I can't believe this series is up to 47! I've lost track of how many of my tools have come from your recommendations. Thanks for all of the great videos!
I have hope for 47. I should know better, 40 now, many idols disgraced and passed, but I do feel now something good, hope it's not nothing, please come through for our son's and daughter's sakes. I'm not even American but what happens there through cultural influence has followed forth unfailingly throughout the western world. Hoping waiting wishing. Great videos, you've gotten so good at the presentation, looking back at old videos is a bit jarring even though they're really good too in comparison to other woodtubrs nowadays.
those portable drill presses can be serious job savers. my dad has one that came from his dad's shop, that clamps the entire drill into the press. still has the original drill clamped into it.
I recently had to run out and buy the DrillMate a few weeks ago for a project my wife came up with for the need it yesterday list, and the one I had only did 90 degree drilling. Needed to drill a butt load of angled holed in 2x2's. Every time there is a cool tools video, I see something I need, or something I already have, but didn't think to use it that way. Thanks!
I bought one of the drill presses / guides earlier this year. I needed to drill 48 holes with perfect positioning and alignment. Job done without fuss.
Thx again James for another Cool Tools episode. Your recommendations are always on target. My fav example is the Milescraft Drill Mate. I’ve found it so handy to be able to take the tool to the work for large projects. It also seems just as functional as alternatives costing 7 to 10 times more. Both Milescraft & Powertec have saved me lots over the years (or course I’ve spent the savings on other tools). Thanks too for the shoutout to Taylor Tools - a great small business w/ a wide range of useful, reasonably priced products; an especially to Ridge Carbide blades & Whiteside router bits. Ridge Carbide & Whiteside cost a bit more up front, but they’re worth every penny in the long run.
I started with the Milescraft (don't know which model) and hated it, but can't remember why. I got the Rockler and love it...here's some features: PROs - Handles on both sides - Angle Gauge on both sides, with many increments (way better than Milescraft) - Lots of mounting holes: 2x M8 1.25 threaded ones and 4x slotted - Chuck key storage - Depth stop thumb screws both sides - Anti-skid bottom - Solid metal Cons: - No spring, although I don't know how big of a deal this is, and one could be added - Base only has one set of V grooves for round stock - No centering pins underneath, but 2 bolts in the threaded holes from top down would work & stored there - Heavy base
You’ve never steered me wrong, James! I’ve bought a number of cool tools on your recommendation and loved all of them. It always makes me excited for the next cool tools video!
@@jhkaplanyou can buy an assortment set of rubber grommets or feet that should be able to fix it for you. I was able to replace the one I lost with some bits I had leftover from other projects
My son gave me a dead blow mallet to use in the kitchen. I have bad shoulders and had gotten to the point where I couldn't cut hard things like winter squash. I use it more often than I thought I would. I hold the handle in one hand and tap the top of the knife with the hammer. Once the knife is embedded, I tap the end opposite the handle with the hammer. It works beautifully!
Great channel. I ordered the drill press and screwdriver from your links. I have a full size drill press (and several zillion screwdrivers), but both seemed like nice to have for not much money. Especially the portable drill press - I've had that exact problem with sizing many times, so thanks for that. Glad you'll get a few pennies!
I wanted to throw you a thanks because I've had the Milescraft drill master for awhile and I never thought about screwing it to a piece of wood like you showed. Thanks for the tip! Cheers
I've got one of those drill presses that I bought at Sears over 20 years ago; I needed for that one project that nothing else would quite do, it worked flawlessly. I've used it a few times over the years to do things that I couldn't do any other way.
I've had a drill guide for years. Perfect for steadying the drill at angles, such as pocket holes. My drill press still gets its share of work, but the drill guide is so handy
Equidistant! Thank you for keeping the viewers from being obtuse, ( not the angle). I'm envisaging the possibilities for new to me terms in your next video.
Had to restart cause a buddy stopped in and couldn't give ya the attention ya deserve blue, and I recognize, respect and appreciate your reviews and that's why you my boy
I used one of those Milescraft drill presses for building a coat rack with angled dowels for hooks. It was a lot easier to clamp it to my long board than trying to set up a jig on the drill press for a 6' wide 2x4 that would be hanging 5 1/2' off the table at each end.
