Before diving into the manual’s finer points, it's helpful to know what the S68 brings to your bench: Drills up to 20mm in mild steel.
What is the or serial number stamped on the ID plate? Does your model feature manual feed or power feed ?
Up to 1.25 inches (32 mm) in steel or cast iron. Spindle Taper: Morse Taper No. 3 (MT3).
Never shift gears while the spindle is rotating.
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This is the most sought-after page. It shows how the return spring housing, depth stop nuts, and Morse Taper spindle fit together. If your S68 has a broken return spring, the diagram is the only safe way to rewind it without injury.
Routine lubrication is the single most important factor in keeping a Strands S68 running smoothly for decades. Gearbox Oil Change
While modern consumer drills often rely on aluminum and plastic to cut costs, the S68 was built with a philosophy of "over-engineering." Here is a look at the features that make the Strands S68 a sought-after machine for machinists and woodworkers decades after it left the factory.
Unlike light-duty, belt-driven workshop drill presses, the Strands S68 features a fully enclosed, oil-bath lubricated gear head. This design ensures maximum torque delivery at low speeds without the risk of belt slippage. Core Specifications Before diving into the manual’s finer points, it's
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:
. This means you change speeds using levers rather than moving belts. Drill Press Operation - UTIA Safety Office
Lower the spindle fully and wipe down the exposed quill with a clean rag. Apply a thin layer of light machine oil or lithium grease to the rack teeth.
Never shift gears while the motor is running. Up to 1
One common issue with used S68 units is a weak or broken quill return spring. The manual details exactly how to safely preload the spring—a procedure that can send the spring flying across the shop if done incorrectly.
Clean the quill surface. Adjust the clock spring tension on the left side of head. Damaged MT3 tooling or worn spindle bearings
A genuine Strands S68 manual (often a scanned PDF or rare paper copy) typically contains the following sections: