I’ve just purchased a new 16-1/2″ floor model drill press to replace a smaller bench mounted press. I had wanted to mount the drill to a mobile base but upon reading the directions learn that the manufacturer recommends bolting to the floor or as an alternative mounting a piece of 3/4 ply to the base of the machine in order to stabilize and prevent the top heavy machine from tipping over. I replaced my bench mounted drill press because I wanted not only the capacity of a floor mount but also wanted to be able to move the machine around my small shop in order to facilitate drilling of long lenght stock. i.e. handrails, bed posts, ect.
As anyone placed a floor model drill press on a mobile base with locking casters and had success or I am asking for trouble with this type of arrangement when I go to move the press.
Thanks
Replies
As anyone placed a floor model drill press on a mobile base with locking casters and had success or I am asking for trouble with this type of arrangement when I go to move the press.
I've got a great big floor mounted Sears drill press that I'd really hesitate to have on mobil casters. It's not bolted to the floor but I'd be hesitant to try moving it around on a mobil base. They are indeed top heavy. And heavy enough that I'd think you'd need rather large casters; small casters are harder to roll across a floor where you might have small, otherwise insignificant pieces of "stuff" lying about. Larger casters, depending on the design of the base, would raise the head up some and change the ergonomics of the controls a bit.
On mine, a base big enough to be comfortably stable would end up being in my way. But yours may be different. Just a few thoughts.
[email protected]
Wow! I've never considered moving my press, but if you need it mobile I'd suggest laminating 2 pieces of 3/4 " plywood and bolting it to that. Mount the plywood base on a mobile base, as deep and wide a unit that will work. Grizzly has some good deals right now on bases for their discontinued table saws - only $40-$50. Not sure I could make one for that.
Jeff
We have a large drill press on a mobile base but there is an alarming amount of sway in it (it weighs about 350 lbs).
It takes 3 strong men and a donkey to push it around but at least it can be moved slightly easier than if it weren't on the mobile base. I think that once we have decided on the best spot for it, it'll come off the base and be bolted down.
Edited 8/28/2002 12:36:16 AM ET by IanDG
dontknownothing:
You might take Jeff's idea and build a upward lip on laminated base. Say a lip tall enough to mount two non-locking casters ( 5" or 6" non-swivel ) to rear of lip. Place your foot on rear lip and tilt back like a hand-truck. I use these type casters on permanent cabinet tools in my shop. They don't go anywhere normally as shop is adequate. But in case of national emergency, you can saddle up and ride hard if necessary.
Option 2, get a $45 hand truck from Home Depot with tall back and D handle. Wrap foam ( copper pipe insulation ) around all metal tubing and wrap with duct tape or electrical tape. Slide blade under back of drill press and tilt back...After you secure like appliance wtih a wide nylon adjustable belt like an appliance hand-truck. I use it to haul sheet goods and all kinds of things in shop. Be careful with this one on a drill press!!
Just a thought or two.
Good Luck..
Sarge.john t
> ....Option 2, get a $45 hand truck from Home Depot with tall back and D handle.
Yoiks.
Dunno nuthin' bout the original poster's drill press, but if it comes even close to being like mine, that would be like trying to move a 100# bag of cement on top of a 4" piece of pipe with a hand truck! (grin)
The drill press and the lathe are two pieces of equipment I've decided will not be mobile.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Don't,
I have a 17" radial arm drill press from Sears that is a table mount. I put it on a mobil base to do the things your interested in doing. Mine is not as heavy as yours, but just as unstable I'll bet. For your issues I would suggest simulating my solution, but to be honest this is just a guess.
I would design a base that would support the drill press at two points. I lap jointed 2x4" and attached the wheels (3"). Put ply on top of that, or solid wood, and a mobil base frame on top of the platform. On top of the mobil base frame attach wood. Your drill press could be then attached to the base and the top of the mobil base platform. My base is about 18" square, gotta watch the toes when moving but has been real handy.
Just a thought, good luck
i have a 16" delta (which is a p.o.s.- but that's another story) that i was thinking of putting two heavy duty fixed casters on an angle iron bracket bolted across the top of the base near the front edge so that in use the wheels wouldn't even touch the floor- but when it needs moved i could very carefully tip it forward until the wheels reach the floor and roll it around like a big dolly. any suggestions?
mitch:
That' basically what I was saying in my post. There are several ways to probaly do it. I can't see anyone's drill press so I don't know how heavy, or how off-balance it is. My suggestions were stated, just thoughts! If you sit down and stare at your situation and see these won't work in your case, discard those thoughts. I think your idea will work as I have done something similar. Good luck!!
Dennis: Yep, noticed I said be careful drill press. I have moved mine this way with 2 people, but I highly don't recommend. A fixed base is the solution, but he may not have the space. Discard this or use this method for sheet goods are something a little more balanced and not so heavy! Remember, it's just a thought. Not a you need to do it this way. He can look at some suggestions here and sit down and think up a solution for his particular situation. The hand-truck works great for sheet-goods, heavy stuff to the street for trash removal and many other purposes. Just a thought!!Grin>
Logic and common-sense usually prevail!!
Ya'll have a good day..
Sarge..john t
Hey Don't,
What about leaving the big boy in a permanent location and buying a bench top drill press? (Not one of the toys but a heavy duty model which is essentially a floor model with a shorter column.) Make the bench mobile and just wheel it around where you need it.
Jeff
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