ma

"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net">

16/08/2005 4:39 PM

Laser guides for drill presses

I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?

Jack


This topic has 26 replies

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

21/08/2005 9:30 PM

"Dave Mundt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Actually, I don't want one until I can line up the spot,
> then, punch a button and have a neat hole vaporized in the
> material.

You can already buy one of those. It's called a 22-250 rifle.

JP

"Jay Pique"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

16/08/2005 8:34 PM

Yes. Craftsman makes one. It's item number 24042 at Sears.com.

JP
*************
Just the fax, ma'am.

Rr

"ROYNEU"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 4:11 AM

Good grief Swingman, what is wrong with you. Might might be newer then
your's but it is heat seeking. Maybe your's need updating!

Roy

JP

"Jay Pique"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 6:12 AM


[email protected] wrote:
> Most of those are inherently a waste of money unless you ALWAYS use
> the exact same length of drill bit in all the bits you have/use. If
> the length differs, then you gotta re-adjust/re-calibrate the laser

I believe that a drill press laser guide could be quite cost effective
in certain situations/applications. I've never used one, so I don't
know how difficult it is to recalibrate. (Also, unless you bottom out
your bits you might want to readjust the laser each time you put a bit
in the chuck.

> There ARE laser alinement devices for around $60 that chuck into the
> drill press and give you fairly accurate indication of where on the
> workpiece the drill will go, but those need to be chucked up every
> time you want to drill a hole, and then once aligned you unchuck the
> laster and chuck up the drill bit. Not real convenient nor will it
> speed up your drilling, BUT it WILL increase the accuracy of the
> drilling

Wow. I can't imagine many situations where that would be of use in a
woodworking shop. Perhaps for large forstner bits?

JP


> John
>
> On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 16:39:01 -0600, "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"
> <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote:
>
> >I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
> >this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
> >
> >Jack

DH

"Daniel H"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 10:48 AM

> Most of those are inherently a waste of money unless you ALWAYS use
> the exact same length of drill bit in all the bits you have/use. If
> the length differs, then you gotta re-adjust/re-calibrate the laser

Do these laser things project from one point or two?

If I were designing a laser marker I'd project two lines from two
points behind the bit, one on each side, to intersect in a line - that
would mark the correct spot regardless of table height or bit length.

DH

"Daniel H"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 10:54 AM

oops: project two planes from two points behind the bit, to intersect
in a line at the spindle axle

or draw two lines to intersect at an X on the workpiece

JM

"John Martin"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 6:28 PM


mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:
> Well, I know that it's a fairly redundant and unnecessary thing to have,
> but I figured that if I were doing a lot of drilling, it might make
> things just a 'bit' easier to not have to lower the drill down each time
> to line it up. Given the amused responses, it sounds like it's not
> worth the money. Of course, I can always retrofit a guide on later if I
> decide it would help.
>
> Thanks!

With most drill presses I've seen, you not only lower the bit each time
to line it up, but you then lower the bit further each time to drill
the hole. Pretty hard to drill the hole without lowering the bit,
unless maybe you're holding the wood in your hands and raising it up to
the drill. But maybe I'm missing something.

John Martin

ww

"woodworker88"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 8:38 PM

It might be very useful if you do nearly all your drilling with bits
that don't have a center spur to guide the location of the hole. I
find that when I use a hole saw, it is very difficult to determine the
exact location, even with a pilot bit, mainly b/c the bit is under the
hole saw.

Gg

"G.E.R.R.Y."

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 6:59 PM

In article <[email protected]>,
Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:

> no more fumbling around in the dark.

But that's how you find an OLD man in the dark, just feel around, it
won't be hard.

Gerry

xD

[email protected] (Dave Mundt)

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

22/08/2005 1:22 AM

Greetings and Salutations...

