I would like to purchase a relatively inexpensive drill press for my next project. I have about 65% of a single-car garage space for a permanent workshop, so I was looking at bench-top units, thinking that I could just put it on my workbench to use it, and then put it away when the project is done. I do have the ability to temporarily “expand” into the rest of my 3-car garage, but everything has to be moved back at quittin’ time in order for the cars to be parked inside for the night.
It looks like a decent 10″ or 12″ bench-top press is going to weigh 75-100 lbs., so I’m not going to want to put my back and toes at risk moving it around by myself. Nor do I want to wait around for my neighbor to help me move it every time.
I suppose I could build a table for it with casters on the bottom…but if I’m going to do that, then it will take the same amount of space as a bigger and better-performing floor-standing unit.
Any creative ideas out there?
Replies
Unless you're willing and able to pick up the 75-100 drill press, as you mentioned, that's the only option that I see possible. Even you you decide to go that direction, you'll need space to store it when it's not in use.
Second what Basset says. I only have a couple of machines in my shop, and the drill press is one of the most interesting to place. It actually needs very little space provided you can line up infeed-outfeed issues.
Last year I drilled about 200 holes as shelf supports for a book case into 2.4m lengths timber. The slid infront of the bandsaw and out the garge door pretty well. I use an old set of drawers from under a desk as a stand and for what I do it is plenty steady and the right height. Aslo provides sufficient storage for all my drill and router bits and band saw blades.
I have to take off the motor and top to move mine by myself and do it in two goes - every time I worry about dropping the thing. Much better to just put it against the wall.
Hi,
I recently purchased the Craftsmen 12” digital drill press. I love it. The only instalation issue had been setting up the arbor and the chuck, you need to “bang” them into place I hate that. After that was done, I must say it is a great machine. My only operationally complaint is the lift mechanism it is a little clunky in its operation, but steady when in place. It is a bit heaver I think then you are looking for, but he machine is a buy and I plan to but it on a mobile base myself with a few storage draws for bits etc..
Craftsman 12 in. Drill Press
That's the one I've got my eye on.
I suppose a movable base will be the way to go, with some drawers underneath. Would two layers of 3/4" plywood be enough of a top to support it?
I think that would be fine. I am sure you will not have any trouble with a top like that. I also plan on building about 10 other shop storage devices to .... no maybe 12 lol. The digital depth guide is nice by the way. <!----><!----><!---->
If you do get this press, I suggest you attach the arbor to the chuck first, Then turn the head unit upside down and attach the arbor/chuck assembly to the head of the press with a few taps. Ignore the directions on assembling the arbor and chuck sears gives you. <!----><!---->
Rich<!----><!---->
BassettHound's setup is clever, but I never liked moving a drill press because it is so top heavy. I would suggest buying a floor model and do the best you can with it. The time will come when you want to trade up anyway. Why not start out with it? A new one is only a few $$ more than an equivalent bench model.
BTW, the Delta 17-incher sold by Lowe's just dropped in price where I live. Some scuttlebutt is that Lowe's may drop them altogether. That will be bargaintime for a true woodworking drill press.
Cadiddlehopper
Eric,
Here's how I solved the problem for my bench top drill press and mortiser:
http://www.woebgonbassets.com/sitebuilder/images/DP_M_1alt-453x600.jpg
The cart is a Craftsman tool chest on wheels that I found on sale. I screwed 3/4" plywood to that and then screwed and glued a sheet of white oak plywood on top of that base. The resulting thickness gave me enough to attach my mortiser and drill press.
I still haven't finished all the trim pieces to make it look a little better around the edges of the plywood, but the cart is very functional the way it is. My drilling and mortising tools, bits, Kreg jig and hand drills are in the drawers. I've found it to be a great way to organize all my drilling tools and still have it mobile. I may do the same thing with a sharpening station in the near future.
Edited 5/22/2007 9:56 am ET by basset-hound
Edited 5/22/2007 10:00 am ET by basset-hound
Morning Eric...
If you think about it carefully, a floor model is not going to take any more space than a bench-top if you can't lift it and remove it to somewhere out of the way. And there is no law that states you couldn't add storage under a floor model to utilize dead space.
So... what you have arrived at is your going to pay almost as much for a good bench-top as the excellent Rigid 15" and someday down the road if you get the space.. you'll be making a comment like, "I wish I had of gotten the floor model to begin with" as it will take away the issue of selling your BT used to up-grade. Maybe not.. but more than likely as most of us that have been piddling with this for awhile have already found out by making the same mistake. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Regards...
Sarge.. jt
Edited 5/22/2007 10:12 am ET by SARGEgrinder47
Eric, we share the same amount of space and it can be challenging. I've installed all my machines on birch ply bases using four 3 1/2" 360 degree swiveling wheels two of which lock. The base on my floor standing press is 24" X 20" which provides a larger footprint and more stability than the presses base. These bases provide fare greater mobility in tight spaces and are much easier to roll than the typical store bought fare.
It's not often but when you need the extra column travel that a floor stander provides IMO it's worth the little extra cost. The footprint is the same and I find bench space to be more valuable than floor space especially when you can make the thing so mobile.
Vic
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