Buyer beware: squaring up that drill guide so it odd truly cutting a good perpendicular hole is a pain. Mine appears to be the model shown in this video; it has inaccurate detents near 90, but not exactly right, so it always wants to pop into the wrong angle. For this reason, I rarely use it and it just takes up cabinet space. I’d recommend spending a little more for a better quality option. Good luck!
@@qigong1001 sadly no, haha... I'm hoping someone else chimes in with a suggestion. I'd like to replace my milescraft with something better, or might try to pull the chuck out of it and diy a rail system myself that's a precise, fixed 90; I don't really do much drilling at angles.
I like my 11 in 1 Klein AC Technician screw driver. 1&2 Philips, Standard, and Robertson tips. With 1/4, 5/16 & 3/8 nut drivers. The AC Tech tools are convenient a Schroeder Valve tool and an easy out screw extractor. I most often use the easy out as a awl for making holes
My Woodcraft recommended the DrillMate when I wanted to drill 20mm dog holes in my workbench. Used it with a Fisch forstner and it drilled out 86 holes perfectly.
I'm planning on buying the Milescraft Drillmate because my tabletop drill press has less than four inches of travel. I have an old drill guide that's all aluminum, but it can't drill angles and the chuck has to be removed from the drill and reattached to bottom of the guide. If you only have one drill like I used to, it makes for a rather big inconvenience having to switch back and forth. When I would see someone using a hammer to break apart suspension components or the like and they were struggling, I would say don't force it, use a bigger hammer. It also applies in woodworking I see.
I have one of the drill mates, and I like it, my only quip with it is that it doesn't go up and down smoothly, I have tried using paste wax, and oil (but neither has gotten rid of the non smooth movements up and down), that being said, I still love the thing. I've been thinking of 3d printing something similar, but haven't had the time to design it.
So … the first tool? Yes! I’ve been trying to decide (I have the circle jig by milescraft, love it!) and this looks like the one. Then the second tool.. Taylor ruler stop? 😳 absolutely! I was going to get the center finder jig but hell, much more to do with these. 😂 annnnnnd then the 3rd tool. Come on! It’s like your walking around my shop looking to see what I’m missing 🤣🤣🤣 these blades are perfect because obviously to become an actual “woodworker” you Have to make custom cutting boards right? 🤦🏼♀️ Thank you! 😅😊 my husband is going to see my cart and hate you! Lol
Recently I used a Milescraft drill guide for a lot of holes in a large project. I took off the rubber feet because I needed to work closeish to edge. This way I didn't have to use a baseboard.
The drill guide is an updated (and improved) version of the old Port-Align sold at Sears in the 70’s. It was well made for its time and worked very well. I still have mine and haul it out every now and then for certain tasks. Wish I’d have seen the ruler and guide stops before I bought the big red bird’s Paolini rule, though that item is excellent.
I have enjoyed your channel as a subscriber (and fellow woodworker) for years. Always full of great tips & suggestions. One thing I haven't see you talk about is task lighting. As all of us are getting older, task lighting (closer to our face & workpiece) becomes more important. Do you have any suggestions for a permanently mounted LED task light? Would love some suggestions for this topic. Thanks.
I have featured lights on Cool Tools before. Woodturnerswonders.com has excellent lights of various sizes, the kind with flexible arms and magnetic bases are my favorite. I have the mini versions on my bandsaws, drill press, bench grinder, etc. Larger one on my lathe, benched, etc.
6:50 made me pucker a bit, I think it is the camera perspective that made it looks like your wrist is close to the blade.. Nice tools tough, will take a look for some of them.
Great video. I keep talking myself out of getting a drill press, i just dont have room for it. Anyone chime in on if attaching a drill is awkward? I wonder if there's one out there with an impact attachment.
I have that drillpress and find I need to push down with a lot of resistance. It's as if the guides aren't exactly parallel which pushes the whole thing out of square. Tried removing the spring to see if that helps, but had no luck. It's now gathering dust in the workshop.
I certainly hope the milescraft is upgraded, I got mine about 3 years ago and the chuck and bearing assembly are sloppy as heck and the guide bars were terribly stiff. It was like that from day one, I've taken it apart and made it work a bit better but there is only so much you can do
I used to pick up 6in1 tools at the local hardware store. The ones where the store would get the name imprinted on it, no name brand, but lasted forever
UJK Drill Guide (same as rockler drill guide) is the high quality, very accurate alternative to all the cheaper Drill Mates on the Market. It is sturdier & heavier and there is an optional automatic-center-guide attachement. I love the UJK Drill guide, very pricey but worth it, if you like quality tools and want very accurate holes in multiple angles.
