Big Drill Press, Small Bits
George VondriskaDescription
Problem Solved
The solution for your big chuck is to add a little chuck. Small chucks like this one can be added to your drill press, and the jaws go waaaaay smaller, nearly to zero, so you can grab even the most needle-like drill bit.
Another Benefit
Do you own an impact driver? Most impact drivers have quick-change chucks that accept ¼” locking shanked bits. Since this chuck has that configuration, you can also use it in your impact driver, allowing the driver to accept round-shanked drill bits. Double win!
Keeping Track of Stuff, Like the Chuck Key
I, for one, am pretty good at setting stuff down and then forgetting where I put it. Frustrating, but it’s a habit I’m having a hard time breaking. When it comes to the drill press that often meant spending way too much time looking for the chuck key. Till now. Like me, you might want to make a chuck key holder to help make sure the chuck is always available for you.
Let’s Stay Safe
The drill press, like any other tool, needs to be treated with respect. Pay close attention to these drill press safety tips to make sure you’re using your drill press correctly, and safely.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
4 Responses to “Big Drill Press, Small Bits”
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Gold Membership
$370 Value
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 8 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 3 Full-Length Woodworking Classes to Keep for Life
- 7 Printable Woodworking Plans
- Discounts on Purchase-to-Own Content in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
- Exclusive GOLD LIVE Streaming Events
Is there a most versatile drill press size for a beginner starting out my shop?
Wow, great idea and product. For $7 delivered to my door how can I go wrong?! thanks George.
I have done the same trick for small numbered drills. I did notice you only used chuck key in one position. I was taught that you should tighten at least 2 of the 3 locations on a drill chuck. It ensures perfect centering of drill and for larger drill bits it makes sure maximum clamping force preventing drill spinning in chuck jaws and probably ruining drill bit shank. For largest bits I tighten in all three positions.
I bought one of these chucks a few years ago for my wife's stick screwdriver. I wanted to use it for drilling and driving screws for wall hangers and such. I also tried it in the drill press as George shows. The only problem was that the shank wasn't straight and it wobbles all over the place. The one sourced in the notes looks like a better quality unit, so I think I'll try again.