If you go to a place where they sell these things and use any of the terms used here, or better yet just tell them what you want to do, I think you'll get some good recommendations.
That's how we got the Dremel just 2 months ago. Now it don't work. They say we worked it too hard - it's not made for working that hard. I don't want to be buying a new one every 2 months.
Thought folks here - like yourself that make jewelry would have a better clue then some guy that just knows tools and never used one for jewelry making. It's alot different then drilling a hole in a wall.
TABLETOP drill presses...not that big... then kolstrom linked to two.
I thought those posted were considered table top drill press since they are not equiped to sit on the ground.
We have to have something portal, lightweight and easy to move around - table top or not - if it's too heavy to carry from the car to the buildings etc it won't work. Keep in mind most of the time the car is parked no where near the vending area. It has to be small since most booths are 8 X 10 and our display take up just about all the space.
This deal BF is talking about is very interesting as it would fit our need for not too big. However, if that's the picture of what he is referring to it won't work as it would be too hard to see the exact stop the hold is going in which can be extremely important. That's why the Dremel "pen" attachment thing was so nice.
Looking at the picture I don't know if we would be able to turn it to go through the metal. I know BF said HE can put a hole in a silver dollar but fact is we ain't that strong. And the thought of doing 100+ pairs = 200 holes at least a day manually don't thrill me.
We are currently using a household black and decker drill. It's getting what we need done but it's very heavy and ackwrd to use due to the size and weight. Yes a press would help but then again we have a storage issue and a moveablity issue to think about.
I did talk to a local jewelry repair guy - but like he said he don't use his drill for 200+ holes in a months time.