Sliding guide head and spindle
The cast head supports the rotating spindle on bearings while its two bushings track the parallel guide bars. The drill attaches to the upper shaft, not to the lower chuck.
Power Tools / Drilling / Field guide
Portable Drill Guide
Guide a handheld drill at repeatable angles and depths where a drill press cannot reach.
3/8 in keyedChuck45°–90°Angles
01 / Tool anatomy
See the assembled tool and its components
An original educational poster identifies 9 documented construction features. The numbered descriptions remain readable below the artwork on narrow screens.
- Cast guide head
Slides along the two bars and carries the supported spindle.
- Spindle and keyed chuck
Transmits a compatible drill's rotation to a 3/8-inch bit.
- Two guide bars
Guide head travel and attach at the base angle pivots.
- Support spring
Returns the head along its designated guide bar.
- Stop collar and S-knob
Sets repeatable downward travel on the opposite bar.
- Angle-indicator pivots
Register and lock bar angle on both sides of the base.
- Self-centering base
Supports the guide with a large opening and V groove.
- Removable handle
Adds a handhold at the base's side mounting slot.
- Chuck key
Tightens the keyed three-jaw chuck around a bit.
Technical references: Milescraft 1318 official product · Milescraft 1318 instruction manual, M1318MRV4. The 1318 guide head slides on two bars. One bar carries the return spring and the other the adjustable depth-stop collar. Their lower ends fasten at the two base angle pivots; the keyed chuck stays attached to the spindle-head group in this educational arrangement. Original educational artwork depicts documented component groups and their relationships; it is not a service sequence or a replacement for the exact model manual.
02 / Understand the tool
What it is and what each part does
Milescraft's 1318 DrillMate is a portable guide for a compatible 3/8- or 1/2-inch handheld drill, not a powered drill press. The drill grips the guide's upper spindle; the guide's 3/8-inch keyed chuck holds the bit. Its cast base has a central opening, V groove, nonslip feet and angle readouts. Two steel bars carry the guide head, with a support spring on one side and a depth stop on the other. This original unbranded artwork follows the manufacturer's 2023 manual revision 4; the drill motor is separate and is not drawn as part of the guide.
As the operator feeds the attached drill, the head travels down both bars and turns a bit in the guide's lower chuck. The single spring returns the head. A collar limits repeated travel; the two bar feet pivot at matching angle indicators and lock at a chosen setting. The construction study separates the exact bar, spring, stop, indicator and handle groups described in the maker's assembly instructions while leaving the enclosed head bearings intact. It is an educational arrangement, not a repair sequence.
Keyed chuck and chuck key
A 3/8-inch keyed three-jaw chuck holds a compatible drill bit; remove the key before starting the drill.
Bars, spring and depth collar
The one spring and opposite adjustable collar serve different functions. The manual places them on separate rods during assembly.
Angle base and handle
Two angle indicators help align the pivoting bars; a removable side handle helps steady the base. The central opening and V groove register flat or round stock.
01 / Working relationship
How the main groups connect
02 / Working setup
The spring and stop serve opposite rods
02 / Working principle
Set, guide and control the action
These decisions make the mechanism useful at the bench.
Attach the drill
With power disconnected, tighten the handheld drill's chuck on the guide's upper spindle and fit a suitable bit in the guide's lower keyed chuck.
Set angle and stop
Loosen both angle locks, set matching graduations, retighten, and set the stop collar against the head for the intended depth.
Secure work and base
Clamp the work. On broad or large-hole work, restrain the guide base; keep the handle and bit clear of obstructions.
Perpendicular holes
Use the 90-degree setting and a flat registered base for repeatable holes away from a drill press.
Angled boring
Match both side scales at a documented angle and make a scrap trial to check entry position and breakthrough.
Round stock
Seat the V groove on clamped cylindrical stock so the guide does not roll as the bit enters.
03 / At the bench
Setup, technique and finish quality
Use the steps for a first pass, then inspect the work before changing the setup.
- Read the 1318 manual and confirm drill/bit compatibility; never use an impact driver or hammer-drill mode.
- With the drill unplugged or battery removed, assemble both rods through the head and locate the single return spring and stop collar on opposite rods.
- Seat both rods in the angle pivots and secure the base handle if it improves control.
- Set matching angle marks on both pivots; tighten both locks, then check the angle on a scrap board.
- Fit a sharp bit in the lower keyed chuck, tighten with the key and remove the key.
- Clamp the stock, restrain the base, start the drill and feed evenly without forcing the guide head.
- Stop rotation before withdrawing, changing the stop or removing chips.
The guide does not supply power
The attached handheld drill turns the spindle. The accessory should not be represented as a self-powered machine.
Depth depends on bit and spring
A short bit or a large Forstner cutter may need spring removal for clearance, as Milescraft's FAQ explains. Recheck travel before drilling.
Angle scale is a setup aid
Set both sides identically and verify the actual bore in scrap rather than assuming graduations alone guarantee an exact angle.
What changes by model or material
The spring returns the head after a straight guided feed.
Both rod pivots tilt and lock together; a longer bit may be needed for base clearance.
The 1318 has a spindle and lower chuck for common U.S. drills; the 1368 holds a 43-mm European drill collar and is a distinct model.
Choosing the tool
- Check that your drill's chuck can grip the guide spindle and that the bit fits the 3/8-inch lower chuck.
- Check drill-bit length, base opening and spring-limited travel for the holes you need.
- Prefer a drill press for heavy or highly repetitive boring that exceeds a portable guide's stability.
Useful accessories
- Compatible handheld drill
- Supplied auxiliary handle
- Clamps and sacrificial backing board
- Chuck key
Consumables
- Sharp drill bits sized for the chuck
- Replacement rubber feet or bushings when worn
04 / Keep control
Care, troubleshooting and safety
Stop the tool and disconnect power before investigating a fault or changing a part.
Care checklist
- Brush dust from the guide bars and head bushings after work.
- Check both angle locks, end knobs and handle attachment for play.
- Lubricate guide bars only with the maker-recommended silicone-based product and wipe excess.
- Inspect the chuck key, jaws and spring for damage before reuse.
Common mistakes
- Using impact or hammer mode or reversing the drill against the manual's restriction.
- Setting unequal angles on the two base pivots.
- Letting the chuck key remain in the chuck.
- Forcing a short bit through the spring-limited travel.
Safety at the operation
- Disconnect the drill before bit or guide adjustments; secure both chucks before restoring power.
- Clamp the work and guide base when torque or large bits could rotate the setup.
- Wear eye protection and keep hands away from the bit and spindle.
- Do not use the DrillMate as a router or with the drill in reverse.
When the result goes wrong
Check both angle indicators, pivot locks, base seating, rod straightness and bit sharpness.
Clean the bars and head bushings; inspect the spring and use only the maker-recommended light lubricant.
Verify bit length and whether spring or stop limits travel; follow the manual before removing the spring.
05 / Sources to keep learning
Manuals and educational resources
Use the exact tool manual for setup, limits and replacement parts. These lessons, documents and model pages teach relevant techniques or help compare real variations.
Manufacturer manuals
Learn and compare
06 / Manufacturer directory
Manufacturers & Brands
These maker-owned links document relevant tools and tool brands. A product brand may use another company's factory; compare the exact model before choosing parts or accessories.
Choose parts for the exact model
Cutters, abrasives, guards, guides, dust fittings and service parts vary by tool. Check the model plate and manufacturer manual before ordering or changing a component.
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