Strands S68 Drill Press Manual May 2026
Feature Spotlight: The Strands S68
Step 2: Setting the Depth Stop
- Lower the quill using the feed handles until the drill bit just touches the workpiece.
- Rotate the depth stop nut (or thumbwheel) down to touch the stop rod.
- Lift the quill fully.
- Turn the depth stop nut up by the exact depth of hole required (read from scale in mm).
- Tighten the lock nut to secure.
Common Questions from S68 Owners
Q: Can I use a generic drill press manual instead?
A: No. The Strands S68 has unique belt sizes (often 1/2" x 42" for the motor pulley) and a proprietary depth stop mechanism. Generic manuals will lead to frustration.
Q: My manual is in Swedish. Any translations?
A: Yes. Many owners have translated the critical sections (speed chart, lubrication). Use Google Lens or post in forums for a shared English version.
Q: The manual says “Type 68B.” Is that the same as S68?
A: Typically yes. "S68" and "68B" often refer to the same chassis, with the latter being a slight revision in the belt guard or motor mount.
Emergency Stop
The S68 features a lanyard stop bar that runs across the front of the head. Slapping this bar instantly kills power and applies a mechanical brake to the spindle.
Final Verdict: A Small Document for a Big Machine
The Strands S68 drill press is a masterpiece of mid-century industrial design. But without its manual, it’s a frustrating mystery. Whether you’re changing speeds for the first time or rebuilding the quill assembly, the original manual is your indispensable guide.
Track it down, print it out, and keep it in a plastic sleeve next to the machine. Your S68—and your fingertips—will thank you.
Do you own a Strands S68? Share your restoration story or manual scan request in the comments below. Strands S68 Drill Press Manual
Uses helical gears paired with steel and reinforced fiber gears to ensure a long lifetime and low noise levels. Adjustability:
Features height-adjustable head and table, often including a manual tool ejector. The Lathe Company Safety & Installation (Manual Highlights) Anchoring:
Ensure the machine is securely anchored to the floor or workbench before use. Pre-Operation: Tighten all table and head locks before starting the motor.
Standard models within the CE area include a drill guard with a micro-switch. Power Machinery Australia Documentation & Resources Strands S68 Geared Head Drill - Newmac Equipment
The Strands S68 is a high-precision, Swedish-made geared head drill press known for its durability and versatility in both drilling and light milling tasks. Manufactured by Machinery Scandinavia AB (formerly Strands Mek. Verkstads AB), this model is often found in industrial workshops and toolrooms. 1. Technical Specifications
The S68 typically features a dual-speed motor and a geared head with 8 spindle speeds. Specification Drilling Capacity Up to 20mm in mild steel Spindle Speeds 8 speeds, typically ranging from 100 to 2900 or 3020 RPM Spindle Taper Morse Taper 3 (MT3 / MK3) Quill Travel 130mm to 140mm Motor Power 0.9 kW to 1.1 kW, usually 3-phase 380-415V Table Size Typically 500 x 350mm or 420 x 270mm Weight Approximately 160kg to 200kg 2. Official Manual & Documentation Feature Spotlight: The Strands S68 Step 2: Setting
Official documentation for the Strands S68 covers operating instructions, maintenance, and spare parts lists. Strands S68 Geared Head Drill - Newmac Equipment
8. Safety Warnings
- No Gloves: Never wear gloves
The Ultimate Guide to the Strands S68 Drill Press Manual Strands S68
is a legendary piece of Swedish engineering, known among machinists for its robust geared-head design and exceptional longevity. Whether you’ve just acquired a vintage unit or are maintaining a workshop staple, understanding its manual and operational nuances is key to precision work. 1. Technical Specifications: The S68 at a Glance
Before diving into the manual’s operational steps, it is essential to know what this machine is capable of. According to specifications from Newmac Equipment The Lathe Company , the S68 typically features: Drilling Capacity: Up to 20mm in mild steel Newmac Equipment Spindle Taper:
Morse 3 (MT3), allowing for a wide range of industrial tooling 8 spindle speeds ranging from 100 to 2900 RPM (some variants reach up to 3020 RPM) The Lathe Company 1.1kW (approx. 1.5 HP), often a 2-speed, 3-phase motor Newmac Equipment Travel & Adjustment:
A quill travel of 140mm and a height-adjustable head and table Newmac Equipment Lower the quill using the feed handles until
Approximately 200kg, ensuring a stable, vibration-free platform Newmac Equipment 2. Setup and Installation
The Strands S68 manual emphasizes stability. Because of its 200kg weight, the press should be securely anchored to a level floor to prevent movement during heavy drilling UTIA Safety Office
New or long-stored machines often have a protective coating. Use a soft cloth with WD-40 or kerosene to remove this—never use volatile solvents like gasoline Lubrication:
Before the first run, ensure the geared head has the correct oil levels. General maintenance manuals suggest weekly lubrication of all sliding parts, such as the column rack and spindle splines, with light machine oil Trick-Tools 3. Operating the Geared Head Unlike belt-driven hobby presses, the S68 uses a geared head
. This means you change speeds using levers rather than moving belts. Drill Press Operation - UTIA Safety Office
