Introduction to Baum Drill Presses and Metalworking Machines

An Introduction to Baum Drill Machines

Drilling machines, sometimes referred to as drill presses, are essential tools for any workshop. They use drill bits to bore holes into various materials like metal, plastic, and wood. Baum drill machines are powerful and versatile options perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.

What Are Baum Drill Machines?

Baum drill machines are high-quality drill presses manufactured in Switzerland. The company Arboga, founded in 1956, designs these durable and precise machines. Their drill presses come in several sizes and specifications to suit a wide range of drilling applications.

Baum machines can handle the toughest jobs with drill capacities between 13mm and 38mm. Their lineup includes benchtop presses for small DIY tasks as well as industrial machines for metalworking and engineering needs. Many models have features like digital displays, automatic feeds, and custom drill tables.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the notable benefits and capabilities of Baum drill presses:

• Powerful motors ranging from 250W to 3000W
• Spindle speeds from 100 rpm to 5000 rpm
• Rigid frames that minimize vibration
• Drilling capacity between 13mm and 38mm
• Durable gearboxes built for frequent use
• Digital displays for adjusting speed/feed
• Safety features like protective switchgear

In addition to their excellent build quality, Baum machines are highly precise thanks to quality components like ball bearings and chucks. The company uses top-grade motors and gearing systems, making them perfect for repetitive drilling over long periods.

Common Applications

Here are some examples of how people use Baum drill machines:

Metalworking

With their rigid steel frames, Baum drill presses are ideal for metalworking applications. Engineers use them to fabricate parts like gears, couplings, and sleeves from various metals and alloys. The high spindle speeds and feeds let you bore holes fast through stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and more.

Woodworking

Carpenters, woodworkers, and hobbyists employ these machines to drill holes in lumber. You can create pockets holes or drill perpendicular to wood surfaces. A drill press gives you better precision and control versus handheld power drills.

Jewelry Making

Jewelers use compact Baum benchtop presses when crafting necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc. The fine feeds and low speeds allow drilling tiny holes for inserting stones or decorative beads into jewelry.

Automotive Work

Mechanics rely on durable drill presses like the Baum machines when working on automobiles. They may use it to drill holes into engine blocks, axles, or other heavy vehicle components prior to fastening with bolts.

Choosing the Right Baum Drill Machine

With such a broad range of drill presses to pick from, how do you choose the ideal Baum machine? Here are some key factors to consider for your needs:

Workspace Size

Determine the dimensions of your workspace like a garage or shed to find a drill press that fits. Benchtop models take up little room, while industrial floor presses need ample space.

Frequency of Use

Determine how often and for what duration you will use the Baum machine. Industrial models with large motors suit frequent drilling, while hobbyists can opt for lighter benchtop presses.

Materials Being Drilled

The thickness and type of material affects your choice. Small presses (less than 600W power) work for softwoods and plastics. Bigger Baum machines with higher torque handle thick steel and iron without issue.

Precision Needed

Machines with lower runout allow more precise and perpendicular drilling. If you need sub-millimeter accuracy for small holes, opt for a high-quality benchtop press.

Special Features

Consider extras like digital displays, automatic feeds, and custom drill tables. Such features simplify adjustments and boost convenience but may increase costs.

Maintaining Your Baum Drill Press

Like any power tool, proper maintenance maximizes performance and longevity. Here is some essential drill press care:

Cleaning

Regularly blow away metal shavings around the spindle and chuck using compressed air. Clean the machine body with a soft brush and cloth. Lubricate gears, bearings, and racks periodically.

Inspecting

Check belts, bolts, chuck keys, and other parts before each use. Tighten any loose bolts or fittings. Examine the power cord insulation for cracks too.

Replacing Accessories

Swapping drill bits as they wear down prevents inaccurate holes. Similarly, replace chuck keys if they bend or suffer damage. Only use quality machining accessories.

Adhering to the maintenance guidelines from Baum enhances safety. But always take necessary precautions like wearing goggles when operating any drill press.

Top Baum Drill Machine Models

Here are three of the best selling and top-rated Baum drill presses to consider:

Baum BS-1V Bench Drill

The Baum BS-1V is a compact benchtop model perfect for home workshops. Despite the small size, its 300W motor and 13mm capacity suit most light jobs. An adjustable table tilts to 45° too.

Baum UB 3V Pillar Drill

This 550W drill press has a 20mm capacity and adjustable spindle speeds up to 2500 rpm. The UB 3V utilizes a dovetail column and sturdy base for minimizing vibration and boosting hole accuracy.

Baum Hydromat HB35 Radial Drill

The flagship HB35 industrial radial drill press has a massive 35mm drill capacity thanks to its 3000W motor. It utilizes a programmable control system, automatic feed, and custom drill table for high-volume jobs.

This covers the fundamentals around Baum drill machines and presses. From petite benchtop models to demanding industrial rigs, Baum caters to all drilling requirements. Their commitment to quality components ensures high reliability and precision when boring holes. Consider getting one of these Swiss-made presses for your home DIY projects or professional metalworking duties.

FAQs

What materials can you drill using a Baum drill press?

Baum machines can drill through various materials including metals like steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. They also drill plastics, wood, fiberglass, and other composite materials. The maximum material thickness depends on factors like drill press power and bit type.

What safety precautions should I take when using a drill press?

Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris. Secure loose hair, clothing, or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Clamp down workpieces to prevent spinning. Unplug the Baum machine before changing accessories. Maintain proper lighting in the workspace.

How do I adjust the spindle speed on a Baum drill press?

There are typically belt configurations allowing you to shift between a low speed range and high-speed range. Within each range, you can fine tune RPMs using a variable speed dial or control. Refer to your user manual for speed adjustment instructions specific to your Baum model.

What maintenance does a Baum drill press require?

Conduct regular cleaning to remove metal chips and lubricate parts like gears. Inspect belts, bolts, chuck keys for damage before each use. Follow lubrication and maintenance schedules outlined in the Baum machine's documentation. Properly cared for, your drill press will deliver years of trouble-free service.