Floor drill press to bench. . . thoughts

[jives]

I temporarily lowered the head on my Rockwell 15-655 DP to try it out as a bench top model. Love it. More stable, allows more room in the shop, easier to move around. With the post sticking out the top I really cannot open up the lid to change the pulley belts, and I want to install a pulley speed reducer. So, I need to cut it down, probably from the base in order to leave a nice square end at the top.

Pros and cons of cutting the pole? I'd like to hear your advice. Thanks.

 

[Maui]

Just buy a bench top model and sell this one.

 

[seber]

Just buy a bench top model and sell this one.

Bench top models will be smaller and less powerful.
I suspect very few people ever use the full table adjustment of floor models. I know I never have. On the other hand, for most people having a floor standing model allows more flexible use of space. If it works for you, I see no reason not to. Just remember, a large part of the cost of a drill press is that fully machined column.

 

[Drkuhar]

I did that exact thing to mine and enjoy it much more as a heavy duty benchtop vs a floor model. I never used the lower space

 

[tarbellb]

You could
_ run it without the top on
_ modify the top to swing fully
_ modify top to pivot on a different axis
_ or chop and know you can find a replacement or use DOM?

 

[SamuraiJack]

Cut a notch in the lid so it will slide forward. then you can always switch back if needed/wanted.

 

[joseywales]

Cut a hole in the bench and drop the pole down!

 

[shawhite]

I would leave the DP as a floor drill press and modify the bench to fit around the drill press

 

[tarmy]

I have a hybrid solution. I wanted mine movable like all my big shop tools. I cut about a foot off my floor model and then built a cabinet around the base. It could be used as a stationary, but never will in my lifetime.

that base holds a lot of cut offs too.

 

[Maui]

Bench top models will be smaller and less powerful.
I suspect very few people ever use the full table adjustment of floor models. I know I never have. On the other hand, for most people having a floor standing model allows more flexible use of space. If it works for you, I see no reason not to. Just remember, a large part of the cost of a drill press is that fully machined column.

Not if you buy a vintage Craftsman 150 bench top model, or a Delta DP220.

 

[darkzero]

Pros and cons of cutting the pole? I'd like to hear your advice. Thanks.

I've a got a cheap import DP that I cut column tube when I fully rebuilt it. In my case it was not to convert a floor model into a benchtop but would work. My DP was already a benchtop model but I wanted it a tad bit shorter since it has to be mobile for me (no dedicated space for it) & made it easier for me to move around. I didn't need the stock height. I've got a mill drill for larger stuff when needed.

I made an adapter to convert it back to stock height if I ever needed just in case but never have & probably never will. I bored out the tube ends where I cut it & made the adapter beefy with a close fit so there was no loss in rigidty. If you have the means to make something similar to what I did it may be a solution for you.

 

[Packard V8]

Bench top models will be smaller and less powerful.

I question where you got that information. Most classic US DPs were offered in either floor or bench, including this 15" Rockwell and the dimensions and motors are identical. The only difference is the column and sometimes the base. Some floor DPs have a larger, heavier base than the bench model, since it's assumed the bench base will be bolted to the workbench and thus don't need the weight and leverage to prevent tipping that is a problem with the floor model.

jack vines

 

[Davefr]

Cutting off the column just doesn't seem like a good idea but it's your machine. I'd look for a benchtop column on Ebay but hang onto the original column. To me, a floor stand machine is much more versatile and I have way more floor space then bench space. But everyone's needs are different. I just think it's a shame to cut off that column.

 

[jives]

Let me address a few things. . .
1. I need the column top flush with the DP head in order to install a column top pulley speed reducer (another thread for later).
2. I did think about going through the bottom, but I don't know what the stand looks like, i.e., if that is even possible. If so, the the table it is now sitting on is perfect as it already has a slot.
3. The table it is on was built to wrap around the standing DP. You cab see it in the photo below from my base build. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tanker-desk-to-drill-press-cabinet.465198/
4. I was thinking of a collar to be able to re-attach the cut post end. Probably out of my skill range, but not out of my gumption.
5. It does not make sense to me to spend time and effort to sell and then try and buy an equivalent bench model. Who knows what will be available. I got this DP at auction from an old factory across from my work. The factory formerly housed National Cash Register, and you can see that the DP was painted light brown the color of cash registers. It took me a couple of years to find this deal -- $135. Who knows what I could sell it for.
6. I admit it is a shame to cut the column. But I see no future need for the floor model, would probably be able to sell the bench top model easier to DIYers if it comes to that. After all, it is just a tool. . .gulp. . . that needs to work for me.

 

[JradM]

I was wondering about a splice adapter too, but see that someone already thought of that. How about this - cut it in the place you would splice and just save the extra piece of column somewhere just-in-case?

That way if you or someone else really wants to revert for some reason, then that's the time to pay someone to machine an adapter or weld it and then clean the weld up on a lathe. No need to bother with any of that if you just keep it long term as a benchtop unit though.

 

[darkzero]

This just came to mind regarding the adapter joint thing I suggested. Being a floor model, depending on where you cut the column, when botling it back together the bolts could interfere with the table mount if you needed to set the table height near/past the joint. In that case I would look for a spare column tube if you have plans ro revert back.

 

[darkzero]

2. I did think about going through the bottom, but I don't know what the stand looks like, i.e., if that is even possible. If so, the the table it is now sitting on is perfect as it already has a slot.

Many DP bases have a lip or blind hole on base flange where the column rests (or no flange and the mount is integrated in the base). I wouldn't modify that, I'd make another one or use something else as the base if going that route.

Here's what mine looks like when I was squaring it up on the lathe.

