Technical Magnetic base drill presses...

Are they of any value for light engine machining jobs? i.e. broken studs, valve seats, etc.

 

The toolmakers where I work them for a lot of stuff. Including drilling out busted bolts

 

For ensuring "good" mag. based drill operation, you'll NEED to have a steady/firm, flat base in which to attach the drill.

Machining...? For "drilling" a hole for broken bolt removal, for the addition of new holes/threads, yes, a good choice if you have access to one.

For "machining"...in place of a proper mill, or other dedicated machine...NO, I would NOT use a mag. based drill.

Mike

 

I had one briefly (only because I got a deal), but it just wasn't that useful so I sold it. If the base doesn't have full contact, it will move around. A large, production-style drill press will be more useful, but at that price level it isn't that much further to mill of some sort.

 

I have used mine on a head to get a broken exhaust stud out, it drilled it perfectly but other than that one time it has been used on my welding bench like a drill press. I will never get rid of it.

 

In addition to the prior comments about broken bolt extraction, you call also use a mag base for annular cutters. I have used a mag base for spot facing. If you want to do any in-place machining call Climax, trust me you will end up pulling the car apart first

 

A number of years ago we changed a rear suspension in a cab over KW from torsion bar to air ride.
After I set it up and marked where the holes in the frame went one the guys helping brought a mag base drill press there were 4 of them on the left side trying hold the drill press up and catch it if it came loose and just me on the right side with a vintage van dorn 1/2" D handle drill and a pipe. When the 4 of them finished I already had 3 slices of pizza and 2 beers.
I you have a good flat horizontal surface it may be of use but in the strange places you drill holes in automotive they are limited.

 

Used alot in the heavy truck and equipment repair field but not so much automotive use.

 

I last used my rotabroach to drill several 1” holes in 1”1/4 plate ,just like butter . Cant imagine anything in the automotive field having a flat enough surface .

 

Like Wrench 97 and Warhorseracing mentioned, we have one at work and it’s used primarily for reframing heavy trucks. Ours is a low profile job that has rotobroach type cutters. Drills like a houseafire!