PCB Drill Press

thingiverse

This is a simple PCB or model makers drill press. I decided I didn't need a complicated rack and pinion a simple push lever would do. There are two motor mounts, one plain and one with a hole to take a sub miniature toggle switch. The pillars are made from 5mm rod salvaged from an old printer. You will need to ease the sliding parts with a needle file to make them a good fit and slide easily without being loose. A spray of silicone furniture polish when done will help lubricate them. The spring is from a bottle of hand wash. The base I used is a perspex block designed for rubber stamping. Drill and tap the holes slowly, if you start to see any distortion around the hole while drilling or tapping, back out and let everything cool. I have included an alternative base for those who wish to print one. The motor and chuck were a cheap £5 job from China but the chuck runs surprisingly true. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Hand-Drill-set-DC12V-Motor-Twist-Drill-Bit-Keyless-Chuck-Grinder-Chuck/172443189940?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 I have since found the paper feed motor from a HP printer is about the same diameter but with a bit more grunt, though you won't need it for drilling PCBs. Depending on your power source you may want to put a diode across the motor terminals. All screws are 4mm pan head. Now added a top for the drill. It takes a rocker switch requiring a 6.8 x 19mm cutout.