Rockler Drill Guide Demo

[TonyL]

Maybe a "neat" tool where space is limited or portability is desired.

 

[magpens]

Interesting !!

Thanks for posting, Tony !!!

 

[leehljp]

I have had drill guides similar to that for about 50 years and did not use them daily or weekly, but when I needed them, they were very handy. I really liked the look and function of the Rockler one. Thanks for posting.

 

[WriteON]

Thanks for posting...might buy one.

 

[egnald]

I have been tempted to get one of those occasionally, but when I need to drill something that I can't take to the drill press, I use Big Gator drill guides along with my hand drill. So far they have been working pretty good. There are times though I wish I had something like that Rockler set up.

I am just spoiled - before I retired one of my departments did equipment design and fabrication. They had a portable electromagnetic drill press that was great whenever accurate 90-degree holes were needed. Sometimes I really miss having access to all of the tools and expertise in the engineering departments and machine shops. - Dave

 

[penicillin]

I have seen the Rockler drill press guide, and it looks like a useful tool. That drill press guide sells for $189 at Rockler, before you start buying expensive accessories for it. That is asking a lot of money for what you get. I am not even remotely interested at that price. I will get by with the several different basic drill guides that I collected over the years (mostly for doweling), or making my own as needed from a scrap piece of 2x4.

For the record, I replaced (upgraded) my old drill press a couple years ago. I bought a used, but newer, larger, more horsepower, and overall better drill press - for $80.

Rockler has a convenient store near my home, so I shop at Rockler. What bothers me about Rockler proprietary products are price and sometimes build quality. I especially dislike how Rockler uses delicate, moisture-sensitive MDF in their sleds and jigs instead of plywood or some other high quality and more durable material, yet charges a high price for those gadgets, too.

 

[WriteON]

I hate you guys...each and everyone of you. I ordered the Guide with the vise. Thanks guys...you made me do it.

 

[afillius]

I own this guide and the vice. I am extremely happy with it. It has been accurate and works great for drilling pen blanks.

 

[WriteON]

I own this guide and the vice. I am extremely happy with it. It has been accurate and works great for drilling pen blanks.

Do you use it to face with a barrel trimmer? Just curious. Thanks

 

[afillius]

Do you use it to face with a barrel trimmer? Just curious. Thanks

No I use it to drill the hole. I put the blank in my bench vise and use the barrel trimmer in my handheld drill. The barrel trimmer would work fine in the Rockler but it is unnecessary.