Modifications to Drill Press

[thinkracing]

I think the best modification one can make to a drill press is a deadman switch. My Edlund came with one and it's been a nice thing to have a few times.

x2

Harbor Freight sells these for $12. I put one on mine.

 

[mkdive]

x2

Harbor Freight sells these for $12. I put one on mine.

The momentary foot switch is only $9.99. IMO that would serve a better purpose than a constant on/off foot switch. No?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96619

 

[DHS]

The momentary foot switch is only $9.99. IMO that would serve a better purpose than a constant on/off foot switch. No?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96619

I kinda like the idea that just lifting my foot shut drill down, like if it grabs something small.

 

[mkdive]

I kinda like the idea that just lifting my foot shut drill down, like if it grabs something small.

That's what I'm thinking also.

 

[W-Cummins]

I think the best modification one can make to a drill press is a deadman switch. My Edlund came with one and it's been a nice thing to have a few times.

x2

Harbor Freight sells these for $12. I put one on mine.

Dam, I didn't know that HF sold A&B foot switches I thought they only sold cheap imported **** from China!

BTW the best setup is a drum switch like Charles, and a momentary foot switch like the A&B model.

That way you can power tap with your HF drill press


William....

 

[mkdive]

Well this is not really that spectacular of a mod to my DP, but it holds a couple indexes I have in a handy spot. Before I made this I kept all my drill bits on a shelf about 10' from the DP, was a PIA to walk back and forth. Doing some yard work the other day I found this wire cage under some vines on the side of the house. It looked like it was originally intended to be used with a peg board storage setup. I clipped a couple wires off, tacked on a bracket then shot some gloss black on it. Works great for what I need.

Now my next project is to either make a larger t-slot plate to bolt on to my existing table, or buy just buy a larger table that has a few parallel t-slots. I think in the next week if I don't buy a table, I need to visit my FIL and use his Bridgeport to make one!

A friend actually gave me the mag chuck yesterday, 6"x12". Nothing moves when the thing is on! Amazing how strong they are!

 

[PCO6]

Nothing unique but I have done a few things to make my drill press easier to use. One is that it sits next to my shop press. Under that I have a roller cabinet for storing drill bits, jigs, drill related tools etc. The top is convenient as a work surface while I'm drilling and of course the cabinet rolls out for when I need to use the press for long items. I also put my drill press on a roller stand so I can move it out on to the floor for good access. I added the adjustable "roller arms" to support long items that are being drilled. The wood block in the photo will be drilled to hold bits (not quite done yet).

 

[mkdive]

The wood block in the photo will be drilled to hold bits (not quite done yet).

I have a block Im going to do the exact same thing with...Ill screw it to that "cage" on my DP, drill some holes in it. I have a bunch of bits floating around the garage.....will be good to give them a new home.

 

[PCO6]

I have a block Im going to do the exact same thing with...Ill screw it to that "cage" on my DP, drill some holes in it. I have a bunch of bits floating around the garage.....will be good to give them a new home.

I bought a metal drill bit guide something like the one pictured below and will screw it to the wood block for easily identifying the bit sizes ... and what's missing.

 

[454ragtop]

The ***** sounds like a dangerous distraction...

You dug up a 7 year old thread for that............