A drill press is a versatile tool that can be used for many things. Can it also be used as a lathe?
Drill presses are machines that allow us to cut or shape metal using a rotating bit. They come in various sizes and shapes depending on their intended purpose. The most common types include benchtop drills, portable drills, and CNC (computer numerical control) mills.
You might wonder why would anyone want to use a drill press as a lathe. Well, they can be very useful for some projects. For example, you can use them to turn wood into wooden furniture. Or, you can even use them to create custom parts for your car.
Also Read: How are drill presses measured (Important Considerations)
Table of Contents
How to Turn Your Drill Press Into a Vertical Woodworking Lathe?
The first thing we need to do is to make sure our drill press has the ability to rotate vertically. This will ensure that the cutting edge of the drill bit stays perpendicular to the workpiece. If this isn’t possible, then we should consider buying a new drill press.
Next, we need to find out what kind of material we want to work with. You can choose from different materials such as wood, plastic, metal, etc. We’ll focus on turning wood today.
Now that we have all the necessary tools, let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Workpiece
Before we start working on the project, we need to prepare the workpiece. To do so, we need to remove any unnecessary pieces of wood. Also, we need to sand down the piece until it becomes smooth.
Step 2: Attach the Workpiece to the Table
Once the workpiece is prepared, we need to attach it to the table. This step is important because if the workpiece is not attached properly, it may move during the process.
Step 3: Set Up the Drills
Now that everything is ready, we can set up the drills. First, we need to adjust the height of the drill press. Then, we need to place the drill bits in the right position.
Step 4: Start Turning
We now need to start turning the workpiece. It doesn’t matter which direction we go since both sides of the workpiece will become identical after the process. However, if you want to make something like a bowl, you should always start by making the inside part.
Step 5: Continue Turning
Continue turning the workpiece until you reach the desired size. Remember to keep an eye on the drill bit while doing so. Once you finish turning the workpiece, take off the drill press and enjoy your creation!
Also Read: Top 6+ best drill press for jewelry making
Tips & Tricks
If you don’t know how to use a drill press, here are some tips and tricks that will help you learn more about it.
First, you should never put too much pressure when drilling. Otherwise, you risk damaging the workpiece.
Second, you should always check the drill bit before starting the process. Make sure that it hasn’t been damaged.
Third, you should always clean the area where you plan to drill. This way, you won’t damage anything else.
Fourth, you shouldn’t forget to change the oil every once in a while. This will prevent the machine from overheating.
Fifth, you should also remember to lubricate the machine regularly. This will ensure that it works smoothly.
Sixth, you should also pay attention to the safety features of the drill press. These features include the guard, the trigger lock, and the safety switch.
Finally, you should always read the manual of the drill press before using it. This will allow you to understand how to operate the machine better.
Can you use a Dremel as a lathe?
Yes, but only for small projects. A lathe is designed to turn large objects. Therefore, it requires a lot of space. On the other hand, a dremel is compact and easy to store.
What is the difference between a drill press and a router?
A drill press is a tool that allows us to cut holes into various types of materials. On the other hand a router is a type of power tool that cuts material with different shapes.
How does a drill press differ from a jigsaw?
A drill press is one of the most versatile tools available today. It has many functions including cutting, shaping, drilling, etc. Jigsaws are usually used for cutting out shapes from larger pieces of wood. They are also known as coping saws.
Can I make my own lathe?
Yes, you can make your own lathe. You just need to buy a few parts such as a spindle, a chuck, a tailstock, a headstock, etc. If you have access to a lathe, you can follow this tutorial to build your own lathe.
How do you shape metal without a lathe?
You can shape metal without lathes. There are several ways to achieve this task. For example, you can use a grinder or a milling machine.