Planning a Model M Bolt Mod, no clue about power tools

[kaiserreich]

As per the title I am planning to do a bolt mod, but as to the drilling tools, I have no clue what to use, plus the lowest speed on a Dremel, what is that?

While a dremel might be a good option, I am considering other (perhaps cheaper) alternatives

I found this cheap Deal Extreme one for $22 shipped, and from what I can gather it spins at 12000rpm

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-electronic-drill-with-cutting-sharpening-polishing-tools-kit-32302

Other alternative I am considering is a cordless drill since I can use it as an electric screwdriver as well?

[vils]

Good rule of thumb; Don't buy cheap power tools if you plan to use hem twice.

[N8N]

I haven't done it, but wouldn't a pin vise and a good, sharp drill bit work?  sometimes I like using hand tools for more control.  (none of my M's have required removal of the plate, so I haven't had to do this.)

[vils]

and from what I can gather it spins at 12000rpm

RPM is irrelevant. Torque is what's count. I bought a dremel knock-off and it couldn't saw through an aluminium plate. After a few hours work the machine died. The Dremel I bought afterward have cut through aluminium, iron and tiles and show no signs of fatigue after 3 years of use.

[kaiserreich]

Fair enough, you get what you pay for, so don't get cheap drills.
What about the cordless drill, I'm just showing an example but what if I get name brand cordless drills such as Bosch, these have a low spin speed, not sure aboutthe amount of torque on it however.

[Pylon]

Dremel.

The gyroscopic forces steady the drill for the most important and difficult part of the mod.  Drilling precisely down the center of the stud.  SKCHENG used a dental drill.  

Cheater.

Get a drill press.

[theferenc]

I've tried to use a press for it as well, and most non-professional models won't work on all of the stud locations.

Just get a dremel. Lowe's often has them for like $40 for the entry level model, which is all you really need. Just don't forget the chuck.

[kywirelessguy]

We use a drill press to do wheelwriter keyboards. If you can get in a good rhythm it doesn't take long to get through a stack of keyboards.

[kaiserreich]

I've tried to use a press for it as well, and most non-professional models won't work on all of the stud locations.

Just get a dremel. Lowe's often has them for like $40 for the entry level model, which is all you really need. Just don't forget the chuck.

The dremel do not come with a chuck?
As I live so far from everyone else here, the only dremel I can source is a Dremel Multipro 395

Comes with these features
Specifications
•   The real tool for professional jobs
• Ideal for hundreds of jobs with: precision, accuracy, control
• Lightweight design fits hands comfortably
• More versatile than a Swiss army knife!
•   Variable 5-speed control (10000 – 33000 rpm)
•   Light-weight powerful ball-bearing motor with replaceable carbon brushes for long-life
•   Includes 1x sanding drum , 3x sanding bands (coarse) , 1x felt polishing wheel (large) , 1x felt polishing wheel (small) , 1x conical felt polishing tip,
1x silicon carbide grindingstone , 1x diamond point , 1x HSS drill bit , 1x normal mandrel , 1x screw mandrel , 3x standard cutting discs & 1x wrench
• 125W motor for optimal performance
•   2 years limited warranty
• Note: The new DREMEL MultiPro 395 package (as of March 2011) does not come with a 2mm Collet

Do I need to get another chuck?

By the way, this drill press you folks keep talking about, how hard is it to drill without one?

[kywirelessguy]

Drill press just means a straight up and down motion, the drill bit can only move vertically. The plastic back you are drilling is actually slightly curved so who's to say straight up and down is best? You just don't want to bore out the hole, or go at too much of an angle.

[kywirelessguy]

Yep, although we use screws rather than bolts.

[kaiserreich]

I know you guys told me to go for the Dremel but availability is scarce and price is high. I've found a Black & Decker 450W Hammer drill for half the price and wonder if it would be suitable instead?

Also, I was wondering if a brand name, say Bosch, Cordless drill would do the job too?