| Original part | Modern replacement | |---------------|--------------------| | (13×965 mm) | AX26 (or 26″ outside length) V-belt | | Spindle bearings | 2× 6204-2RS (deep groove) or original super-precision 7204 angular contact (for metalworking). | | Return spring | Strands standard – measure inner diameter (22 mm) and use McMaster-Carr part 9414K24. | | Depth stop rod | M8×1.25 threaded rod, cut to length (120 mm). | | Feed handles (wooden ball) | 35 mm diameter beech or phenolic ball, tapped 5/16-18 (or M8). | Frequently Asked Questions (from the Missing Manual) Q: My S68 has a strange noise when returning the quill. Is that normal? A: No. The return spring housing should be nearly silent. Remove the spring housing (three screws). Clean out old grease. Apply fresh lithium grease. Reinstall with correct preload – the manual specifies 1.5 turns of pre-wind.
A: Yes. Look for a small thumb screw on the left side of the head, just above the depth stop. This locks the quill for changing bits. Final Thoughts: Preserving Your Strands Legacy The Strands S68 Drill Press is more than a tool—it’s a piece of Swedish industrial heritage. With the original manual in hand (or a reproduction close to it), you can keep this machine running for another 50 years. The manual is not just a set of instructions; it’s a blueprint for respecting precision engineering.
A: The manual warns: “In wood, no larger than 1″ (25 mm) with speeds below 600 RPM. Use only sharp brad-point bits.” Strands S68 Drill Press Manual
If you have recently acquired a Strands S68 drill press—whether new old stock, a vintage find, or a second-hand workshop gem—you are in possession of one of the most robust and precisely engineered benchtop drill presses from the mid-to-late 20th century. Known for their Swedish engineering and durability, Strands machines (often branded as Strands Mekaniska Verkstad ) have earned a cult following among woodworkers and metalworkers alike.
Bookmark this article. Then head over to VintageMachinery.org and create an account. Search for “Strands S68” and download any available reprint. Print two copies: one for your shop wall and one for your tool chest. Have a copy of the original Strands S68 manual? Consider scanning and uploading it to the Vintage Machinery archive. Your contribution could help a fellow machinist or woodworker resurrect a classic machine. | | Feed handles (wooden ball) | 35
If you cannot locate a PDF immediately, don’t despair. Most common adjustments, belt changes, and lubrication tasks can be performed using generic drill press knowledge—just remember that the S68 has tighter tolerances than consumer-grade presses. Treat it gently, keep it clean, and it will reward you with concentric holes and vibration-free operation.
A: Not officially. Strands never offered a mortising attachment for the S68. The quill stroke (80 mm) is too short for deep mortises. Use a dedicated slot mortiser. remove metal chips and dust.
| Interval | Task | |----------|------| | | Wipe down column and table; remove metal chips and dust. Check belt for fraying. | | Weekly | Lubricate the quill rack and pinion gear with light machine oil (ISO VG 32). | | Monthly | Apply grease to the depth stop thread. Lubricate table tilt bevel gears. Check/replace belt. | | Every 6 months | Remove motor and blow out dust from head housing. Oil the spindle pulley bearings (high-temp grease). | | Annually | Check and adjust spindle bearing preload (complex – refer to manual drawings). Clean and re-grease return spring housing. | Troubleshooting Common S68 Issues (Manual Edition) If your Strands S68 is acting up, consult this section from the original manual’s troubleshooting chapter.