orgtwister Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 i have been wundering how many people who have post drills really use them i have had one in the family long before i was born and i used it when i was a kid just really messing around and for the last 25 years its been stored under the steps not being used . dad thought it was funny letting me try to drill a hole with it when the cam dog was not engaged :mad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I used mine before I moved to where I know live now. It has its uses, I read an article where a woodworker swore by it for precision holes, but reinstalling it has not been a priority with so many other things to make or fix. So many projects, so little time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkunkler Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I have one in my blacksmith shop that I use sometimes. If I have any serious drilling to do I use the electric drillpress in my main shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarguello Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I posted a thread about finding a 'new' Buffalo Forge post drill. Maybe this brought up this question. First of all they are really cool. I think every smitty should have one. Secondly if I decide to make a totally unplugged project this will help and Lastly no there is no real reason to have one! But it's cool. And I must confess I have a Bridgeport milling machine.............and a tool room lathe! :cool: OK, I just wanted one! :confused: Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Had a chance to buy one, from a friend, for not much money. It was in good working order. But after thinking about where I would put it, and if and how often I would really use it, I decided that I really didn't need it after all. So I just use my hand drills or my drill press or punch the holes. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Many post drills have poor chuck systems as they existed long before Mr Jacobs came along. However, a sharp bit that is well secured will cut pretty quickly in mild steel if the pawl is used. We had one in a local period shop (which is supposed to be "pre-electricity") that worked fine to drill holes for the types of projects we made during public demos. We did have to clamp the workpiece with a vise grip because it could not be held by hand without catching on the bit and spinning - but that's good safety practice anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly iron Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I have a post drill here and i think its an old Model T diff and the attached gearbox, it was built by my Grandaddys Friend many moons ago.would work if had something to run it with,but i use a faster drill press now.Plus i have a homade HackSaw to go with it all she is of the same era.Both gathering dust now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orgtwister Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 hillbilly i hear ya on the dust i bet if i pulled my drill out i would fill the shop vac a few times cleaning it thats the real reason i asked if anyone used them as i was under the steps and seen it there colecting dust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dablacksmith Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 i have one in my shop at the museum and i do use it tho not that often .i prefer to punch holes whenever possable (ive got various whitney punches) but the hand crank works fine! its a little slower than a modern drill press but it will go thru even fairlt hard steel if you hae patience .. and it dosnt burn up bits like a modern drill press can... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucegodlesky Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I have several and have used it to drill antler for knife handles. Lots safer than the electric powered ones :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iron Clad Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I use them. I now have 4 post drills. I just bought the fourth one. It's a Champion model 203. It probably weighs 250 or more pounds. This drill is in great shape and in working condition. I do have a modern electric drill press but I really like the old stuff...It's fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markrose Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 i am 17 and would like to have one if any body wants to sell theres Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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