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 16:39:01 -0600, "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"
<"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote:

>I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
>Jack
>
Seems like a cute gadget to me...but not all that useful
unless one is doing production, and in THAT case, there should be
jigs to do the work.
Actually, I don't want one until I can line up the spot,
then, punch a button and have a neat hole vaporized in the
material.
Regards
Dave Mundt

md

mac davis

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

19/08/2005 9:12 AM

On Thu, 18 Aug 2005 16:12:09 -0400, "Jerry S." <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> "woodworker88" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> It might be very useful if you do nearly all your drilling with bits
>>> that don't have a center spur to guide the location of the hole. I
>>> find that when I use a hole saw, it is very difficult to determine the
>>> exact location, even with a pilot bit, mainly b/c the bit is under the
>>> hole saw.
>>
>> When I'm drilling with a holesaw, I lower the bit until it barely indents
>> the wood. Then I raise it up to see how it's lined up. Depending on that
>> information you readjust or don't. I can't for the life of me see where
>> the
>> few seconds required to do this type of alignment justifies the frivolous
>> cost of a laser pointer.
>>
>> I guess if you've got the money, then hey, it's your money. But me, I'd
>> just
>> as soon invest it in something more important, like beer. :)
>>
>>
>
>My drill press table can move side to side -- it doesn't move on a geared
>track. The laser would be handy to line up the table when I'm moving it
>(unless I'm missing an easier way).
>
sure... use a sharpie to mark an X or "bulls eye on the table and line up the
bit to the mark..

My table (shopsmith) moves front-to-back and has an insert in the middle for
drilling/routing.. pretty easy to line THAT up.. lol


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

16/08/2005 11:35 PM


"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
>I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is this
>something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
> Jack


I don't know. My DP has a solid metal pointing device. It has proven to be
very accurate and is dead nuts right every time. Another benefit is the
auto compensation for the varying length of the bits.

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 6:03 AM

"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote
in message

> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?

Laser guides for drill presses?? jeeezus. I suppose laser guides included
with a prescription for Viagra is next?

Just think, no more fumbling around in the dark.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/07/05

ma

"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net">

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 11:38 AM

Well, I know that it's a fairly redundant and unnecessary thing to have,
but I figured that if I were doing a lot of drilling, it might make
things just a 'bit' easier to not have to lower the drill down each time
to line it up. Given the amused responses, it sounds like it's not
worth the money. Of course, I can always retrofit a guide on later if I
decide it would help.

Thanks!

David wrote:
> mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:
>
>> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>>
>> Jack
>>
> don't waste your money. bring the bit down to the work and you'll know
> where it's gonna drill...
>
> Dave

vv

"vfrost"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 1:14 PM

This is something that is far more cool than actually a necessity. If your
press actually came with it would be the only reason to have one. Other
than that it's just a very highly polished whistle.
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net">
> wrote
> in message
>
>> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
> Laser guides for drill presses?? jeeezus. I suppose laser guides included
> with a prescription for Viagra is next?
>
> Just think, no more fumbling around in the dark.
>
> --
> www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 8/07/05
>
>

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 6:21 AM

"ROYNEU" wrote in message
> Good grief Swingman, what is wrong with you. Might might be newer then
> your's but it is heat seeking. Maybe your's need updating!

ROTFL ...

Nope ...more likely the size of the pointing device. ;)

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/07/05

DM

Dan Major

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

18/08/2005 3:07 AM

HA! Puny Wood dorkers! My LASER has a DRILL PRESS attached!! ZOW!

'Zippy the 'dorker'

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

16/08/2005 11:17 PM


"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote
in message news:[email protected]...
>I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is this
>something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?


No. Seems to me the bit points right where it is going to hit.

JS

"Jerry S."

