There are several issues that can cause runout like axial play, Motor stalling, and Quill wear. In addition to runout, there are other possible issues that can cause your machine to not perform as well as it should.
Read on to learn more. Here are a few of the most common causes of runout.
Axial play
Axial play is a mechanical problem caused by a rotating component that does not rotate parallel to its axis. The cause of axial runout may vary according to the distance the shaft is measured from the base. It can also be caused by worn or rough bearings. Regardless of the cause, runout will exist. Here are a few common causes. Axial play can affect the accuracy of your drilling operations.
Drill presses may also develop radial play, which is an unwanted lateral movement of the quill. It can ruin your carefully crafted work. To fix this problem, install a new spindle bearing. Alternatively, fix the quill in its place. If this doesn’t work, install a new spindle bearing. But do not worry, if the problem persists, you can always perform some simple checks to ensure the accuracy of your drilling operations.
A loose quill can also cause a hole to be larger than its nominal diameter. This is called axial play and occurs when the chuck wobbles or is imprecision during drilling. Runout is a common problem with rotating mechanical systems and may also result in a hole of larger diameter than the nominal diameter. While this problem can be cured by replacing the drill press chuck, it is unlikely to be completely eliminated.
Drive sleeve wear
Drive sleeve wear is a common cause of drill press runout. The sleeve is held in place by two “Circlips.” Remove the upper one by grasping one of the earpieces. Slide a thin screwdriver behind the clip and work it out. Leave the lower one in place. Repeat steps three to five until the drive sleeve no longer shows runout.
When installing a new drive sleeve, be sure to lubricate the shaft. The grease will fly around and could damage the belt. Also, insert the drive sleeve into the two bearings. Be sure to insert it between the two bearings, with the plastic ring between them. Afterwards, clean the bearings and sleeve.
If the sleeve has excessive play, the drill will not be able to drill accurately. Besides excessive play, drive sleeve wear also causes drill press runout. To fix the drive sleeve, fix the quill and test it by pressing it sideways with a thumb. If the play is small enough, you will be able to fix the problem.
Excessive runout is caused by excessive wear in the spindle, chuck, arbor, and drive sleeve. All of these components may be wearing down and causing excessive runout. It is best to check the drive sleeve regularly and replace worn parts to ensure accuracy. A worn drive sleeve can result in a hole with an oblong shape.
Misalignment of the drill is the most common cause of drill press runout. It causes the drill bit and spindle to be misaligned. When the drill insert is out of alignment, it forces the material under the cutting edge. The material will chip at the point where the cutting edge crosses the spindle’s centerline. To correct this problem, you should adjust the alignment of your drill.
Motor stalling
A stalling motor affects the overall performance of the drill press. It can slow the drill press down or crash faster than usual. Another factor that can cause motor stalling is overfeeding of material. A moderate amount of drive belt tension is recommended for woodworking projects. A drill press with variable speeds is ideal for varied tasks. But be sure to monitor the speed of the drill press and replace any parts that are faulty.
While excessive motor heating can be a symptom of a stalled motor, it is also a sign of a damaged motor. If the motor is overloaded, it is bound to experience excessive motor heat. Excessive motor temperature can also be caused by restricted air flow. To minimize the risk of excessive motor heating, make sure to install a power stabilizer. The spindle also needs to receive adequate ventilation.
When trying to diagnose the cause of motor stalling, it’s important to inspect the drill bit and the feed rate. Make sure the bit is straight. If it’s bent, the measurement will be incorrect and take longer to figure out. In addition, run-out is largely determined by the force applied to the drill bit. Different materials require different levels of force. If you have to drill a 1-3/8″ hole in two-inch hardwood, you will need a 1/2-hp motor.
Check that the drive belt is properly fastened. Then, tighten the set screw on the column. Do not change the drive speed if the drill press is stalling. If this step is not done properly, the drill press may tip over, which can cause damage to the machine and drill bits. Also, ensure that the feed and speed handle are secure. Do not use the drill press without these two parts.
Make sure to use a power cord that is properly grounded. You should never use a drill press in the rain. The extension cord should be properly wired to avoid any electrical shocks. You should also ensure that it is not exposed to excessive heat or damp areas. The lower voltage may cause damage to the motor. The drill press should always be used indoors. If you’re unable to fix this problem yourself, seek professional help.
Quill wear
A loose drill press quill can create holes of different sizes. While runout in a drilling press is relatively minor, excessive runout can make a hole appear oblong. The reason for runout in a drilling machine is due to the quality of the drill press and chuck. Here’s what you need to know about drill press quills. The first and easiest way to fix a runout-prone drill press is by cleaning the spindle shaft. The other way is by replacing the chuck and quill.
Runout can also be caused by excessive quill play. Quills can cause holes to be inaccurate because they tend to play out under drilling pressure. This type of runout can also be caused by worn spindle bearings or poor quality ones. To fix axial play in a drill press, you need to install a new spindle bearing. Another solution is to adjust the tension of the bearings.
When adjusting the quill, remember that it is important to keep it parallel to the outside surface of the quill. Even though the nut should be tightened to prevent the quill from binding, excessively tightening it will lock the quill in place. The sweet spot is somewhere between one and two thou. This can only be accomplished by experimentation. For the best results, three hands will be helpful.
After the springs and the spindle are installed, you need to check the quill. The springs must be adjusted in a way that prevents the quill from falling out. The manual will recommend replacing the spring if needed. The screwdriver should also be lubricated. If the spring housing is worn, a lubricant should be used to prevent further damage. In addition, the drill press should be inspected regularly to ensure its proper operation.