 

[tyyost]

I’d go to OWWM‘s forum and if you don’t have an account make one. I’d post on BOYD for a delta column and see what comes up, and I’d also ask the same question in the forum and see their thoughts.

My guess is that you’d have options within a week.

 

[Davefr]

I’d go to OWWM‘s forum and if you don’t have an account make one. I’d post on BOYD for a delta column and see what comes up, and I’d also ask the same question in the forum and see their thoughts.

My guess is that you’d have options within a week.

That's a great idea. I bet those fellas have a benchtop column in their parts pile. Shipping probably wouldn't be too bad. Here's one that might work and he ships for free.

Vintage Walker Turner 900 15" Drill Press Delta Rockwell 30" 2 3/4" Column Post | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Walker Turner 900 15" Drill Press Delta Rockwell 30" 2 3/4" Column Post at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[ZRX61]

Just buy a shorter column, they area stock size & places like Industrial Metals have them.

 

[Maui]

It’s your drill press to do with as you please, but I hate to see this done where a machine is permanently altered. If you don’t want to sell this drill press and buy a bench top, why not just purchase a shorter column and store the original column as is? That way you can always go back if the need arises. And if you decide to sell this drill press down the road, a floor standing model is often worth more to a potential buyer. There are many members here I’m sure who would have a spare column on hand if you can’t source one locally.

 

[mikedodge]

It shouldn't be a problem finding a bench drill press that size. There the same machine but shorter. There are more smaller ones around because people are cheap.
In the end it doesn't matter if you cut it or not if you don't think you'll ever want it as a floor model again.

 

[JradM]

I understand the drive to preserve the ability to go back "just in case". I think it's good advice to consider it - be that by finding a shorter column and saving the original, or cutting and saving the piece in case of future repair.

On the other hand, if you have a drill press you like and know you would prefer it as a benchtop model, you have my permission to chop away and worry about the consequences later.

 

[Forgottonia]

I think I'd either (1) leave it as is, or (2) cut a hole in the bench before I'd cut the column off. But that's just me. : shrug :

 

[Jack Olsen]

I did it. Quick and easy; you just cut the column.

 

[jives]

I did it. Quick and easy; you just cut the column.

Yup, Jack, it was your DP that I saw a long time ago that gave me the idea.

 

[claymont]

Vintage Original Delta Rockwell 15” 15-655 Drill Press Column. 34” Long 2.75” OD

 

[jives]

Vintage Original Delta Rockwell 15” 15-655 Drill Press Column. 34” Long 2.75” OD

Originally I had not thought of simply replacing. Might have to consider, but given that the column price with shipping is about what I paid for the entire machine, my cheapness sense may do me in.

 

[shawhite]

If you want to keep your original just go by your local metal supply and give them the dimensions you want and I’m sure they can set you up for cheaper than eBay. It’s just metal pipe nothing special

 

[Lassen Forge]

When I got my second-hand Sprunger DP, the original owner still had BOTH the floor AND bench poles (it came with both), so if I bench mount it I'll keep the floor pole, in case I need a longer throat. (I was going to talk about mounting poles and deep throats, but I don't want to get 86d... )

 

[seber]

If you want to keep your original just go by your local metal supply and give them the dimensions you want and I’m sure they can set you up for cheaper than eBay. It’s just metal pipe nothing special

No, it is a semi precision machined tube. the OD must be machined to proper diameter. DOM does not control the OD. Standard tube will have too much variation.

 

[shawhite]

No, it is a semi precision machined tube. the OD must be machined to proper diameter. DOM does not control the OD. Standard tube will have too much variation.

I used cold rolled steel tubing to increase the height of my old bench top DP no issues. This is a drill press it’s going to be used to drill a hole that has been marked or center punched. As long as the pipe is rigid enough so it does not flex when pressing down while drilling and you can make the table perpendicular (or whatever angle you are looking for) to the drill it will work. The hole in the head and foot on every drill press I have dealt with are not precise and held in with set screws. The clamp that holds the table to the column has a gap for adjustability.

 

[JradM]

No, it is a semi precision machined tube. the OD must be machined to proper diameter. DOM does not control the OD. Standard tube will have too much variation.

Interesting. I wonder though, even if it's not as precise as the original, would it be enough variation to matter? It's not a mill, so the table isn't moving while you drill. So long as everything cinches up tight, the quill and table aren't moving relative to one another when you make holes.

 

[tarbellb]

Its a drill press, not a high precision machine

IF the tube doesnt flex, youre good to go

 

[shawhite]

OP have you considered pushing the extra pipe thru the bottom plate below the table that way if you need the extra height for a project you wouldn’t have to disassemble the whole drill press to put in a longer column.

 

[PoorUB]

Funny how people like differant things. I had a bench top drill press, sold it and bought a floor model. It helped that the it was heavy duty model, a Powermatic 1200 that weighs 600 pounds, but I was glad to get that drill press off my bench!

 

[metlmunchr]

Its interesting that some people seem to think drill press manufacturers centerless grind the column just to have something to occupy their time.

 

[Al Borland]

Drill/holesaw the workbench and put the mast thru the bench.

 

[dutchgray]

Just chop the tube and be done.

I have a couple spare ones in my metal stock from old British drills that got scrapped, but they are 3" solid bar so useful material to have around, much harder to cut down as well.

 

[volaredon]

I have 2 of the same Rockwell Delta drill presses, I dont have the model numbers off hand but I remember looking into it when I got the 1st one, that one is a 1973 model. Every jr high and high school shop I have ever seen the inside of, had these same machines.
Only difference between them... I have a floor model, and recently got a bench top model I got the bench top version from a welding teacher buddy, thinking my son would want it. It's still sitting here. I offered my son whichever of the 2 that I have that he wants. I think he might be still thinking about that.