Craftsman Drill Press Conversion question

[dngrmse]

Hey Guys, just wanted to know if anyone has converted a 50's era King Seeley Craftsman drill press from floor model to a benchtop? Or is it too much trouble to bother?

 

[zkling]

Serious question? Are you capable of safely using a drill press?

Best case you slide the head down and let the extra column stick out above. Worst case you cut the column down. Granted the base on a floor model is a bit larger in surface area than a true bench model, but...

Or you can build a cabinet under the table and leave it a floor model.

 

[dngrmse]

Yes, serious question. I know of a bechtop model that's in rough shape, and a floor model in really good shape. Wondering if the diameter of the column is the same.

 

[jakemac]

Wondering if the diameter of the column is the same.

Only if the two were the same era and model. I believe that King Seeley used two different diameters, depending on the model. Bring a caliper with you when you take a look at them. The inner wall thickness shouldn't matter, it's the outside diameter that will need to be the same.

 

[rsanter]

I'm confused....
If you know of a floor model in good shape then why not just get and use the floor model?
If you are lacking space then cut a U in the bench or drill a hole in the bench and position the drill press in the bench.
Or how about shorten the bench. Typically cutting down a drill press reduces its value and in cases its usefulness

Bob

 

[dngrmse]

Well, I just got back and I bought it. For $50, how could I not? But to answer the questions, the reason I had my heart set on a benchtop was because I already have this base for it:

Here is the press this is the photo from the Craigslist ad-

I will have to now either find a different power tool for that base or just sell it.(the base that is)

 

[jakemac]

Bench grinder or belt sander.

 

[nine4gmc]

Damn good score, if you were local, I'd swap you a bench base and pole for that floor model base/pole. I agree with Jake, find a grinder or buffer for that base cabinet.

 

[zeet]

$50??!! Great Score!!

Okay, I'll say it.... You ****! ;^)

The post diameter should be 2-3/4" on that model and yes, King-Seely did make a bench model with that diameter post. Fact is, I just picked up a post and a base for the same reason.... I wanted to have a "convertible" with both options.

 

[dngrmse]

Thanks for the "you ****" And the belt sander is a great idea; you guys are a bad influence! I'll keep my eyes open for one of those now, but first i really need to offload some odds and ends I've been accumulating. I counted up my bench grinders the other day, and I'm up to 11. I need to get that down to 3, or 4 max.

 

[smschriefer]

Why don't you put the RAS on the stand? I see it sitting on the floor right next to it.

 

[dngrmse]

Good observation. I have a pretty good table saw so I have no need for it, so it's one of the items Ill be selling soon.

 

[bluebolt]

Will the RAS base fit OVER the drill press base? If so and you still have enough rom for most drilling projects I would do that. It's one reason I am looking for another RAS base. Put casters on it and roll it out of the way if needed for a large drilling project.