Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 12, 2005 07:00pm | #1

   Low rpms and a slower feed rate may help. A chart I have recommends 500 rpm for softwood and 250 rpm for hardwood for a bit that size.

1. 
   Cheatah | Dec 12, 2005 08:05pm | #3

   I will try changing to lower RPMs.

   Also, do you think that 1/2HP is not enough to get the job done. Or could be some otehr factor?Thank you,

   Cheatah

1. 
   BG | Dec 12, 2005 10:43pm | #6

   Chetah,
   My radial arm(Craftsman) can give me fits too but I don't think its the machine. My Fostner bits have the recommended speed printed on them....regardless of speed however, I run into issues when the head of the bit gets below the surface...seems like too much friction.

1. 
   AB | Dec 13, 2005 01:30am | #7

   I find that forstner bits have a hard time clearing chips when the head goes below the surface. Try raising the bit then going back in clean. You will get less heat with the chips clear.

1. 
   BG | Dec 13, 2005 03:52am | #9

   AB,
   Yes, that's a good point...I'm constantly raising to clean the waste and trying to be patient....still get burn though..sigh!

2. 
   jc21 | Dec 13, 2005 05:36pm | #11

   No question in my mind that a larger model drill press would do the job more easily; the extra power certainly helps along with the wider range of speeds. I believe the slowest speed available on your drill press is 550 rpm while Grizzly's 14" model will go as low as 150 rpm ........ the lower rpm helps with the bigger bits. Also I think the heavier construction of a larger drill press with it's larger stiffer column and table helps- less deflection. No doubt either that your current dp will do the the job- ditto to what Phillip said.

2. 
   bones | Dec 12, 2005 07:06pm | #2

   Could you be trying to go to fast? Forstner bits do need to go slower than a spade type bit or spiral. Secondly, is the bit sharp? Do you need to put a fresh edge on it. Do you have problems when using other bits? Just some thoughts. 

3. 
   forestgirl | Dec 12, 2005 09:24pm | #4

   I  have a small Delta benchtop DP that I've use to drill Forstner holes with, it does a fine job.  I think folks above are right -- you need to slow the RPM's down and slow down the feed rate.  Forstner drill takes patience!  A good drill bit helps, but I'll confess the set I have is a cheapie, still works fine as long as I'm patient.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Cheatah | Dec 12, 2005 10:31pm | #5

   FG:

   Thanks for the info. I am going to try to change speeds and give it a try.

    

   Thanks again..Thank you,

   Cheatah

4. 
   Buster2000 | Dec 13, 2005 03:00am | #8

   I had a similar issue with my new drill press.  Drilled a bunch of 3/4" holes with a spade bit... worked okay.  Switched to a 1" Forstner bit and the darn thing would stall out...

   In my rush to get going I never bother to check the tension on the belts.  One was a little loose, so when there was a little pressure the belt would slide on the pulley.  Adjusted it and everything worked fine.

    

   Buster

5. 
   philip | Dec 13, 2005 12:10pm | #10

   Cheatah,
   More than 11/2nches, and a forstner bit , which needs plenty of grunt anyway.... A 1/2 horse will do it if you are careful and use a lower speed to get torque advantage. Back out often and don't over feed. Hopefully the bit is in good order, and the belt tight enough.
   The drill pictured is only a half horse baby, but I have drilled 2 inch holed with a forstner type bit with it-not happily , but it has been done.Depends on the wood type as well....
   P.S-that drill is a Fobco-Blitish made, and if you look at Holtey's workshop for making mega expensive planes you will see the very same machine of note.
   I have gone on again.

   Philip Marcou

   
6. 
   highfigh | Dec 13, 2005 06:12pm | #12

   Are the bits sharp? A bit that isn't totally dull, but still needs sharpening will dig in and bog down. New bits usually need to have their edges touched up before being used.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."