I can think of a modification for the rule stops: make 2 cuts at 30° from each side, to have a 120° angle. Now the stop will also function as a center finder.
I've been looking for a drill stand like that for a while, and every single model I've seen has reviews complaining about wobble and poor build quality. The Drillmate does seem like the consensus "least bad" pick though, so I'll give it a try.
I'm not usually a Harbor Freight buyer, but they have a number of cheap, differently sized deadblow hammers in their Pittsburgh line that are actually pretty darn good. Highly suggest taking a look at them!
Uh oh. More stuff for my wishlist. But for a versatile driver, I prefer the Mega Pro ones that come with 7 reversible bits in the handle for 15 function. They have different ones with different driver bits, all color coded.
Best Klein 11-in-1 screwdriver in my experience is the new ratcheting model #32500HDRT. It works with the Klein Knect series sockets as well as standard 1/4" and 5/16" driver bit inserts. They even make a stubby version, the #32561HDRT. Check it out at Lowe's.
I have that milescraft drill press. Only used it once and wasn’t impressed. I don’t remember what I was even doing with it. I never thought about making a base for it. That seems like it would be a game changer for this tool.
I bought the Milescraft DrillMate, and the first time I tried the self-centering feature, the hole ended up 5mm off-center. After realizing that, I drilled other holes in a scrap piece to make sure I hadn’t just placed it wrong the first time. All results were the same.
And it has this teeny little micro-chuck so you can't use larger drill bits. And it's actually kinda bendy. I own one and don't find myself using it as often as I expected because of those things.
Do you have any resources on a circular saw blade reference chart / poster? There are lots of guys in our shop that could use one. I can't find a comprehensive one anywhere.
Careful with the DrillMate. I hit a knot inside the wood, the bit jammed and spun the drill, causing it to jam my hand against the DrillMate. Didn't feel great, luckily nothing broke, but there was enough force there. Maybe lower the clutch to be safe and don't have it on drill mode
I can even remember how many different mini drill presses I have bought over the years including this one. Rockler's is without a doubt the best one I have ever used.
I keep wanting to purchase the drill mate. It's not too pricey, I'm just constantly trying to justify the cost. I have made quite a few adhoc jigs to accomplish the few times it would be handy. I'll just put it on my wish list for Christmas, and see if Santa can be nice to me :)
Thanks for the video, I have one of these milecraft drill press. How did you get the slide rail to run smoothly up and down. My rails feel they are not parallel. I ended up using grinding paste to grind the rails until the action was smooth. I would not recommend this tool, less you are in a position to make that return, regards
▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼
Watch more Cool Tools videos here► ua-cam.com/play/PL-gT7JMZFYjdW0383kgJVMj0ocXbLXtpQ.html
*Tools recommended in this video:*
- Milescraft 1318 DrillMate: amzn.to/3YTvigL
- Ruler Stops (Select 1-in or 3/4-in): lddy.no/1kue1
- Ruler Stops with Rulers (Select 1-in or 3/4-in): lddy.no/1kue2
- Ridge Carbide Combination Blades (Use coupon code SNWJ10):
- 40 Tooth (3/4-1 inch materials): ridgecarbidetool.com/collections/table-saw-blades/products/10-x-40t-ar-4-1-15-hk-094-125-ts2000-flat-top-box-joint-blade
- 30 Tooth (1-1.5 inch materials): ridgecarbidetool.com/products/10-x-30t-ar-4-1-15-hk-094-125-ts2000-super-combo-blade?_pos=3&_sid=69ebabf59&_ss=r
- 24 Tooth (1.5-2+inch materials): ridgecarbidetool.com/products/10-x-24-ar-4-1-20-087-125-ts2000-super-combo-saw?_pos=1&_sid=d70b72a61&_ss=r
- Dead Blow Mallets: amzn.to/4fBE8Fh
- Trend Varijig Adjustable Rectangle Template: amzn.to/3CFZPpA
- Klien 11-in-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/4fdxbKX
- Whiteside ½-inch Compression Flush Trim Router Bit: amzn.to/4942F3H
- CBN Grinder Wheels: woodturnerswonders.com/
(If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission)
(Milescraft, Taylor Toolworks, Whiteside, Ridge Carbide, Trend and WoodTurnersWonders are partners of Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal)
0:00 Chapters
0:47 Drill Press
2:55 Ruler Stops
4:48 Combo Blade
7:12 Dead Blow
8:23 Varijig
9:41 11-in-1
10:52 Compression bit
thanks for the inspiration. definetly more stuff added to my buy list.
