The Strands S68 is a high-precision, Swedish-made geared head drill press known for its durability and versatility in both drilling and light milling tasks. Manufactured by Machinery Scandinavia AB (formerly Strands Mek. Verkstads AB), this model is often found in industrial workshops and toolrooms. 1. Technical Specifications
The S68 typically features a dual-speed motor and a geared head with 8 spindle speeds. Specification Drilling Capacity Up to 20mm in mild steel Spindle Speeds 8 speeds, typically ranging from 100 to 2900 or 3020 RPM Spindle Taper Morse Taper 3 (MT3 / MK3) Quill Travel 130mm to 140mm Motor Power 0.9 kW to 1.1 kW, usually 3-phase 380-415V Table Size Typically 500 x 350mm or 420 x 270mm Weight Approximately 160kg to 200kg 2. Official Manual & Documentation
Official documentation for the Strands S68 covers operating instructions, maintenance, and spare parts lists. Strands S68 Geared Head Drill - Newmac Equipment Strands S68 Drill Press Manual
It covers safety, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
| Part | Function | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------| | Feed handles (3) | Lower and raise spindle | | Depth stop nut | Sets drilling depth | | Speed chart (inside) | Shows belt positions for target RPM | | Motor tension lever | Releases belt tension for speed changes | | On/Off switch (red) | Often with NVR (no-volt release) | | Chuck key holder | Mounted on the head or cable |
Since Strands no longer exists as a standalone brand (absorbed into larger conglomerates in the 1980s), finding an original manual requires detective work. The Strands S68 is a high-precision, Swedish-made geared
The first thing anyone notices about the S68 is the weight. This is a machine that stays put. Built with heavy-gauge cast iron, the S68 was designed to absorb vibration before it ever reaches the workpiece.