Homebrew PCBs

On Thu, 03 Nov 2005 13:51:55 +0100, Richard  
<Richard@...> wrote:

> Hello everyone
> Having always used a hand electric drill in the past, together
> with standard HSS drill bits, (wear out too quick),  I want to upgrade.
> I'd like to purchase a drill with stand, so Tungsten-Carbide bits can
> be used and generally make a much better job of drilling holes
> Drill Stands : I've looked at the Dremel 220 'workstation' / Proxxon &
> Wolfcraft stands, all at about \ufffd35...
> As for mini drills, there are lots to choose from, but what is the best
> combination at a reasonable price (\ufffd50ish) in users's experience ?
> Many thanks for any advice
> Richard


I use a proxxon IBE grinder. The bearings are good, but close together so  
not so good for side-loads (none when drilling).
But the real good thing about the proxxon stuff is the collets. They are  
precision ground and hardened steel, not brass or aluminum that is just  
turned to a coarse fit. Also they have 3 jaws not 4. The grinder does not  
break the drills, but i do sometimes ;-)
IMO the collets are more often the problem than the bearings.

For a stand i use a pivoting press made of mainly wood using thrust  
bearings. which works well.

ST