A Precision Drill Press for Tiny Bits
A new precision drill press mechanism has been developed for drilling tiny bits, particularly a 0.1 mm drill bit. The device, created by Mike from Chronova Engineering, attaches to a milling machine and allows for precise vertical movements of the drill bit. Despite initial challenges with runout, the mechanism successfully drilled small holes with impressive accuracy.
- ▪The mechanism is designed to simplify drilling with extremely small bits.
- ▪It features a runout-compensating drill chuck and allows for low-force movements.
- ▪Initial tests showed the ability to drill a 0.1 mm hole 1.8 mm deep and six holes in a thin steel wire.
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A Precision Drill Press For Tiny Bits No comments by: Aaron Beckendorf May 16, 2026 Title: Copy Short Link: Copy Anyone who’s worked with even a 1 mm bit knows that while a drill press is all but essential, it isn’t proof against broken bits. Working with a 0.1 mm drill bit seems, therefore, all but impossible, which is why [Mike] of Chronova Engineering built this mechanism to simplify such drilling. The mechanism is an attachment for a milling machine, and in principle it just needs to move the rotating drill bit up and down. It needs to be extremely precise, though. For context, a good-quality chuck normally has a runout of 30 to 50 microns, which is approaching half the diameter of the drill bit.
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