Make my drill press mobile

[brookscooper]

I've searched the Tool forum but haven't found any threads on this.

I have a floor standing drill press (a Porter Cable) which is fine for my needs right now. But, as in any shop - floor space is at a premium.

I'd really like to put it on wheels for ease of storage when it's not being used.

I'm interested in your ideas. Here's what I've come up with:

1) It only needs to be on wheels when it is actually being moved and of course should NOT be on wheels when being used. Thus - idea #1 is to mount some fixed casters to the rear of its base so that they are just barely above the floor. That way, tilting it backwards will put it on the wheels allowing it to be pushed around.

2) Make a small platform with locking casters. Lock the casters, put it on the platform. Move it, remove it for use. Probably the easiest to fab but the most difficult to use.

3) Make a bar with casters on it and attach it with a hinge so that it can be flipped under for moving and flipped out of the way for use.

4) Permanently mount it on locking casters. Easiest to use when moving it, but 4 tiny points of contact is not very confidence inducing.

Your thoughts?

 

[sasquatch12]

Carefull, TOP HEAVY. Best bet to me is buying one of the mobile machine stands , pretty stable, locking feet when lowered, and lifts an inch for rolling.

 

[PCO6]

Here's a thread that provides some options.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132632&highlight=drill+press+mobile+base

 

[zkling]

How about one of those mobile bases that raise and lower the wheels via a foot pedal. Wheels down for transport, wheels up, resting on the feet pads when in use. You want to keep the base as low to the ground as possible to keep the CG down, this usually means outrigger wheels.

Here is a good example. Click on the links to open the persons photobucket account.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?80329-Mobile-base-for-Delta-drill-press-20-950

 

[brookscooper]

Thanks all! I'm going to mostly copy the one Zkling linked to.

 

[sberry]

Why would it be any more tipsy than its stand? But with its back against the wall its foot print is about as small as it gets.