Right Angle Drill

[Birdhunter]

I’ve used a right angle drill as a bowl sander for about 20 years. Unfortunately, the forward/reverse switch is quickly failing and I need a replacement drill.

I need variable speed and I hope there is a unit with a variable head position available. Cordless would also be desirable.

The unit will be used only for sanding.

Any suggestions?

 

[RKA]

No experience with this, but here is one option.

https://woodturnerswonders.com/collections/unique-tools/products/angle-drill

 

[xedos]

Don't have a drill for you , but have you tried blowing out / cleaning the switch ? I'd be surprised if you have actually worn it out from use.  I'm guessing a replacement isn't available ?

On second thought, I have seen a few turners with an RO90 for sanding bowls.

 

[Dick Mahany]

I have used the Milwaukee 3/8" close quarter drill for over 10 years for sanding on the lathe.  Typically with 2 and 3 inch disks. It is compact VS and reversible.  I blow out the vent ports frequently to keep it clean.  The one thing I don't like is the keyed chuck, but that is just my preference.

My drill has a different type of trigger than the current model shown below and I don't know what other differences may exist.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Bob D.]

If you want to go cordless wouldn't your current battery platform dictate/influence your choice.
That is assuming you have a preference not to start in on a new battery platform just for one tool.

 

[Cheese]

Like Dick, I also own the older Milwaukee 0375-1 close quarter 3/8" drill.  I purchased it in 1994 and it's still going strong. My only complaint is the keyed chuck can be difficult to tighten up.

For your application it may be ideal because your hand is placed directly behind the head/chuck so controlling it is super easy.

Here's a shot of a Milwaukee 0375 and a Sioux 8000. Don't know which came first but they're both work horses. My assumption is that the Milwaukee is actually a rebadged Sioux.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Michael Kellough]

“Milwaukee is actually a rebadged Sioux”

Yep, bought a Sioux in ‘82.

 

[RussellS]

Concerning the people with the Milwaukee angled drill and the keyed chuck.  Can't you switch it to a keyless chuck?  I had an old drill and I changed it to a keyless chuck real easy.  You just unscrew the Phillips screw inside the chuck.  Then clamp something in the jaws that is a right angle.  Then whack the piece clamped to break the chuck free.

Two easy ways to get keyless chucks on those Milwaukee drills.  The old style drill.  Keyless conversion chuck may not fit on the new style shown in the picture.
https://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-30354...ef=sr_1_6?crid=2DLADBMK01NKU&keywords=keyless+chuck&qid=1568838663&s=gateway&sprefix=keyless+chuck%2Caps%2C674&sr=8-6
https://www.amazon.com/Yakamoz-0-8-...ef=sr_1_8?crid=2DLADBMK01NKU&keywords=keyless+chuck&qid=1568838742&s=gateway&sprefix=keyless+chuck%2Caps%2C674&sr=8-8

 

[Birdhunter]

Thanks everyone. I’ll try blowing out the forward/reverse switch. I do use a RO90 to polish up rough areas.

 

[JimD]

I have and like a Bosch click drill with the right angle attachment.  It is only 12V, however, so not super powerful.  I'm not sure if it would work for bowl sanding.  But it is a nice cordless drill.

 

[wpz]

The Bosch PS11 might be an option

View attachment 1
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/12v-max-right-angle-drills-ps11-overview-134488-p/

OR

the Festool DRC 18/4 drill with right angle attachment (more power and more choice of rpm than the Bosch)

View attachment 2
https://www.festool.co.uk/products/cordless-products/cordless-drills/574699---drc-184-li-5,2-set-gb

wpz

 

[Birdhunter]

The Bosch PS11 looks interesting.

 

[xedos]

The Bosch PS11 looks interesting.

It's a nice cordless close quarters drill, but I think you'll find the rpm's aren't fast enough for what you want to do.  If you do get one, be sure to get the 6.0 Ah battery, because the standard 2.0 won't last very long used continuously for sanding.