Understanding the Proxxon Benchtop Drill Press TBM 115: Setup, Limits, and Support

The Proxxon TBM 115 is a miniature precision bench drill press designed specifically for micro-drilling applications: jewelry, model building, electronics, watchmaking, and fine-craft work where hole diameters are measured in fractions of a millimeter rather than fractions of an inch. It is a current-production machine sold through Proxxon’s US distributor and on Amazon, and it represents a purpose-built approach to a scale of drilling that a standard 1/2-inch chuck press cannot serve. Understanding what the TBM 115 is set up for, where it reaches its limits, and how to support it day-to-day is the practical knowledge for anyone who works at this scale.

Specifications (verified from Proxxon’s US product page): 85W (0.115 HP) motor, 110-120V, 60Hz, 3.2 amps. Three belt-selected speeds: 1,800 RPM, 4,700 RPM, and 8,500 RPM. Uses MICROMOT precision collets (not a keyed chuck): six collets included in sizes 1/32”, 1/16”, 5/64”, 3/32”, 7/64”, and 1/8” (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, and 3.2mm). Minimum drill capability down to 1/64” (0.5mm). Column: hard-chromed steel, 11” high (280mm), 4/5” (20mm) diameter. Work surface: ribbed die-cast aluminum, 8-11/16” wide by 4-11/16” deep (220 by 120mm). Maximum drill height (spindle end to table surface): 5.5” (140mm). Throat (column face to spindle center): approximately 5.5” (140mm).

Straight answer: setup is simple; the limits are real (small collet sizes only, no standard chuck, light-duty motor), and support is straightforward through Proxxon’s US distribution. The TBM 115 is the right machine for its intended scale.

Setup

The TBM 115 assembles in a few steps: mount the column to the base, install the head casting on the column, set the table height, and connect the belt to the speed position you want. Three belt positions on the 3-step aluminum pulleys give 1,800, 4,700, or 8,500 RPM. Belt changes require opening the head cover and moving the belt by hand; no tools needed.

Speed selection for the TBM 115 follows the same logic as any drill press: higher speeds for smaller drill diameters. At 0.5mm (1/64”), 8,500 RPM is appropriate; at 3.2mm (1/8”), 1,800 to 4,700 RPM reduces breakage risk. Proxxon’s manual (included and available on their website) provides a speed-to-material guide for the collet sizes supplied.

The collets install in the precision spindle and tighten with the spanner included. The triple-slit design provides accurate concentric grip on the drill shank, which matters at small diameters where runout directly causes bit breakage. The collets are sized for the included bits and standard metric and inch micro-drill diameters.

Practical limits

Collet-only tooling: The TBM 115 uses precision collets, not a keyed chuck. The largest collet supplied is 1/8” (3.2mm); bits larger than that diameter do not fit. This is by design for the machine’s intended application. If you need to drill larger holes, a conventional press with a standard chuck is the right tool.

Motor wattage: 85W is sufficient for small bits in soft materials (jewelry metals, plastics, balsa, circuit board). It is not sufficient for larger bits or hard materials; the motor stalls or overloads.

Table size: The 220 by 120mm work surface accommodates small workpieces appropriate to the collet size range. Large panels or heavy stock are outside the machine’s intended scope.

Throat depth: 5.5” (140mm) is the maximum reach from the column face. This accommodates small to medium pieces; wide stock cannot be centered under the spindle.

Support

The TBM 115 is a current Proxxon product (catalog number 38128). Support and replacement parts are available through Proxxon’s US distributor and from authorized Proxxon retailers. Additional collet sizes beyond the six included are available separately from Proxxon (MICROMOT collet sets). The machine is also available on Amazon (), which provides a convenient order path and user reviews.

Manual: included with the machine and available as a PDF through Proxxon’s US website (proxxon.com) and at home-improvement retail PDFs.

Accessories

Proxxon offers two accessories that significantly extend the TBM 115’s usefulness:

• Machine Vice MS 4: A small machine vise scaled to the TBM 115 table, for secure workholding of small pieces.
• X-Y Table KT 70: A cross-slide X-Y positioning table that converts the TBM 115 into a small precision machining center for multi-position micro-drilling.

Neither is included; both are sold separately. The KT 70 is particularly valuable for electronics and model work requiring precisely spaced hole patterns.

The honest flaws

Two honest flaws. First, the collet system, while precisely suited to micro-drilling, means you cannot use standard drill press accessories (chuck-mounted countersinks, Forstner bits, or any bit with a shank above 3.2mm). Second, the 11-inch column height gives limited headroom for tall workpiece fixtures; clamp-mounted work holding may require improvisation on taller pieces.

Conclusion: purpose-built for micro-drilling with a clear scope

The Proxxon TBM 115 is an excellently designed machine for its specific application.

• 85W, 3 speeds (1,800/4,700/8,500 RPM), MICROMOT collets 1/32”–1/8”, 5.5” throat, 5.5” spindle-to-table height.
• Minimum drill size: 1/64” (0.5mm); designed for jewelry, model, electronics, and fine-craft work.
• Collet-only tooling: no keyed chuck; 3.2mm (1/8”) maximum bit shank.
• Current production; parts and accessories available through Proxxon US and Amazon.

FAQ

What is the smallest drill bit the TBM 115 accepts? 1/64” (0.5mm), with the 1.0mm collet accepting slightly above that threshold.

Does the TBM 115 use a chuck? No. It uses precision MICROMOT collets in six sizes from 1/32” to 1/8”.

What are the three speeds? 1,800 RPM, 4,700 RPM, and 8,500 RPM, selected by belt position on 3-step pulleys.

What voltage does it require? 110-120V, 60Hz — standard North American power.

Where do I buy accessories? Through Proxxon US distributors and authorized retailers; also from Amazon.

Is it suitable for drilling metal? Yes, for soft metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminum) in small diameters. Not suitable for hard steel or large-diameter holes.

References

• Proxxon TBM 115 official product page (US): https://www.proxxon.com/us/micromot/38128.php
• Proxxon TBM 115 shop listing with specifications: https://proxxon-us-shop.com/products/bench-drill-press-tbm-115
• Proxxon TBM 115 specifications, Otto Frei: https://www.ottofrei.com/products/proxxon-tbm-115-precision-drill-press
• Amazon listing, : Check on Amazon