While the S68 is complete from the factory, these are recommended:
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
The Strands S68 is a high-quality Swedish-made geared head drill press known for its precision and reliability in metalworking. While finding a full digital PDF of the original manual can be difficult, the following technical data and operating guidelines provide the essential information needed to maintain and use the machine. Core Specifications
The S68 is typically a floor-standing pedestal drill designed for heavy-duty industrial use.
Motor & Power: Features a 3-phase 380V (or 415V) 2-speed motor, usually around 1.1kW to 1.2kW. While the S68 is complete from the factory,
Spindle Speeds: 8 geared spindle speeds ranging from 100 to 2,900 RPM (some variants reach up to 3,600 RPM).
Tooling: Uses a Morse Taper 3 (MT3) spindle intake for various drill chucks and collet holders. Dimensions: Table Size: Generally Quill Travel: Approximately 130mm to 140mm. Weight: Roughly 160kg to 200kg. Essential Maintenance
For optimal performance of Swedish geared drills like the Strands S68, follow these maintenance steps: Strands S68 - The Lathe Company The Strands S68 drill press is a masterpiece
| Parameter | Value | |-------------------|---------------------------| | Motor power | 750 W (1 HP) | | Speeds | 12 – 16 speeds, 200–3000 RPM | | Speed control | Belt drive with pulley system | | Drilling capacity | Steel: 20 mm / Wood: 32 mm | | Column diameter | 80–92 mm (cast iron) | | Table size | 320 x 320 mm (approx.) | | Spindle taper | MT2 or MT3 (check your unit) | | Max spindle travel| 80–100 mm |
Note: Strands produced multiple S68 variants over the years. Verify your serial plate.
In the world of woodworking and metalworking, few names command as much quiet respect as Strands. While the Swedish company is no longer in mass production, its machinery—particularly the robust S68 drill press—has achieved legendary status among collectors and professional tradespeople.
If you own a Strands S68, you likely know two things: it is built like a tank, and finding information about it can feel like a archaeological dig. At the heart of preserving this machine’s performance lies one critical artifact: The Strands S68 Drill Press Manual.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Runout (wobble) | Dirty Jacobs taper or bent spindle | Remove chuck, clean taper with acetone, reseat firmly. | | Won't start | Thermal overload tripped | Wait 10 minutes. Press red reset button on motor housing. | | Gears grinding | Attempted shift while moving | Stop machine. Rock spindle by hand while shifting. | | Table won't crank | Dried grease on column | Loosen table lock. Spray penetrating oil under table bracket. | | Quill sticks | Broken return spring | Remove quill stop. Manually retract. Replace spring (Part #S68-14). |