Mini Drill

[alibodin]

Time for a new mini drill. My Mincraft one the chuck has broken and I bought a new one and it does not work.

What suggestions do people have for a new one. Something to drill small holes is what I mainly use it for.

Thanks

Alistair

[Ian Davis]

Hi Al

Shame that Minicraft are no more. I still use a Minicraft Buffalo drill that I've had for years. The switch is the main area of failure but can be coaxed back into action fairly easily.

I did replace my power supply. The source is Rapid online and they do have a Maxicraft PCB drill that will fit the bill, it even uses a Minicraft chuck and is about the right size. I have dremels and other larger drills but none touch the Minicraft.

Ian

[spike spencer]

Alistair
Was your (failed) replacement the whole drill, or just a new chuck ? I have had a Minicraft for decades and it is still going although the case is badly cracked. Switch and power lead have had to be replaced at various times. I rarely used it 'in the field' so now only use Mains powered mini drills as they tend to come with better chucks. More modern ones are pencil slim at the front, so easier to hold for fine work. What you choose rather depends on how much you are prepared to pay and if you want Mains or battery/power units to supply it.
e.g.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-mill ... omot-230-e
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/130w-variable ... -set-n60gr
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/info_RC200.html

These are still available
http://www.axminster.co.uk/jeweller-s-archimedian-drill

Collets or 'proper' chuck ? A chuck is less of a faff if you are frequently changing drill sizes.

Replacement chucks should be available from various Engineering suppliers but you may need a friend with a lathe to interface it to your drill motor if that is still going.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-micr ... less-chuck

[GordonT]

I find that my cordless Dremel gets used a lot in my workshop, though more for sanding, grinding and cutting than drilling. Not sure exactly what your requirements might be, but you might find something here - https://www.expotools.com/acatalog/MINI ... IES--.html

[alibodin]

Thanks for the replies. Drill, switch and PSU all fine. Just the chuck is naff. So is new one. Looking further I wonder if there should be a washer on top of the spindle of the drill. I think the three bits of the chuck disappear down the spindle.

Alistair