How to Fix Drill Press Run-Out
The spindle run-out of a drill press can wobble if it is not aligned properly. The precision of a drill press can be hindered by vibration and wobbling chucks. Generally, a chuck begins to wobble after it has been used with poor wood cutting techniques. Wood sometimes gets caught in the drill and can kick back or hit the drilling column and knock it out of alignment. When the drill press run-out becomes unaligned, the first thing to try before running out and purchasing new parts is to see if it can be realigned.
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Steel rod
- Dial indicator with magnetic base
- Straight precision rod
- 1/2-inch diameter by 2-inch long hardened ground-steel dowel
Instructions
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1
Insert the 1/2-inch diameter by 2-inch long hardened ground-steel dowel into the chuck of the drill.
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2
Set the dial indicator's magnetic base onto the table of the drill. Position it so that the plunger of the base is touching the end of the steel dowel.
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3
Unplug the drill press. Open the drill press head cover. Turn the spindle pulley by hand while watching the indicator for the maximum fluctuation of measurement on the dial. Stop turning the pulley when the rod is at the farthest point away from the plunger of the dial. Wrap a piece of masking tape around the chuck. Mark a reference point above the plunger with a felt tip pen.
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4
Move the arm of the drill press indicator out of the way. Insert a steel rod into the drill chuck.
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5
Move the chuck into a position where you can hit the rod with a hammer on the direct opposite side of the mark you made. Lightly tap the steel rod with the hammer. Remove the rod. Re-insert the steel dowel, reposition the plunger and rotate the spindle. Check for any change in the dial indicator. Keep hitting the steel rod with the hammer while it is inserted in the chuck and checking it with the dial indicator until you have a measurement of less than .002-inch on the dial.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear safety glasses when working with the drill press.
References
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Comments
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I tried this over and over and it doesn't work. The spndle falls out when you hit it hard enought to make a difference.
