Goodson supply has a cutter that is 1.625" OD, and .625" ID. It's part number VSS-1625. The arbor is separate.
The drill press is the best way to go if you can set the head up 100% stable so as to keep the guide perfectly vertical. a hand drill will work, but it should be able to hold a 1/2” drill bit so it has the needed hp and you should not spin the cutter at more then 400 rpm.
The rpm required with the drill was what I was thinking would be excessive to actually cut with any accuracy. Drill press it is
Most plug in hand drills that cab take a 1/2" bit and have a side handle are made to run at far slower speeds then a a drill with a 3/8" chuck. I have a old Craftsman with a steel case that I use for these cutting purposes.
Im concerned about side loading and not realizing Im doing it. Not only that, I dont have a 1/2" drill
I like the “more teeth” better, BUT, I’ve only seen the “two blade cutter” types, even on Summit Racings web site
Cool if a half inch drill does the job fine I’ll buy one instead of a drill press, it’s hood to hear from people “in the know”
All of my 6 spring seat cutters I have are only duel blade and you will have no control issues especially with how hard Buick head castings are. Also more cutting blades make for a more expensive cutter and they do have there place in shops that use them a lot daily, but hey, it’s your money!
My 1/2" Craftsman drill has a bubble level on top to help you keep it straight. Here is what I have: Craftsman 1/2 in. Corded Drill (sears.com)
I tried out my Goodson seat cutter on a couple spring seats, works great! I settled on 1.85 for spring height, that gives me 150 lbs on the seat. At full lift of .565 @ 1.285 it gives 330 lbs. I’m still using the steel spring seats, only reason is the ID. of the seat locates the inner spring so it