I can't believe this series is up to 47! I've lost track of how many of my tools have come from your recommendations. Thanks for all of the great videos!
I have hope for 47. I should know better, 40 now, many idols disgraced and passed, but I do feel now something good, hope it's not nothing, please come through for our son's and daughter's sakes. I'm not even American but what happens there through cultural influence has followed forth unfailingly throughout the western world. Hoping waiting wishing.
Great videos, you've gotten so good at the presentation, looking back at old videos is a bit jarring even though they're really good too in comparison to other woodtubrs nowadays.
You keep managing to come up with real winners, Jim. Thank you for sharing.
those portable drill presses can be serious job savers. my dad has one that came from his dad's shop, that clamps the entire drill into the press. still has the original drill clamped into it.
JAMES you the man. keep it coming ! excellent
I recently had to run out and buy the DrillMate a few weeks ago for a project my wife came up with for the need it yesterday list, and the one I had only did 90 degree drilling. Needed to drill a butt load of angled holed in 2x2's. Every time there is a cool tools video, I see something I need, or something I already have, but didn't think to use it that way. Thanks!
I bought one of the drill presses / guides earlier this year. I needed to drill 48 holes with perfect positioning and alignment. Job done without fuss.
Thx again James for another Cool Tools episode. Your recommendations are always on target. My fav example is the Milescraft Drill Mate. I’ve found it so handy to be able to take the tool to the work for large projects. It also seems just as functional as alternatives costing 7 to 10 times more. Both Milescraft & Powertec have saved me lots over the years (or course I’ve spent the savings on other tools). Thanks too for the shoutout to Taylor Tools - a great small business w/ a wide range of useful, reasonably priced products; an especially to Ridge Carbide blades & Whiteside router bits. Ridge Carbide & Whiteside cost a bit more up front, but they’re worth every penny in the long run.
I started with the Milescraft (don't know which model) and hated it, but can't remember why.
I got the Rockler and love it...here's some features:
PROs
- Handles on both sides
- Angle Gauge on both sides, with many increments (way better than Milescraft)
- Lots of mounting holes: 2x M8 1.25 threaded ones and 4x slotted
- Chuck key storage
- Depth stop thumb screws both sides
- Anti-skid bottom
- Solid metal
Cons:
- No spring, although I don't know how big of a deal this is, and one could be added
- Base only has one set of V grooves for round stock
- No centering pins underneath, but 2 bolts in the threaded holes from top down would work & stored there
- Heavy base
This might be the best tool gift recommendation video I've ever seen. cleverly disguised as a clever tools video. well done!
You’ve never steered me wrong, James! I’ve bought a number of cool tools on your recommendation and loved all of them. It always makes me excited for the next cool tools video!
I have one of those drill mates and I absolutely love it. Just be careful to not lose your little rubber feet.
Yup already lost one so mine's wobbly. Was considering buying a whole new drillmate just to fix this, not sure if they sell the feet separately.
@@jhkaplanyou can buy an assortment set of rubber grommets or feet that should be able to fix it for you. I was able to replace the one I lost with some bits I had leftover from other projects
My son gave me a dead blow mallet to use in the kitchen. I have bad shoulders and had gotten to the point where I couldn't cut hard things like winter squash. I use it more often than I thought I would. I hold the handle in one hand and tap the top of the knife with the hammer. Once the knife is embedded, I tap the end opposite the handle with the hammer. It works beautifully!
47 Years of cool youtube tools! Congratulations.
Episodes.
😂
@@StumpyNubs Long, long time. You barely look it.
Perhaps, for the 50th episode you could highlight the 7 best Cool Tools of the previous 49 episodes...
100% agree on the Klein 11-in-1... I have them everywhere!
Great channel. I ordered the drill press and screwdriver from your links. I have a full size drill press (and several zillion screwdrivers), but both seemed like nice to have for not much money. Especially the portable drill press - I've had that exact problem with sizing many times, so thanks for that. Glad you'll get a few pennies!
Yes, Portable drill press is really handy I have had one for years !
I wanted to throw you a thanks because I've had the Milescraft drill master for awhile and I never thought about screwing it to a piece of wood like you showed.
Thanks for the tip!
Cheers
I got one last year for Christmas and couldn’t be happier. Great for drilling out dog holes.
@@CrazyManwich that's the main reason why I bought mine but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I can't decide if I should go metric or 3/4" holes?
I found the Drill Mate really handy when I was making dog holes for my workbench - it was a game changer!
That's the exact reason I bought one haha
I've got one of those drill presses that I bought at Sears over 20 years ago; I needed for that one project that nothing else would quite do, it worked flawlessly. I've used it a few times over the years to do things that I couldn't do any other way.
Thanks again, James for another great video!
I've had a drill guide for years. Perfect for steadying the drill at angles, such as pocket holes. My drill press still gets its share of work, but the drill guide is so handy
I've had the Klien 11-in-1 screwdriver for years and it's awesome, especially if you need to travel with tools. BTW, there are various versions.
Equidistant! Thank you for keeping the viewers from being obtuse, ( not the angle). I'm envisaging the possibilities for new to me terms in your next video.
Had to restart cause a buddy stopped in and couldn't give ya the attention ya deserve blue, and I recognize, respect and appreciate your reviews and that's why you my boy
I am thankful for the content. Happy thanksgiving
Another great cool tools review. Thank you!
I used one of those Milescraft drill presses for building a coat rack with angled dowels for hooks. It was a lot easier to clamp it to my long board than trying to set up a jig on the drill press for a 6' wide 2x4 that would be hanging 5 1/2' off the table at each end.
First time I ever clicked a link from a UA-cam video to buy something. Milescraft.
Buyer beware: squaring up that drill guide so it odd truly cutting a good perpendicular hole is a pain. Mine appears to be the model shown in this video; it has inaccurate detents near 90, but not exactly right, so it always wants to pop into the wrong angle. For this reason, I rarely use it and it just takes up cabinet space. I’d recommend spending a little more for a better quality option. Good luck!
@ thanks, do you have a better brand in mind? I already purchased it though. I’m gonna give it a try but let me know.
@@qigong1001 sadly no, haha... I'm hoping someone else chimes in with a suggestion. I'd like to replace my milescraft with something better, or might try to pull the chuck out of it and diy a rail system myself that's a precise, fixed 90; I don't really do much drilling at angles.
Have you talked to Milescraft?
@@RICDirector nope, not a bad idea though
I like my 11 in 1 Klein AC Technician screw driver. 1&2 Philips, Standard, and Robertson tips. With 1/4, 5/16 & 3/8 nut drivers. The AC Tech tools are convenient a Schroeder Valve tool and an easy out screw extractor. I most often use the easy out as a awl for making holes
the temptation.... Damnit James! on payday no less....
“Taxes: Lemme get a little bit of that!”
That varijig is the tool I didn't have, but will the next time. Thanks 🍻
I have the DrillMate and their router circle-cutting jig. Both are great tools!
Once again, thank you for a very helpful video. I will definitely be getting a couple 11 in 1 tools
Great tools as always definitely going to check out a couple of these. Thanks for sharing as always James
Those screwdrivers are awesome
Just don't use them as a nut driver. As soon as you do the bits fall out.
Up to a point... Their rubber handle cover tends to slip and get enlarged...
My Woodcraft recommended the DrillMate when I wanted to drill 20mm dog holes in my workbench. Used it with a Fisch forstner and it drilled out 86 holes perfectly.
Brilliant, thank you. I'll take one of everything!
Another!! excellent video. Again, thank you.
I'm planning on buying the Milescraft Drillmate because my tabletop drill press has less than four inches of travel. I have an old drill guide that's all aluminum, but it can't drill angles and the chuck has to be removed from the drill and reattached to bottom of the guide. If you only have one drill like I used to, it makes for a rather big inconvenience having to switch back and forth.
When I would see someone using a hammer to break apart suspension components or the like and they were struggling, I would say don't force it, use a bigger hammer. It also applies in woodworking I see.
Thank You for all your tips
I have one of the drill mates, and I like it, my only quip with it is that it doesn't go up and down smoothly, I have tried using paste wax, and oil (but neither has gotten rid of the non smooth movements up and down), that being said, I still love the thing. I've been thinking of 3d printing something similar, but haven't had the time to design it.
I put on a little bees wax (just rub the wax stick on the shafts). It works really smoothly.
I ended up using mountain bike chain wax lube on mine. Spread it with a paper towel and it's pretty darned slick. : )
Brillant product thanks James.
Cool tools in my favorite. Thanks for doing these!
Digging the beard men. It works!
Just a note on starting angled holes. Use a milling cutter or Brad point to start your hole to create a flat bottom that won't drift.
I have one of these, and I picked it up used, bit in good repair. I'll most likely use it with a corded drill.
More great ideas! Thank you again!!
Outstanding presentation.
So … the first tool? Yes! I’ve been trying to decide (I have the circle jig by milescraft, love it!) and this looks like the one. Then the second tool.. Taylor ruler stop? 😳 absolutely! I was going to get the center finder jig but hell, much more to do with these. 😂 annnnnnd then the 3rd tool. Come on! It’s like your walking around my shop looking to see what I’m missing 🤣🤣🤣 these blades are perfect because obviously to become an actual “woodworker” you Have to make custom cutting boards right? 🤦🏼♀️ Thank you! 😅😊 my husband is going to see my cart and hate you! Lol
Thanks for all of the great videos
One-up on your screwdriver... I have a similar one, but it also has a hollow handle-butt made for turning wire nuts. Very useful.
Recently I used a Milescraft drill guide for a lot of holes in a large project. I took off the rubber feet because I needed to work closeish to edge. This way I didn't have to use a baseboard.
Thanks James! I just scored the Milescraft Drill mate at the Goodwill for $5.99 and I would have passed on it were it not for your review!
The drill guide is an updated (and improved) version of the old Port-Align sold at Sears in the 70’s. It was well made for its time and worked very well. I still have mine and haul it out every now and then for certain tasks.
Wish I’d have seen the ruler and guide stops before I bought the big red bird’s Paolini rule, though that item is excellent.
I have one of those that I inherited from my dad. Still solid. Still works. Proof of an excellent idea and design.
I ❤ Cool Tools! Sounds like a bumper sticker or a tee shirt.
I love Whiteside router bits.
A few years ago I saw you talking about the Ridge Carbon table saw blade(s). I ordered one for my tablet saw and one for my miter saw. Love them!!
Great job. Thank you 😊
I just sent Milescraft link to my gf, as „cool xmas gift idea”. Looks super useful.
Agree 100% with the dead-blow mallets. I picked up three earlier this year and use them all the time
Thanks James for sharing this video, will be ordering a couple things before long. Fred.
I have enjoyed your channel as a subscriber (and fellow woodworker) for years. Always full of great tips & suggestions. One thing I haven't see you talk about is task lighting. As all of us are getting older, task lighting (closer to our face & workpiece) becomes more important. Do you have any suggestions for a permanently mounted LED task light? Would love some suggestions for this topic. Thanks.
I have featured lights on Cool Tools before. Woodturnerswonders.com has excellent lights of various sizes, the kind with flexible arms and magnetic bases are my favorite. I have the mini versions on my bandsaws, drill press, bench grinder, etc. Larger one on my lathe, benched, etc.
6:50 made me pucker a bit, I think it is the camera perspective that made it looks like your wrist is close to the blade.. Nice tools tough, will take a look for some of them.
Great video. I keep talking myself out of getting a drill press, i just dont have room for it.
Anyone chime in on if attaching a drill is awkward? I wonder if there's one out there with an impact attachment.
I used the Klein 11 in 1 for years as an electrician. It is a great tool.
Thanks for all the tips and tools, James! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
I love my 11 in one screw driver !
Varijig is a great piece of kit.
I have that drillpress and find I need to push down with a lot of resistance. It's as if the guides aren't exactly parallel which pushes the whole thing out of square. Tried removing the spring to see if that helps, but had no luck. It's now gathering dust in the workshop.
I certainly hope the milescraft is upgraded, I got mine about 3 years ago and the chuck and bearing assembly are sloppy as heck and the guide bars were terribly stiff. It was like that from day one, I've taken it apart and made it work a bit better but there is only so much you can do
I used to pick up 6in1 tools at the local hardware store. The ones where the store would get the name imprinted on it, no name brand, but lasted forever
As much as I love Milescraft, I went with a different brand of drill press, just because it had springs on both spokes.
