New member in Sussex

[Dave cracknell 1Participant @davecracknell1]

Hi all.

New member in East Sussex.

Been directed to the website after looking for a quality bench drill.

After reading reviews of the current new offerings which mainly seem to come from China I think I'll go for something older and British made.

All advice greatly recieved.

[Dave cracknell 1Participant @davecracknell1]

[VicParticipant @vic]

Welcome to the forum Dave. These folks get some nice old British made machines.

**LINK**

**LINK**

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

I have a floor standing version of the Meddings and it has been faultless since I bought it new 35 years ago.

[Dave cracknell 1Participant @davecracknell1]

Thanks Vic.

Both are within driving distance should something of interest become available.

[Martin NewboldParticipant @martinnewbold]

Hi Dave were abouts in sussex are you PM me

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Dave, a few thoughts — consider what you intend to use the machine for and up to what hole size you are likely to drill. Also floor standing or bench drill, floor standing gives you greater capacity and for some things greater versatility

Also consider the speed range, many drills are far too fast for larger drills and for reamers in general, for this reason its worth considering a machine with a geared head [back gear] imported ones in particular fall into this category.

Lastly the spindle taper, be sure it is at least number 2 morse or even number 3 unless of course you intend light high speed use.

Personally I have a Meddings MF4 pretty old and has a few battle scars – not mine – but Meddings were very good with spares for such an old machine but keep in mind not everything is available.

Just my three pennyworth hope you find it useful John

[Dave cracknell 1Participant @davecracknell1]

Hi John, thanks for the input.

I think I'd prefer something to go on the bench rather than floor standing.

Most of my drilling is in carbon fibre, pastic or aluminium ,rc scale helicopters being my other hobby.

Probably the max hole size I would be cutting would be 10mm at a guess.

I am right in thinking something like the fobco star or progress 16 would suit ?

[VicParticipant @vic]

There’s a Fobco Star on eBay at the moment but it’s quite a way North of you!

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Welcome aboard, Dave.

Neil

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