smalltown
Well-known member
Other than the obvious saving of workbench space if you have a floor model is one more preferred than the other ?
Workbench Drill Press verses floor model
- Thread starter smalltown
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Packard V8
Well-known member
1. There are rare operations where the extra depth under the spindle will allow the floor model to drill where the bench can't. It's possible to mount a bench unit where the spindle can be rotated to the side where it overhangs the bench and thus has reach to the floor.
2. Bench units are usually bolted down and can't be moved if a long/large piece of stock needs space around it.
3. To be really safe, a floor model is more stable if bolted to a larger steel plate or piece of plywood.
jack vines
2. Bench units are usually bolted down and can't be moved if a long/large piece of stock needs space around it.
3. To be really safe, a floor model is more stable if bolted to a larger steel plate or piece of plywood.
jack vines
The extra working depth can be worth it's weight in gold at times.
But the main factor is that workbench real estate is usually far more precious then floor real estate.
Floor machines also tend to be more heavy duty but there are some exceptions.
But the main factor is that workbench real estate is usually far more precious then floor real estate.
Floor machines also tend to be more heavy duty but there are some exceptions.
Bruce Wayne
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Corndoggeh
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I just recently upgraded my little bench top harbor freight drill press to a floor model version using some 1.5" schedule 40 piping that I found in the scrap at Industrial Metal Supply for $10. The upgrade is worth its weight in gold to be since half of my projects I would need just a bit more depth to fit my piece under the larger twist drill bits. Now I have all the room I want on it.
If you want to compromise, get a tall benchtop drill press, dont get the smaller 18" one or whatever size they have, go for minimum a 30" or bigger and you wont regret it.
If you want to compromise, get a tall benchtop drill press, dont get the smaller 18" one or whatever size they have, go for minimum a 30" or bigger and you wont regret it.
dutchgray
Well-known member
There are a lot out there with exactly the same drill head on a bench or floor base, although all the really big drills are floor mounted, the best English drill that you could get bench mounted was rated for 7/8".
Floor mounted will be more stable if everything else is equal, but they should all be bolted down, some were even supposed to be grouted under the base.
Small bench drills are somewhat portable but even the smallest floor drills are heavy enough you don't want to move them around.
I prefer a floor drill, bench space is too useful.
Floor mounted will be more stable if everything else is equal, but they should all be bolted down, some were even supposed to be grouted under the base.
Small bench drills are somewhat portable but even the smallest floor drills are heavy enough you don't want to move them around.
I prefer a floor drill, bench space is too useful.
Stevedore
Well-known member
My bench has too much **** piled on it to have room for a drill press, so I bought a floor model.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Bigger is better.
rsanter
Well-known member
Floor model all the way
They tend to be heavier duty and they are more versatile if you even need to drill bigger stuff
Bob
They tend to be heavier duty and they are more versatile if you even need to drill bigger stuff
Bob
CGT80
Well-known member
Floor space is very useful and a floor model kills the floor space and the bench space.
I have an RF 30 mill/drill with a big cast iron table under it. With a 2hp motor and 5/8" chuck, it is very capable. It is a round column so it can be turned sideways if ever needed, just like a drill press. So far, moving the head all the way up will clear the parts I have needed to drill. There is a bunch of storage under it for other tools.
So far, I have never had a want/need for a drill press vs. having the mill/drill. It is better than the drill presses I have used and I can do basic milling operations. A lot of times the milling projects are not even high precision work, but just where I need to remove material, and the mill is faster and better than any other options I have. A real milling machine would be great, but that is a different topic.
I have an RF 30 mill/drill with a big cast iron table under it. With a 2hp motor and 5/8" chuck, it is very capable. It is a round column so it can be turned sideways if ever needed, just like a drill press. So far, moving the head all the way up will clear the parts I have needed to drill. There is a bunch of storage under it for other tools.
So far, I have never had a want/need for a drill press vs. having the mill/drill. It is better than the drill presses I have used and I can do basic milling operations. A lot of times the milling projects are not even high precision work, but just where I need to remove material, and the mill is faster and better than any other options I have. A real milling machine would be great, but that is a different topic.
Mason007
Well-known member
Bigger is better but if you already have a bench top press this could be a good build to save some workbench real estate.
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That seems perfect for site work like building trade show sets or theater sets... Especially if the base is designed to safely hold the drill press during shipping... Maybe if the bottom of the base had thru bolts or ******* that you could put washers and nuts on during shipping to hold the press. I guess I do not understand the point of the handle design, though.
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Packard V8
Well-known member
Theoretically makes it portable, like a wheelbarrow.
Practically, it appears unbalanced when the head and table are turned to the rear for the additional clearance; no free lunch.
jack vines
the gypsy
Well-known member
You can always turn the head back in its normal position. IMO the photo just shows what can be done with some imagination.
the gypsy
Well-known member
Personally I love the idea.
Every bench top DP I have used has less spindle travel than every floor standing DP I have used. Working with taller or awkward pieces is one thing. Drilling deeper holes is another entirely. My two DP's, both the ones you can see at Lowe's the Skil & PC, 2-1/4 vs 6 inches of travel.
You can use a foot control power supply on either style but a foot feed would be hard to rig on a bench top. I've heard of guys building a cabinet on wheels that slides over the dp base that's the height of the workbench. All your vises and drills etc store inside and if you need to drop your dp table lower you just roll it out into the isle during the task.
On a floor model you can cozy right up to your work whereas on a bench top you either have to slide it to the edge of the bench or your leaning over toward it. This can compromise your balance and possibly make you slower to react to a mishap with the press. I'd say you have better working posture with a floor mount.
On a floor model you can cozy right up to your work whereas on a bench top you either have to slide it to the edge of the bench or your leaning over toward it. This can compromise your balance and possibly make you slower to react to a mishap with the press. I'd say you have better working posture with a floor mount.