Drill press chuck problems?

[lukewarm]

Hi Guys,

I went to drill some holes yesterday and I noticed the bit wobbling madly. The chuck tightens fine, but when I turn the drill on I can see the tip wobble from side to side. I know the bits are straight, they're brand new and are fine in my hand drill. I've also tried reseating the bits several times to ensure they are engaging properly in the chuck jaws, so it's not just misaligned.

Is this something I can easily fix? Perhaps removing the chuck and reseating it? Or is it time to get a keyless chuck which I wanted anyway?

cheers,

Luke

[DJ’s Timber]

Are you sure that the bit is centred in the chuck properly, it is easy to get them off centre in a drill press as you can't see into to chuck properly, have seen this a lot.

[wheelinround]

Check the jaws they may be damaged or rubbish in there

[HappyHammer]

Welcome to the forum Luke

HH.

[lukewarm]

Thanks guys. And thanks for the welcome HappyHammer.

I'll check the chuck for rubbish and the bit alignment when I get home from work. I'm pretty sure it was algined properly. I reset it several times. Could be wrong though, and it certainly wouldn't be the first time!

cheers,

Luke

[HappyHammer]

Do you have a compressor or some Linox to give it a blast and make sure nothing is stuck up there. Maybe a brush with an old tooth brush?

HH.

[spokeshave]

Are you sure it's not run-out in the chuck or spindle?

My DP is a shocker for this. Been meaning to get a new chuck for mine as the spindle looks reasonable.

Steven.

[Hickory]

Did this just occur? Then, it may be some sort of trash in the chuck or a misplacement of the bit. OR. Of it is a ever increasing problem, Perhaps the quill bearings are wearing out. Or the chuck came loose from the taper fit (the chuck fits on to the quill by a Jacobs taper) similar to a Morris taper but shorter pitch. Pop it loose and clean & re-set the fit.

Try all of the previous suggestions and then look at the chuck itself, set the drill at the slowest speed. put your finger against the side of the chuck and turn it on, do you feel lateral movement? If yes, then investigate further, If not... then look inside the chuck or at the bit.

You can go to dial indicator to further prove the point but as a rule your finger can tell if it is running out of true. The dial indicator only confirms your findings. (for those anal folks that need numbers to comfirm normal folks opinions)

If this is the first and only time you have the problem, it is most likely opperator error, (Happens often here) Back up, re-group and do it right this time...