| 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.
| 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. 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. | Interval | Task | |----------|------| | |
A: The manual warns: “In wood, no larger than 1″ (25 mm) with speeds below 600 RPM. Use only sharp brad-point bits.” | | Monthly | Apply grease to the depth stop thread
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.