MAKE: Blog: Power drill training wheels

Power drill training wheels

Smart Drill4-1

This design concept for a power drill trainer attachment could be quite helpful those turned off by power tools.

People who aren't familiar with power drills may now have a chance to give it a go, provided they're not embarrassed to be seen using a training wheel-like device called the SmartGuide. The first common mistake newbies make is not enough pressure thus leaving the drill but to wander all over before hitting its mark. The SmartGuide makes use of two interset rings that collapse in on each other - keeping your drill bit straight and on the narrow.

I suppose the hair-dryer/secuirity-camera like casing just makes it all the more approachable?

Related:

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: Spock on March 20, 2008 at 10:16 AM

Paint it regulation Academy grey and it would pass for a phaser, circa 1312.4

-Live long and prosper.

Posted by: dan on March 20, 2008 at 11:28 AM

I see this more as a much better way to make very straight holes for those of us who don't own a drill press, not just for beginners. I hope it goes to production!

Posted by: pt on March 20, 2008 at 12:03 PM

cool project!

Posted by: toaste on March 20, 2008 at 12:51 PM

This would be much more useful than for beginners.

For starters, it would be as accurate as using a jig or drill stand for perpendicular holes, but is easily portable and doesn't require any setup. Imagine being able to get drill press quality results with your typical cordless drill.

Posted by: Collin Cunningham on March 20, 2008 at 2:22 PM

@ toaste, dan - similar to a plunge router attachment for dremel?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=2072-353-335

Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out... Welcome to the Make Blog!

Features and more @ MAKE!

Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
Add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.
Add MAKE on Twitter.
Add MAKE on FriendFeed & the MAKE room.

Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!

Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311

Gareth Branwyn
Robot Maker

Kip Kay
Video Maker

Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Artist / Researcher

Suggest a Site!

Natalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT

Becky Stern
Culture jammer

Collin Cunningham
Sound Maker

Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker

Current Podcast

Weekend Project: Ultimate LED Fan Sign Here is the ultimate sports fan item, a portable Flashing LED Sign.To download Ultimate Fan Sign MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.... More...

Get the Make blog sent via email

Enter your email to receive the Make blog each day:

WOW! Thanks to everyone involved with Maker Faire Bay Area: attendees, makers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and crew...it was AMAZING! Over 400 Makers and 60,000+ attendees! Be sure to check out the photos @ Flickr, and our Maker Faire posts for all the action! The next scheduled Maker Faire is Austin: Oct. 18th & 19th, 2008 - Travis County Expo Center!