pinblock drillpress

[Robert Goodale]

Eliot Lee wrote:

>         I was wondering which drill press is recommended for an on the
> piano drillpress to drill pinblocks at a 7 degree angle.  What kind of
> attachments are needed to make it fit?   If there is an article you could
> refer me to in the PTG journal, I could look it up or buy the back issue.
>
>         Maybe  one of you have come up with a different attachment which
> can do the job.
>
>         One technician here had a bubble gauge to make sure the angle was
> right for a hand held drill, but I would rather not drill the pins by hands
> because I probably would mess it up too much.

Eliot,
I recommend a radial drill press made by Delta.  I'm not certain of the exact
model number but it is specialized enough that I doubt that there are more than
a couple models at most, (I'll see if I can get the number).  I just purchased
a new one for the university.  I used the exact same machine when I ran the
rebuilding shop for a dealer.  The advantage is an extra long throat which will
extend out over the block without upsetting the balance of the machine.  It
also give you plenty of room to work.  It must be modified via shortening the
main pillar to the very bottom but this is not a big deal.  You will then need
to set the 7 degree angle.  To do this simply mount the machine on a piece of
3/4" plywood and install wedges under the back end.  You will need to construct
a deck plank, (for lack of a better name), which lays across the piano as a
table for the machine.  Make absolutely certain you reinforce this structure
from below, (angle iron or similar arrangement), so that it does not bow under
the weight of the machine.  You can sand it smooth and wax the surface so that
the machine is easy to slide along as you work.  Do it up pretty and it will
all work fantastic.  Unfortunately this type of drill press is VERY expensive,
(I think the one I just bought was around $300.00), but it is a one time
purchase.  It will easily outlast your career.

Happy block boring!

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV