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:

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.

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.

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

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. :)

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.

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.

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

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...

I have several and have used it to drill antler for knife handles. Lots safer than the electric powered ones :-)

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.

i am 17 and would like to have one if any body wants to sell theres