grizzly has what I want but will not commit, although they speak highly of their track record in low runout numbers.
Tried boring with the lathe but there are problems PM needs to address.
Any recommendations. Need asap so I can continue with Santa stuff. For a new hobby, I've overcommitted on pens and stuff. I have found a used press and currently getting transfer worked out, but cannot take a chance in case it gets sold before I get there.
BTW where are individual brad bits available in 10.5 and 12.5 mm? Found on the web but cannot find again...(maybe in one of those woodworker's dreams :biggrin. Bought standard twist drills in these sizes from CS but I think they will tear the wood rather badly.