PCB: Drill & Stand

[tuk]

Drill:

I'm looking at the proxxon range of pcb drills and notice there are 2 versions: 12v DC and 240v AC

So my question( as same price )...which voltage/wattage system is preferable?

Proxxon Micromot 50/EF 12V Rotary Tool

Direct voltage 12 - 18V.
40W.
5,000 - 20,000/min.

Keyless chuck with 0.3 - 3.2mm .
20 mm standard collar
Length 220mm.
Weight 230g.

PROXXON - MICROMOT 50/EF

which requires external psu...

Proxxon Micromot NG 2/E Variable Speed Transformer

220 - 240V.
2.0A at 16 Volt open circuit and 12 Volt under load.
Weight 1,000g.

PROXXON - NG 2/E - NG 2/S

OR

Proxxon FBS 240/E Precsion Drill/Grinder

5,000 - 20,000rpm.
100W
AC 220 - 240V

Keyless chuck with 0.3 - 3.2mm .
20 mm standard collar
Length 200mm.
Weight 450g.


PROXXON - FBS 240/E

As well as keyless chuck the above drill is compatible with the Proxxon set of collets consisting of sizes:

1.0 - 1.5 - 2.0 - 2.4 - 3.0 and 3.2mm.
With clamping nut and holder for storage.

PROXXON - Steel collet set

smallest is 1.0mm ...could I buy a 0.7mm and 0.8mm collet from another manufacturer to add to the set......is it a standard size?

I read one review saying the Dremel(300) drill has accuracy issues due to 'movement' in the drill shaft ...having never drilled a pcb before; I would welcome advice/opinion on dremel or other suitable drills?

Stand:

The compatible proxxon stand received some criticism..

I notice the words "precision" and "accurate" are missing from the description. Quite right too. Not a good example of German engineering.

...& read similar on other brands; so I'm wondering if budget stands are adequate for 0.7mm drilling; ...what brand/type of stand would people recommend?

I have a vague memory seeing a stand years ago that looked a bit like an old singer sewing machine...the only thing I've found that looks similar is this:


but having looked around they seem quite rare & expensive..has anyone used this type of stand?
Dremel Drill Stand

 

[chuckey]

I have a Proxxon mains drill VERY pleased with it, metal gearbox end , it came with a full set of collets which will hold down to .005(?) diam. Cost about £90 20 years ago. As for your question, I would always go for the mains version unless you are going mobile. Collets are different between manufacturers. I had used a "Dremel" type at work and found them to be difficult to use. You get what you pay for. My one shall go to my grandson when I shuffle of this mortal coil. As for a stand the one I used to use seems to have vapourised.
Frank

 

[tuk]

thanks for the reply Frank,

I know I said the Proxxon MB 140/S drill stand got a bad user review, but after a bit more research I'm reconsidering ...proxxon appear to be a reputable German drill company with a decent range of micro power tools

good comparison here between drills/stands( proxxon and dremel ), the proxxon drill(IB/E) is only slightly different from the FBS 240/E I'm looking at...the main difference seems to be the IB/E is 'collet only' while the FBS 240/E uses both collets and keyless chuck....the stand is the MB 140/S in question
Drill stand review: Dremel 220-01 vs. Proxxon Micromot MB 140/S - YouTube

not a great video but gives an idea of the quality in the proxxon stand and the drill is a FBS 240/E ...seems quiet
Proxxon FBS 240/E PCB drilling - YouTube