BOSCHBench Drill PBD 40 (710 W, Maximum Drilling Diameter In Steel/Wood: 13 mm/40 mm, Drilling Stroke 90 mm, In Cardboard Box)

Getting used to moving the drill head to set the position is easy, just remember to release the depth stop (or put it high) so that you can then move it to actually drill. Love the variable speed and the one-knob controls.Setting the clamp is a bit stiff on the shaft (I want to try some machine wax to see if that helps). The laser cross is good, and the built-in light. Simple safety cut-off, just press the control knob to stop everything. Some complaints about drill bit wobble, but I've not found that, and I find the wheel easy to use.The parallel guide works OK, my only complaint is that the high side of it gets in the way of the clamp, if you are working with something lower - I was working with 26mm wood, and the fence is higher, so had to turn it around and use the edge of the flat side. Not a big deal, and no doubt if it was 25mm high, others would have the same issue with 24mm stock...First job was to drill and countersink 42 4.5mm holes 8mm from the edge of the timber - worked a treat and fully justified the purchase, so very happy bunny here.

If like me you do not have a dedicated workshop or you need to move the drill every time you use it, this is ideal. I used to have a drill stand that used one of my hand drills, it had a solid steel shaft and a cast-iron table and it was extremely heavy. The PBD 40 is a game changer, its much lighter and easy to carry to and from my work area. The speed adjustment is very good and the depth gauge is very accurate and makes setting up very quick. The lazer is not very accurate but that's not something I would use. Some reviewers complain about the play in the chuck, but in use it make no difference to the operation if you mark your wood correctly or centre punch metal.As you can see I made a new table to go on top of the aluminium one. This gives me a larger working area which has T-Tracks for clamps and a fence, I have also fitted the Ottertools Turnstile in place of the wheel.Anyone thinking about purchasing on of these, my advise is to go ahead because you wont be dissapointed.

Excellent bench top drill press. Little to no set-up time out of the box. Everything worked first time and extremely easy to use for the first time. Very high build quality and feel. Lots of variety in speeds and simple to set your desired depths and stops. I have not had a problem with any projects that I have used it for, it has been able to manage anything that I have asked of it. Not too loud, but as with all power tools, ear protection is advised.

Yep, 16mm is fine as you match the thread of the new chuck (thread/size: UNF 1/2 X20) you'll be fine. I've just replaced mine today with a 16mm Baer ECO05161-2 chuck. That said, I would for sure only recommend drilling into wood etc with the larger shank drill bits - stick to 6-8mm for stainless, 10-13mm for less dense metals and up to 40mm for forstner bits (although I did go carefully with a 50mm which went fine).As another commenter said, the new PBD 40 model has a slightly new design to the spindle and chuck release. Requiring a 16mm spanner fixed firm against the left side (when looking from front) of the tools tube upright, and 19mm spanner to be turned clockwise towards the stationary 16mm. Basically the same direction as Adapting Camera's video on youtube - 'Chuck changing on the Bosch PBD 40'. BUT, if yours is as tight as mine was, a standard 19mm spanner might slip and begin to round off the flat above the chuck. It actually measures a bit below 19mm, so just be careful. Luckily I had an old 17mm spanner and electric grind stone with fairly thin stone, so was able to get in the spanner mouth, grind it a wee bit wider until it fitted perfectly. Also ground the round end off to allow an extension tube over the spanner for extra required torque.The 13mm Rohm Supra chuck (871050) that I've seen eveyone used costs around £115 and has a concentricity of 0.2mm (i think).The Baer ECO05161-2 chuck, including shipping from Germany and after exchange rates + small discount, worked out at £44. They also do a 13mm for less money. These chucks are also available on Amazon/Amazon DE. The concentricity of the 16mm is 0.15mm - so better spec'd than the Rohm and far cheaper. Really impressed by it, solid bit of kit.Before the change I measured the original PBD 40 chuck as having concentricity of about 0.48mm. After the change to Baer I got measurements of just 0.12mm. Happy days.NOTE: with the larger Baer chuck the laser crosshairs only meet until about 85mm in height above the piece, lower than this and the lines separate. Not a big deal though, just line it up 1st before lowering with the wheel. I also added a cheap £6 or so steering wheel turning knob from ebay. Everything is now oiled, running smooth and laser accuracy checked. Well chuffed with this tool

Overall I am pleased with the drill, after returning the one due to the chuck seizing on first use.This unit is better, however, the chuck is very temperamental when it comes to releasing the bit from the chuck and on a couple of occasions I have had to remove the chuck to eventually free the bit. Bosch need to sort this problem out as I am not the first to report this issue.Other than the chuck, the drill is fine, very easy to use, variable speed save a lot of time and hassle changing belts.Support from Bosch is none existent, all they say is "return to Amazon" When asked about replacing the chuck, I was told that it is not possible - THIS IS NOT TRUE - I was able to remove easily with a couple of spanners and it appears to be a standard thread etc., so I will purchase a conventional chuck to replace.Brilliant drill, but spoiled by the quick release (joke) chuck !