UJK Drill Guide (same as rockler drill guide) is the high quality, very accurate alternative to all the cheaper Drill Mates on the Market.
It is sturdier & heavier and there is an optional automatic-center-guide attachement.
I love the UJK Drill guide, very pricey but worth it, if you like quality tools and want very accurate holes in multiple angles.
That router bit would be perfect for making guitar bodies.
I can think of a modification for the rule stops: make 2 cuts at 30° from each side, to have a 120° angle. Now the stop will also function as a center finder.
I've been looking for a drill stand like that for a while, and every single model I've seen has reviews complaining about wobble and poor build quality. The Drillmate does seem like the consensus "least bad" pick though, so I'll give it a try.
I'm not usually a Harbor Freight buyer, but they have a number of cheap, differently sized deadblow hammers in their Pittsburgh line that are actually pretty darn good. Highly suggest taking a look at them!
Good call @GravityUnlimited. I have them also, I use them, and I have never found a reason to spend twice as much on someone elses version.
Hey James? Does a deadblow act similar to a wood mallet?
0:56 Yup, I have one. I don't use it often at all, but it has been needed for several projects. Wait, no, apparently I have the upgraded one...
My milescraft has a ton of slop... Definitely not a precision vibe
Uh oh. More stuff for my wishlist. But for a versatile driver, I prefer the Mega Pro ones that come with 7 reversible bits in the handle for 15 function. They have different ones with different driver bits, all color coded.
finally cool tools I can afford lololol
Best Klein 11-in-1 screwdriver in my experience is the new ratcheting model #32500HDRT. It works with the Klein Knect series sockets as well as standard 1/4" and 5/16" driver bit inserts. They even make a stubby version, the #32561HDRT. Check it out at Lowe's.
This one: amzn.to/3V1zPeJ
Wow! #47! Maybe you should do these more than once a year.
LOL... I am actually 47 years old (almost).
I have that milescraft drill press. Only used it once and wasn’t impressed. I don’t remember what I was even doing with it. I never thought about making a base for it. That seems like it would be a game changer for this tool.
I bought the Milescraft DrillMate, and the first time I tried the self-centering feature, the hole ended up 5mm off-center. After realizing that, I drilled other holes in a scrap piece to make sure I hadn’t just placed it wrong the first time. All results were the same.
And it has this teeny little micro-chuck so you can't use larger drill bits. And it's actually kinda bendy. I own one and don't find myself using it as often as I expected because of those things.
@2:11 Now that's a great idea!
Do you have any resources on a circular saw blade reference chart / poster? There are lots of guys in our shop that could use one. I can't find a comprehensive one anywhere.
Careful with the DrillMate. I hit a knot inside the wood, the bit jammed and spun the drill, causing it to jam my hand against the DrillMate. Didn't feel great, luckily nothing broke, but there was enough force there. Maybe lower the clutch to be safe and don't have it on drill mode
That would have happened with a handheld drill by itself. It's happened to me.
I can even remember how many different mini drill presses I have bought over the years including this one. Rockler's is without a doubt the best one I have ever used.
I keep wanting to purchase the drill mate. It's not too pricey, I'm just constantly trying to justify the cost. I have made quite a few adhoc jigs to accomplish the few times it would be handy. I'll just put it on my wish list for Christmas, and see if Santa can be nice to me :)
Prepare to be disappointed. I didn't find mine all that good. Useless tiny chuck, sloppy guide rods, stiff springs.
stumpynubs: legitimizing the "if it doesn't fit, you need a bigger hammer" joke.
Thanks for the video, I have one of these milecraft drill press. How did you get the slide rail to run smoothly up and down. My rails feel they are not parallel. I ended up using grinding paste to grind the rails until the action was smooth. I would not recommend this tool, less you are in a position to make that return, regards
I rub a bees wax stick on them. They work smoothly.
Thanks
Installing door hardware on pre finished doors the drill guide was mandatory. Don’t want fiber blowout on door closure sex bolts.
Babe wake up... another Cool Tools just dropped
I've had trouble with thebitsfalling out.
It's a keyed chuck. I can't imagine the bits coming out if you tighten it well.
I was on the fence about the mobile drill press till now
One of my Dad's favorite sayings was " Don't force it, get a bigger hammer!"
Your Dad was a was a wise man. I was taught this important principle my first day on a construction site.
It took me a few years to really get it. Let the tool do the work. It works better and safer