Drill Press tables. Slot type differences?

[uart]

Looking at small cheap drill presses, I notice that there are two popular styles of slots in the tables. There's the "X" (radial) type as shown in the first attachment, and also the straight (parallel) type as shown in the second attachment.

I'm just wondering what particular advantages/disadvantages each type has. Can anyone comment on which style they prefer and why?

Thanks.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

The slots parallel to the column make it easy to add a fence that can be adjusted back / front fairly easily when doing semi production hole drilling in furring strips and the like.. I rarely use the slots on my SBL drill press, it has the criss-cross slots, which are also useful as shown..

 

[uart]

Thanks Dennis. Just wondering, can most drill press vises mount ok to either type?

 

[BD1]

Many tables rotate so you can use whichever slots it has. There are a few different clamps available too.
I know you said cheap and bench , but check craigs list for one. There can be some super deals on floor models. They buy them and just sit on floor with little use, get in the way, and then sell them. If doing metal work a slow speed is nice with a three pulley system instead of just a front and rear setup.

 

[uart]

Many tables rotate so you can use whichever slots it has.

I know you said cheap and bench , but check craigs list for one

At the moment I'm not looking for another DP. Just curious about the two different styles of table slots and wondering what the advantages of each are.

 

[uart]

I rarely use the slots on my SBL drill press, it has the criss-cross slots, which are also useful as shown..

Hi Dennis. Just wondering what that orange clamp that you've got there in the photo is called. Is it an off the shelf item or is it something that you modified for purpose?

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Thanks Dennis. Just wondering, can most drill press vises mount ok to either type?

Generally speaking yes..with the right bolt or nut, it is usually a breeze..

I don't always clamp to the slots anyway.. Sometimes I simply use a C Clamp..

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Hi Dennis. Just wondering what that orange clamp that you've got there in the photo is called. Is it an off the shelf item or is it something that you modified for purpose?

Special purpose commercially available "hold down" clamp. This one is a Jorgensen 1623.. McMaster Carr catalog snip posted below shows something similar. I've seen these with Vise Grip style locking mechanisms, and with Kant Twist as well..the McMaster catalog page will show the others as well..

 

[uart]

Thanks Dennis.

Actually that looks like something I could rough up pretty easily from one of the beat up old G-clamps I've got here. You're giving me ideas now.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Thanks Dennis.

Actually that looks like something I could rough up pretty easily from one of the beat up old G-clamps I've got here. You're giving me ideas now.

Good deal. I suspect with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, this should be quick work..

Cheers..