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

18/08/2005 4:12 PM


"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "woodworker88" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> It might be very useful if you do nearly all your drilling with bits
>> that don't have a center spur to guide the location of the hole. I
>> find that when I use a hole saw, it is very difficult to determine the
>> exact location, even with a pilot bit, mainly b/c the bit is under the
>> hole saw.
>
> When I'm drilling with a holesaw, I lower the bit until it barely indents
> the wood. Then I raise it up to see how it's lined up. Depending on that
> information you readjust or don't. I can't for the life of me see where
> the
> few seconds required to do this type of alignment justifies the frivolous
> cost of a laser pointer.
>
> I guess if you've got the money, then hey, it's your money. But me, I'd
> just
> as soon invest it in something more important, like beer. :)
>
>

My drill press table can move side to side -- it doesn't move on a geared
track. The laser would be handy to line up the table when I'm moving it
(unless I'm missing an easier way).

md

mac davis

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 8:57 AM

On Wed, 17 Aug 2005 06:03:36 -0500, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:

>"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote
>in message
>
>> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
>Laser guides for drill presses?? jeeezus. I suppose laser guides included
>with a prescription for Viagra is next?
>
>Just think, no more fumbling around in the dark.

It might be more effective on your chin... *g*


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

j

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

16/08/2005 10:59 PM

Most of those are inherently a waste of money unless you ALWAYS use
the exact same length of drill bit in all the bits you have/use. If
the length differs, then you gotta re-adjust/re-calibrate the laser

There ARE laser alinement devices for around $60 that chuck into the
drill press and give you fairly accurate indication of where on the
workpiece the drill will go, but those need to be chucked up every
time you want to drill a hole, and then once aligned you unchuck the
laster and chuck up the drill bit. Not real convenient nor will it
speed up your drilling, BUT it WILL increase the accuracy of the
drilling

John

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 16:39:01 -0600, "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"
<"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote:

>I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
>Jack

DD

David

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

16/08/2005 4:40 PM

mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:

> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
> Jack
>
don't waste your money. bring the bit down to the work and you'll know
where it's gonna drill...

Dave

md

mac davis

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 8:56 AM

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 16:39:01 -0600, "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"
<"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> wrote:

>I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
>Jack

I've only seen one laser pointer on a DP, and it was kind of clever....
I expected a red dot where the hole would be drilled.. like "gee, I wonder where
the bit will hit the wood"...
What it actually did was throw out 2 lines at 90 degrees, like one of those
laser picture hangers, so you could line up with other holes, I guess..
Since I own 2 modern tools, a pencil and straight edge, I haven't run out and
bought a laser for the DP..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

18/08/2005 12:23 AM

"woodworker88" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> It might be very useful if you do nearly all your drilling with bits
> that don't have a center spur to guide the location of the hole. I
> find that when I use a hole saw, it is very difficult to determine the
> exact location, even with a pilot bit, mainly b/c the bit is under the
> hole saw.

When I'm drilling with a holesaw, I lower the bit until it barely indents
the wood. Then I raise it up to see how it's lined up. Depending on that
information you readjust or don't. I can't for the life of me see where the
few seconds required to do this type of alignment justifies the frivolous
cost of a laser pointer.

I guess if you've got the money, then hey, it's your money. But me, I'd just
as soon invest it in something more important, like beer. :)

EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

20/08/2005 3:24 AM


>>>
>>> When I'm drilling with a holesaw, I lower the bit until it barely
>>> indents
>>> the wood. Then I raise it up to see how it's lined up. Depending on that
>>> information you readjust or don't. I can't for the life of me see where
>>> the
>>> few seconds required to do this type of alignment justifies the
>>> frivolous
>>> cost of a laser pointer.


Good point, but will it still work with a large diameter hole saw mounted?

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net"> on 16/08/2005 4:39 PM

17/08/2005 9:18 PM


"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" <"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net">
> wrote
> in message
>
>> I noticed that some drill presses come equipped with laser guides. Is
>> this something that you can buy as an attachment to most drill presses?
>
> Laser guides for drill presses?? jeeezus. I suppose laser guides included
> with a prescription for Viagra is next?
>
> Just think, no more fumbling around in the dark.


I think I am going to invent the laser guided pencil.


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