Drill press vibration

[180x]

I finally put together my drill press a couple days ago, and used it to drill some holes for a mobile base. It's the first time I've every used one. I know that this question may be relative (dependent on the person), but what is considered an acceptable amount of vibration?

[LCHIEN]

That's a very broad question coupled with a lack of means to quantitatively measure vibration vs. subjectively measuring it.

What drill press do you have, model, description (HP, speeds, floor or bench) and what levels of virbation are you seeing is the workpiece and and drill bit just a blur, are items walking off the drill press table in3.5 seconds, what?

[180x]

That's a very broad question coupled with a lack of means to quantitatively measure vibration vs. subjectively measuring it.

What drill press do you have, model, description (HP, speeds, floor or bench) and what levels of virbation are you seeing is the workpiece and and drill bit just a blur, are items walking off the drill press table in3.5 seconds, what?

I have the Ridgid 1550 floor model. The drill bit isn't a blur nor the items "walking off" the table in 3.5 seconds. The reason I asked is because I didn't want to spend a lot of time trying to eliminate something that is inherent to the tool.

[ragswl4]

I don't know about the Rigid but I have a Harbor Freight 13" floor model and there is zero vibration. That said, I would check the pulleys and the belts as that's the most likely cause if there is a problem. Especially with a new one. Just guessing.

[MilDoc]

I have the Ridgid - no vibration felt at the table, a little at the pulley casing of course.

[TheRic]

Where is the vibration, on top, on the table, at the base, etc.? Enough to knock a dime of it's edge, or enough to move a quarter laying flat off?

[LinuxRandal]

I don't know how these are packaged (I have old arn), was the belt already on it? Could it have a flat spot?


Seen several people replace the belt with a link belt, and it smoothed theirs out.


OK, gonna go back to my corner now.

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning 180X...

I have had a Rigid 1550 for several years. You should get no noticeable vibration from it. Might want to check the belts first.. make sure the motor attaching bolts haven't backed out of the brackets.. check the chuck for excessive play (very little run-out even on my Rigid).. and last but not least, make sure your feet are grounded as I have seen few concrete floors that are level. If that is a problem.. shim it to make the ground solid all the way around.

Regards...

[RodKirby]

Have you checked the belt tension? (Not TOO tight).
Have you tightened the tension knobs? (Either side near the tension lever).

[gwyneth]

This might sound dumb, but maybe checking the bit first might help, particularly if the chuck uses a key and you're not used to keys any more, and/or you have a small bit in there.

It's pretty easy to get the bit slightly off center (at least on my teeny Delta) and it definitely causes...vibrations, even just spinning in the air.

[LCHIEN]

from your description, it soulnds like it vibrate some but not badly but you'd like to get more out (understandable).

Try running the motor only, no belts. If that's OK you're partway there.
reinstall the belts, apply different tensions and see if there's any improvement. Sometimes a stored belt will take a set and it will take a while running to flex it out again (or maybe never). Usually snug but not overly tight is good. they say 1/2" deflection but I can never figure out how hard to push when i look for a 1/2" deflection.

If it vibrates with the belt, then you might try replacing the belt (esp. if it has a visible or feelable kink or bump) and or going to a link belt.

If it still does it cold be the quill or front pulley itself, but the Ridgid is supposed to be a quality device, it should be OK.

[180x]

from your description, it soulnds like it vibrate some but not badly but you'd like to get more out (understandable).

Try running the motor only, no belts. If that's OK you're partway there.
reinstall the belts, apply different tensions and see if there's any improvement. Sometimes a stored belt will take a set and it will take a while running to flex it out again (or maybe never). Usually snug but not overly tight is good. they say 1/2" deflection but I can never figure out how hard to push when i look for a 1/2" deflection.

If it vibrates with the belt, then you might try replacing the belt (esp. if it has a visible or feelable kink or bump) and or going to a link belt.

If it still does it cold be the quill or front pulley itself, but the Ridgid is supposed to be a quality device, it should be OK.

I'll try that and see what happens. I really haven't had much opportunity to get back to it (I taking 18 hrs or six college courses this summer session, working full time, and have to keep the girlfriend happy). But I'm determined to build those kitchen cabinets!

[rlah]

I suspect LCHEIN's suggestion of a link belt (Fenner Drives) will be the solution. I had a vibration in a Ridgid bandsaw and the Ridgid rep at a show said to switch the drive belt to the Power-Twist v-belt... it worked and now there is very little vibration. These belts aren't cheap though.

rlah

[180x]

I suspect LCHEIN's suggestion of a link belt (Fenner Drives) will be the solution. I had a vibration in a Ridgid bandsaw and the Ridgid rep at a show said to switch the drive belt to the Power-Twist v-belt... it worked and now there is very little vibration. These belts aren't cheap though.

rlah

Where can I get one of these belts?

[LCHIEN]

here's the Harbor Freight one (cheapest):
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43771

Woodcraft:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20051

Rockler:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6040&filter=link%20belt

Lee Valley:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,240,41067

pic from Lee Valley