Harbor Freight little hole driller with low RPM speeds for the hard stuff & coupon register debacle

[Don2222]

Hello
I tried using my DeWalt portable AC variable speed drill with a titanium bit but when the bit overheated and burned I knew something must be not quite right! LOL
So after I learned that harder metals need a cobalt split bit for cooler drilling such as Cleveland bits, some cutting oil like Rapid Tap and a low constant speed drill with easy to adjust pressure, I just came across this HF drill press with a nice flat 4” vise to hold the work on sale!
Beware, Their smart register however does not have the best algorithm to calculate the best over all savings with all these tool sale coupons when used in conjunction with their super 25% off coupon so I had quite a hard time! It all started when I tried calling up the Drill Press coupon in the metal frame store building with no WiFi and no luck even near the front door. So I asked for the current sale flyer and of course the drill was not in there. We went over to the drill press on display and the sign said it will be on sale next month in approx 30 days! The store clerk was very nice and very helpful but his hands were tied! So I went outside and finally got the coupon and took a screen shot to get the sale code and the item number of the heavy duty stand for this and other tools such as the and saw. Comes with everything except the 2 - 5/16” bolts 2-1/2” long to bolt the tool to the stand if you can get the stand together for the right tool by reading the universal instructions! Anyway we got the drill press and stand and I showed the tool coupon for the drill press and the 25% coupon for the stand. Simple oh no, the register calculated that the 25% off coupon would give approx $5 more off than the tool coupon so it only took that! The next day I went back and got the 4” flat vise with another 25% off coupon and explained about the computer ‘s mistake where if it used the tool coupon for the tool and the 25% coupon for the stand then I would save an additional $3.75 . He apologize and did a manual adjustment! So I am very please with the store’s excellent service and very knowledgeable help just beware of those rogue registers with funny algorithms and no WiFi! LOL
Have the coupons screen shots ready! LOL
One other improvement I made was just before bolting on the leg supports, I slipped in 2 nice heavy duty 3/4” piece of plywood had in the garage and got 2 self stick linoleum tiles 18” x 18” from Lowe’s on sale to cover it for a really nice looking bonus shelf on the cheap!
See pics below.
Now I just have to change the belts in the top from the default 470 RPMs to 300 RPMs for some nice low speed drilling!
Just drilled the 1st hole and it cut through like a knife thru butter. Amazing!

Good write-up on this model in Popular Mechanics too!

 

[Dobish]

using a spray bottle with coolant will help cool things off too.

 

[Don2222]

using a spray bottle with coolant will help cool things off too.

Good Idea, I like that.

 

[jeanw]

Don 2222. like your pics BUT where is the one with the Lowe's tiles I assume on the plywood to make cleanup easier correct. Never thought of using vinyl tiles. there.. Great idea.
what kind of coolant? read water works too..
thanks great minds

 

[Don2222]

Don 2222. like your pics BUT where is the one with the Lowe's tiles I assume on the plywood to make cleanup easier correct. Never thought of using vinyl tiles. there.. Great idea.
what kind of coolant? read water works too..
thanks great minds

Hi
Thanks for your comments
The Lowe’s tiles are on the plywood I made for the bottom shelf. The brace had a lip on the top edge that holds all the legs together so I said why not putt some sturdy 3/4” plywood on top! Then to make the shelf look nice I said why not put self stick tiles on top of the plywood! Bing - more usable space!
Rapid Tap Cutting oil is what I found!
See pics