Strands S68 Drill Press Manual [updated] May 2026
It covers safety, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
4. Work Table
- Rotating table with central slot for clamping.
- Tilt mechanism using a bevel gear and lock bolt.
- Table raising crank (optional on some S68s).
10. Parts Diagram & Common Replacements
(Text description – actual diagram in original manual) Strands S68 Drill Press Manual
Common parts & sources:
- V-belt – Measure top width (e.g., A-46) and length; generic industrial belt.
- Chuck (keyed) – JT33 or B16 mount (remove with wedges).
- Feed return spring – Inside hub; replace if spindle does not return fully.
- Motor capacitor – For single-phase induction motors (value printed on capacitor).
Tip: Take clear photos before disassembling any mechanism. Rotating table with central slot for clamping
4. Groups.io (SwedishMachineTools group)
- Very active community. Join and post a request. Many members have scanned copies of Scandinavian machine tool manuals.
2. The Column and Spindle Integrity
The heart of any drill press is its ability to drill straight, and the S68 excels here thanks to its precision-ground column and chromed quill.
- Zero Play: A common failure point in older drills is quill wear (wobble). The S68 utilizes adjustable gibs and precision bearings that, even after 40 years of use, can often hold tolerances within a few thousandths of an inch.
- Longitudinal Keying: The spindle is robustly keyed, preventing the quill from rotating under load—a critical feature when using large diameter bits or hole saws.
5. Direct replacement – alternatives
- If you cannot find the exact S68 manual, the Strands S50 or Strands G2508 manuals are 85% identical. The head assembly and belt change procedure are shared across the series.
4. Unpacking & Assembly
3. The Exploded Parts Diagram
This is the most sought-after page. It shows how the return spring housing, depth stop nuts, and Morse Taper spindle fit together. If your S68 has a broken return spring, the diagram is the only safe way to rewind it without injury. depth stop nuts
4. Troubleshooting the Strands S68
| 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). |